23 replies to this topic

[adamhanlon]

John,

 

I know of at least one payout that was delayed while the insurers wrangled about the fact that he was diving without a buddy at the time of the accident. So probably not a red herring!

 

Insurers typically will insure within the limits of your qualification-not beyond it.

 

If your dependents don't get a life insurance pay out, they are more likely to go after the diver operator.....

 

Adam

[Gilbubblefish]

 At our House reef ( Alor-Divers , Alor Archipelago, Indonesia ) we allow solo diving. of course it all depends on sea condition and diver experience . we ask to not go deeper than 12M ( plenty enought to enjoy or photograf ) and we supply with a pony bottle if requested. i have myself more than 6000 dives  ( more than 1000 with camera ), and i enjoy solo diving, especilly for photography. i don't think it is a lot more dangerous as long as the condition are nice and easy...

 

Gilles

 

See our last discovery at : http://alor-divers.blogspot.com/
My flickr picture gallery at : http://www.flickr.co.../101623137@N02/
 

[Scuba_SI]

I will also allow it based on experience and also how you dive with our guides.  

[jknights]

The only place I've ever been where solo diving was officially sanctioned was Bonaire. Other than that most ops are very reasonable to photographers once they have judged that you are not a liability.
Still accidents DO happen. One UK inland site will no longer even let you snorkel solo (without a debate at least) after a well known UK dive industry 'icon' nearly drowned while snorkelling testing out a new housing!
Cheers, Simon
 
edit - Nope I will not divulge the name!!

Probably more HSE bullsh1t.

Many photographers and rebreather divers are solo divers for all intents and purposes.
It is about the state of mind of the diver and their capability to react to preserve their life rather than panic that dictates the safeness of the situation. If you want to solo dive at 50m then I would say that you were taking a risk but at 10-20 metres then I only ask that you plan for an equipment failure and be aware.