Self Reliant Diver Course

For experienced divers who value independence, the Self Reliant Diver course is the next step in personal dive mastery. Whether you’re a photographer, videographer, or simply enjoy exploring solo, this PADI specialty builds the skills and mindset needed to dive safely without a buddy. It’s also a great step for divers who plan to become professionals.

Throughout the course, you’ll learn how to manage your own safety more effectively, identify when solo diving is appropriate, and build redundancy into your dive planning. The Self Reliant Diver course enhances confidence, control, and preparedness—traits that are essential in advanced and technical diving environments.

What You’ll Learn

• How to assess when independent diving is appropriate and safe
• Redundant equipment setup and use for increased self-sufficiency
• Gas management strategies for planning and emergency preparedness
• Proper procedures for dive planning, execution, and self-rescue
• How to perform simulated emergency scenarios during open water dives

Why Choose This Course?

• Ideal for photographers, videographers, and dive professionals
• Increases your confidence and self-reliance underwater
• Builds a foundation for technical or professional-level training
• Helps you become a more aware and capable dive buddy
• Recognized and respected specialty that improves dive safety

To qualify, you must be an Advanced Open Water Diver with at least 100 logged dives. The course includes knowledge development, confined water skill practice, and three open water dives to put theory into action.

Many divers find that this course changes how they approach every dive, even when diving with a buddy. The habits of redundancy, awareness, and preparation stay with you for life. In fact, the Self Reliant Diver certification is often a prerequisite for certain professional applications or expedition-style diving.

For a deeper look into the benefits of solo diving skills, visit this PADI Blog article: Why take a PADI Self Reliant Diver Course?

Want to expand your dive capabilities even further? Pair this course with the Deep Diver Specialty to explore deeper dive sites safely, or build even more redundancy into your configuration with the Sidemount Diver Specialty.

Ready to become a more confident, independent diver?

Book your Self Reliant Diver course with Island Diving Center today and take your dive training to the next level.