SDI Solo Diver Specialty Course | Vancouver

The SDI Solo Diver Specialty Course at Diving Sports Canada is designed for experienced divers who want to develop the skills, confidence, and self-reliance required to safely plan and execute dives without a dive buddy.

While scuba diving is traditionally taught as a buddy activity, there are situations where divers may choose to dive independently. This course teaches the benefits, hazards, procedures, and equipment requirements associated with solo diving while reinforcing advanced dive planning, gas management, situational awareness, and self-rescue skills.

Upon successful completion of the course, graduates may participate in solo diving activities within the limits of their training and experience.

Who Is This Course For?

• Experienced divers seeking greater independence underwater.
• Underwater photographers and videographers who prefer longer, self-paced dives.
• Divers who struggle to find compatible dive buddies.
• Divers looking to strengthen dive planning and self-rescue skills.
• Divers seeking a new challenge and advanced level of personal responsibility.

Knowledge Development:

Students complete the SDI Solo Diver eLearning program before the course and attend an instructor-led workshop covering:

• Advanced dive planning techniques
• Gas management strategies
• Risk assessment
• Redundant equipment systems
• Emergency procedures
• Solo diver equipment configuration

Ocean Training:

Training takes place over two full days of ocean diving with a minimum of three training dives. Students will refine:

• Buoyancy control and trim
• Efficient propulsion techniques
• Situational awareness
• Emergency procedures
• Gas management skills
• Redundant equipment deployment
• Self-rescue drills

Maximum training depth for this course is 25 metres / 80 feet.

What You Will Learn:

The SDI Solo Diver Course reinforces the strong diving habits you have already developed while refining your ability to safely dive independently.

• Advanced gas planning and reserve calculations
• Emergency response procedures while diving alone
• Redundant air system management
• Dive planning based on NDL and gas consumption
• Situational awareness and risk management
• Self-sufficiency underwater
• Methods of carrying and deploying bailout cylinders

Sidemount or Backmount Configuration:

Students may complete the course using either sidemount or backmount equipment.

• Sidemount divers must already hold an SDI Sidemount Diver certification (or equivalent).
• Backmount divers are required to carry a redundant bailout cylinder such as a pony bottle or sling cylinder.
• Sidemount divers may use their independent cylinder configuration as their redundant gas supply.

What's Included

• SDI Solo Diver eLearning materials
• Two full days of ocean training
• Minimum three ocean training dives
• Dive sites at Whytecliff Park (conditions permitting)
• Transportation to and from dive sites
• Air fills for primary cylinders
• Professional instruction
• SDI certification fees upon successful completion

What's Not Included

• Rental equipment
• Pony bottle or bailout cylinder rentals (if required)
• Personal dive equipment
• Meals and snacks
• Additional training days if required

Additional training can be booked here: Private Scuba Training

Equipment Requirements

• Complete personal scuba equipment suitable for solo diving
• Primary dive computer
• Backup dive computer
• DSMB and spool capable of deployment from 30-40m / 100-130ft
• Wetnotes or dive slate
• Primary dive light
• Backup dive light
• Redundant gas system (pony bottle, sling cylinder, or sidemount system)

Equipment Rental

Rental equipment is available on a limited basis and must be reserved in advance. View Rental Equipment Options

Drysuit Training Requirement

Cold water diving in British Columbia is typically conducted in a drysuit due to increased thermal protection requirements and extended exposure times.

Students planning to use a drysuit during the Solo Diver Course must have recent drysuit diving experience or hold a recognized Drysuit Specialty certification.

Need drysuit training? Take Our Drysuit Specialty Course

Prerequisites

• Minimum age: 21 years old
• SDI Advanced Diver certification or equivalent
• Minimum 100 logged dives
• Minimum 25 cold-water dives in a drysuit
• Recent cold-water diving experience within the last 6 months
• Sidemount certification required if using sidemount
• Completion of all SDI eLearning before the course begins
• Completed medical form if required
Download Medical Questionnaire

Graduates Receive

• SDI Solo Diver Specialty Certification
• Certification to plan and execute solo dives within the limits of training and experience
• Ability to dive using redundant equipment systems for increased safety
• Enhanced self-rescue and emergency response skills
• Advanced dive planning and gas management knowledge

Transportation

Transportation is provided from our Vancouver shop to local dive sites. Seating is limited and assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.

SDI Course Standards

This course is conducted according to official SDI Solo Diver standards. View SDI Solo Diver Standards

Cancellation Policy

Please review our cancellation policy before registering for the course. View Cancellation Policy

Reserve Your Spot

Spaces are limited due to instructor-to-student ratios and course logistics. Book Your SDI Solo Diver Specialty Course Here