Scuba Diving Alone

Ilovelife · 08-31-2011, 01:15 PM

My friend likes to go Scuba Diving alone. I worry about him because I feel like that is dangerous. Isn't there some law that you can only do it in groups?

oldsarge · 08-31-2011, 03:19 PM

I don't think there's a law requiring you to dive with someone else. Maybe a local ordenance at some obscure location, but for the most part, you can dive alone if you want to. During diving instruction, it's highly recommended that you dive with another person for safety. Personaly, I wouldn't dive alone, that's just me.

Walking Man · 08-31-2011, 08:39 PM

I don't think I would ever dive alone either. At least you need to leave a message with someone as to where you will be and when you expect to be back. Diving together is much safer.

megawalker · 08-31-2011, 11:52 PM

I think if the coast guard or other ranger person saw someone diving or going out to dive alone they might find a reason to cite them. I've never heard of anyone diving alone.

oldsarge · 09-01-2011, 07:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by megawalker

I think if the coast guard or other ranger person saw someone diving or going out to dive alone they might find a reason to cite them. I've never heard of anyone diving alone.

I've know some who would dive alone. I have done it before and afterward realized that it wasn't a safe thing to do. Even though I had people on the surface and knew I was below, I still would like to have had someone right there to at least see what kind of situation I'm in if something goes wrong.

I knew guys who would spear fish alone, I really don't think there is a law prohibiting you from diving alone. If you're wreck diving or cave diving alone, I feel that's about as unsafe and iresponsible as you can get and are just gambling with your life.

ejdixon · 11-14-2011, 05:15 AM

Not really sure if there is a law about diving alone. But during our diving lessons, it is always stressed to us that we always should have a diving buddy with us when we do, for safety reasons. Just like any other activity, a lot of things can happen. Having a buddy is one way to enjoy scuba diving safely.

Pathfinder1 · 11-14-2011, 11:10 AM

I usually don't trek very far,
when around me lone divers are.

Hi...

NEVER dive alone. Too many mishaps can...and do... occur.

A few years ago a local dive shop sent a lone diver under the ice to clear a clogged drain...!! His body was retrieved the next day.

I've also seen police retrieve the body of a lone swimmer with grappling hooks. The same goes for lone boaters...they tip over...can't swim...or swim poorly.

They're dead...but their families?

wvbreamfisherman · 11-14-2011, 12:50 PM

Well, I'm not in favor of a law- we have way too many laws now as it is! But I'd say diving alone borders on foolish at best.

On the other hand, I canoe, hike, fish, and hunt alone, so I guess maybe I'm borderline foolish myself.

I think that there is a LOT less margin of safety when you're diving, though.

Gunny Webb · 11-22-2011, 11:08 PM

Diving alone? Do it all the time. About 85 percent of my dives are alone. After completing full cave training in 2003, 90 percent of my cave dives are alone. The only change I make for diving alone is to carry an extra tank. That means 2 for open water and 3 for cave diving. Also carry an additional light, a total of 4 for cave diving.
Most scuba diving accidents are with a buddy, not without.

oldsarge · 11-24-2011, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gunny Webb

Diving alone? Do it all the time. About 85 percent of my dives are alone. After completing full cave training in 2003, 90 percent of my cave dives are alone. The only change I make for diving alone is to carry an extra tank. That means 2 for open water and 3 for cave diving. Also carry an additional light, a total of 4 for cave diving.
Most scuba diving accidents are with a buddy, not without.

It's all about the training, and it looks like you've done yours. I'm glad you posted what you carry. Most folks don't have a clue. While I was stationed in Panama, there were more accidents with people diving or snorkeling alone. We even had a trained SCUBA diver give a free diving person a breath of air from his regulator. This person was a 15 year old Panamanian boy who later died from a Pulmonary barotrauma (burst lung). When you think about it, accidents can happen to most anyone.