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Solo Diving Policy and Courses
Though diving solo isn't for everyone, diving alone can be done safely by well-trained, experienced and responsible divers. Scuba Diving International (SDI) recently has formulated standards by which qualified dive instructors can offer solo diving courses, and as of March 2004, all of the vessels in the Explorer fleet, will offer SDI solo diving courses on board, with the exception of the Galapagos Eco Explorer I.
Any solo divers diving off of our vessels - including staff - must be both properly trained and equipped. The equipment, training and administrative requirements are extensive. If you would like to do a solo diving course during your time with us, or to dive solo, you will need to be aware prior to your arrival of the SDI requirements which we follow.
Please also recognize that not all dive sites which we will visit may be conducive to solo diving, due to weather, current, entry method, Marine Park regulation or otherwise. There may be occasions where solo diving is not allowed by the dive staff, based on their local knowledge of conditions or dive logistics. Solo diving is not avaliable aboard the Galapagos Eco Explorer I.
Solo Diver Course Requirements
Those wishing to take the SDI solo diving course on board must meet the following prerequisites:
- Completion of standard liability release, as well as medical history form
- Minimum Advanced Diver rating
- Minimum 21 years of age
- Minimum 100 logged dives (proof must be presented to the instructor).
- Ability to complete a 200-meter surface swim in full scuba gear, without stopping.
- In addition, the diver must be mentally and physically fit to complete the course. Instructors have discretion in determining whether a candidate qualifies on these points.
The solo diving course consists of a class session emphasizing equipment and planning, as well as two dives. Each dive must follow the dive plan discussed before the dive or the student must do an additional certification dive. During each solo dive, the equipment requires specified below must be met.
Requirements - Certified Solo Divers
Divers wishing to dive solo, who have previously been certified to do so, are welcome to dive solo off of an Explorer vessel, with the except of the Galapagos Eco Explorer. The follow requirements must be met:
- Solo divers must present proof of their certification.
- Solo divers must carry a pony bottle (not a Spare Air or similar device) or independent or isolated-manifold twin tanks, whistle, knife, compass, and signaling device deployable from safety stop depth (safety sausage or dive flag on a reel, for example).
- All solo divers must file a dive plan for each solo dive with the dive staff on board, and adhere strictly to that dive plan.
Costs - Caribbean/Bahamas vessels
Solo Diver Course - US$175, includes: loan of training materials, 3 dives with solo gear & TDI/SDI Registration - payable on board.
Equipment Rentals - US$20/day or US$50/week (includes all additional required equipment) - payable on board
Costs - Nimrod Explorer, Australia
Solo Diver Course - A$140, includes: loan of training materials, 3 dives with solo gear & TDI/SDI Registration
Equipment Rentals - from A$40, for shorter itineraries (includes all additional required equipment) - payable on board
If you might be interested in the solo diving course, please make note of it on your application form so that we can ensure that the rental equipment will be available.
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5 amazing destinations
The Explorer Ventures Fleet
- Nimrod Explorer, Australian Ocean Outback; Cod Hole, Ribbon Reefs, Coral Sea, Far Northern Reefs
- Caribbean Explorer I, Southern Bahamas
- Galapgos Eco Explorer I, Galapagos Archipelago
- Caribbean Explorer II, Northeastern Caribbean
- Turks & Caicos Explorer II, Turks & Caicos
Contact Us
All Vessels
USA Reservations Office
PO Box 488
Mabank, TX 75147-0488 USA
1.800.322.3577 (US/Canada)
+1.903.887.8521 (Outside US/Canada)
+1.903.887.8526 Fax
Email info@explorerventures.com
Australia
(Australian dollars only)
Australia Reservations Office
PO Box 6905
Cairns, QLD 4870 Australia
+61 (07) 4031.5566
+61 (07) 4031.2431
Email ozinfo@explorerventures.com
Operations Office
PO Box 310
Mills, WY 82644 USA
1.800.322.3577, ext. 10 (US/Canada)
1.307.235.0683
1.307.235.0686 Fax
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