2007-02-08 15:59:15 · 8 answers · asked by jeff k 1 in Sports ➔ Swimming & Diving
In the US, there is no scuba diving "license". There are scuba certifications, but no license. I am not 100% sure about other countries. [Note: Commercial Divers (like underwater welders) might have a license, I just don't know.]
For each training agency (PADI, NAUI, SSI, YMCA, TDI, etc.) there are various levels of certifications. All of the certifications fall into one of two categories: recreational and technical.
Recreational diving is what most people will do at resorts and on vacation. Recreational diving has a maximum depth of 130 feet and is typically taught using the buddy system.
Once you move into the technical diving side, other types of training becomes available. One of those training classes is the solo diving certification. In recreational diving, your buddy and their equipment are your back-up systems. In solo diving, you don't have a buddy to rely upon; therefore, you must be completely self-sufficient.
With all of that said, in the US, you need a scuba certification to get air fills. Without the certification, you can get all of the gear you want, but not air fills. Without the air fills, it is difficult to go diving. If you are interested in solo diving, I recommend getting your basic scuba certification (also call Open Water certification), and progressing from there.
2007-02-09 02:20:03 · answer #1 · answered by Doug 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is possible to do anything you want, such is the human nature.
However, you should not scuba dive at all without proper training. Scuba diving has many inherent dangers that can be minimized through proper training. Notice that I said MINIMIZED, not eliminated.
One such danger is equipment failure. No matter how well maintained your equipment is, it could still fail due to a myriad of reasons from climate, snagging on objects, or even defective parts. Having a dive buddy will minimize the danger should you have an equipment failure. You then have your buddy's alternate air source (also called an octopus) for air until the two of you get to the surface.
I have seen specialty courses offered in "Solo Diving," I believe through PADI. Solo diving increases many dangers but can be accomplished through proper education, a lot of redundant equipment, and a lot of experience with a buddy first.
I will repeat what I stated in the beginning: YOU SHOULD NOT SCUBA DIVE AT ALL WITHOUT PROPER TRAINING!
2007-02-08 23:41:43 · answer #2 · answered by dwobbit 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, actually you can go solo. SSI for one, offers a solo certification that is fairly widely accepted. To get it, you need to have experience, the proper equipment and the confidence and ability (not imagined) to dive solo. Under some circumstances it can actually be safer than diving with a buddy if you're properly equipped. Only some, not all circumstances.
As for doing it without any certification or diving period without it, not a good idea. Would you jump out of an aircraft with no sky diving instruction?
2007-02-09 02:33:08 · answer #3 · answered by scubabob 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's illegal to go Scuba Diving by yourself and without a liscense! Yeah...it bites! But think about it....if you are not the most skilled SCUBA diver and something goes wrong.....hmmmm......."whats that floating on the water over there?"......
There are different levels to achieve! 30m depths, 100m depths etc. All need a certain number of dive hours and training before you obtain your PADI! Good luck though! I think SCUBA diving is a great hobby or perhaps career to get into!
2007-02-08 16:06:50 · answer #4 · answered by JM 2 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Yes you can go scuba diving by yourself.
BUT, no scuba shop will rent you equipment or fill your tank unless you are certified by either PADI or NAUI.
Plus diving alone is a good way to die real quick, you always need to buddy dive.
PADI International Open Water Certified
NAUI International Open Water Certified
Tokai Maru Deep Dive 130 feet.
2007-02-08 17:04:39 · answer #5 · answered by jeeper_peeper321 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Besides the equipment failures that may occur, water pressure can easily damage your ears at a very shallow depth. Ascending and descending can be dangerous if not executed properly. Training and certification are important to your well being, and your dive buddies.
2007-02-09 14:09:25 · answer #6 · answered by Turk_56 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
you can't go scuba diving by yourself, it's all in the bylaws and regulations, man.
2007-02-08 16:05:10 · answer #7 · answered by Trey123 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Not true, you have to train with an official diver, and then get your license
2007-02-08 16:05:13 · answer #8 · answered by Edward S 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can do anything you want if you have the equipment and a boat.
2007-02-08 16:02:39 · answer #9 · answered by f_jayce 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋