IANTD – Self-Sufficient Diving

The IANTD – Self-Sufficient Diving course allow people that meet the criteria to plan and execute dives in complete autonomy. Without a buddy said another way. With the right mindset and proper equipment, it is possible to dive alone in a safe way.

But isn’t it dangerous to dive alone?

It is not more dangerous or risky than other types of diving if the procedures are followed and the divers are properly trained and equipped. It is a common misconception that solo diving has more risks of accidents and a higher rate.

We do believe that since your life is in the line, proper training and mindset is crucial for safety.

The structure of the IANTD – Self-Sufficient Diving course

The theory behind diving independently

The theory part of the course covers additional knowledge specific in conducting solo dives. They require added planning and procedures. Risks can be asserted and calculated and is a part of what you will learn.

Independent divers need to be even more aware of the inset of gas narcosis or “rapture of the deep” as Jacques-Yves Cousteau named it. No one might be there to tell you the situation should not be funny while you are laughing out of control in your regulator.

The use of redundant and safety equipment for solo diving

While taking part in solo dives, divers know and assume risks. So they have to rely on themselves through procedures, techniques and extra equipment. They become their own buddy if we can say. The added piece of gear to be self-sufficient are for most doubles of what the diver is already wearing. Things like mask or DSMB can be easily stowed away in a pocket and add no extra complexity. One difference of the solo diver is that he carries an extra source of air as well. This adds to the complexity of the dives.

Students will see different equipment in the workshop and how to use them.

Workshops and pool sessions

These workshops aim at evaluating participant basic diving competency. This is important since that the diver has no assistance in case of problems. Basic skills like a mask clearing or a regulator recovery have to be well mastered so they do not snowball into greater problems. Buoyancy control is also a basic skill that every diver should work hard to master. It is in this case crucial to safety.

Open water dives

On open water dives, participants must demonstrate a serious and calculated approach to the added risks. There is a lot to prepare, to plan as well as judgment calls before we jump in the ocean alone.

The instructor will follow students through the course and offer instant feedback. This is to cope with the added difficulty of instant decision making for solo divers. Independent diving might mean that no one will be there for you once the course is over. The open water dives are the perfect moment to ask your instructor questions.

Example schedule of the IANTD – Self-Sufficient Diving course

The IANTD – Self-Sufficient Diving course is different from the other courses. Since it is very specialized and the risks are much greater, this course is very rigorous and longer than other courses.

On days with a boat trip scheduled for the course, students must be at the dive center no later than 7:30 AM. This if they choose not to use our free shuttle service.

Here is a 4 days schedule with the 2 extra dives

Morning Afternoon
1st
day
  • Paperwork
  • Forms and payments
  • Academic support presentation
  • Self-study
  • Review of the theory
  • Pool sessions and workshops
  • Study time alone or with the guidance of the instructor
2nd
day
  • Breakfast at the dive center
  • Planning and briefing of the first dive
  • First dive
  • Debriefing
  • Lunch on the boat
  • Predive planning of 2nd dive
  • Second dive with skills
  • Debriefing
  • Logbook entries on the way back or at the dive center
3rd
day
  • Breakfast at the dive center
  • Planning and briefing of the third dive
  • 3rd dive with skills
  • Debriefing
  • Lunch on the boat
  • Predive planning of the 4th dive
  • Fourth dive with skills
  • Debriefing
  • Logbook entries on the way back or at the dive center
4th
day
  • Breakfast at the dive center
  • Planning and briefing of the 5th dive
  • Fifth dive with skills
  • Debriefing
  • Lunch on the boat
  • Predive planning of the 6th dive
  • Sixth dive with skills
  • Debriefing
  • Logbook entries on the way back or at the dive center
  • Certification

IANTD – Self-Sufficient Diving course prerequisites

To enroll in the IANTD – Self-Sufficient Diving course you must have at least an SSI – Open Water Diver certification. Certificate issued by other agencies might cover this requirement. 18 years old is also the minimum age for independent diving.

What comes with the IANTD – Self-Sufficient Diving

All course prices include what is required for the completion of the course.

  • The IANTD learning material in electronic format.
  • The instructor.
  • The certification card in electronic format (available in a plastic format on special request).
  • Rental of the full kit of gear including; mask, fins, snorkel, short wetsuit, regulator set, buoyancy compensator and weight system. Compass, DSMB, slates, dive computer, tanks, and fills are included as needed.
  • A minimum of 4 open water dives depending on the added options of course.
  • Meals and snacks when taking part in trips which include breakfast and lunch, as well as fruits, refreshments, tea, coffee, soft drinks, electrolyte drink and of course drinking water.

Packages offered for IANTD – Self-Sufficient Diving course

You can see the base price of the course and the price for each option. You can contact us directly if you have any questions about this specific course.

IANTD – Self-Sufficient Diving basic course (4 dives in 3 days) 11,600
The option of 2 extra dives for a total of 6 done over 4 days +2,750
Extra development day with the instructor at the shop and the pool +1,600
Prices are subject to changes without prior notice. We recommend to contact us directly to obtain up to date prices and a more personalized service.. The 6 dives package must be booked at the same time as the course.

Important things to know about the IANTD – Self-Sufficient Diving course

IANTD – Self-Sufficient Diving is not a course that includes and cover decompression dives. independent divers are strongly advised to and should stay well within these limits. It is a recreational diving course following no-stop limits.

It also comes down to each individual and their level of comfort to conduct solo or independent dives. It is important to remember that if they are doubts and apprehension, it might be dangerous to make these dives. This is different for each and everyone.

Our enrolment process is rigorous and can help us to offer you guidance before undertaking the course. Some candidates for the course might have to do a complete SSI – Scuba Skills Review if they are judged not to be at a proper competency level.

Inscription and payment of the course do not guarantee the issue of the certification card. It comes down to the abilities and knowledge of each participant. What will allow the issuing of a certificate is the evaluation and judgment of the instructor as well as the one of from the center dive manager according to the demonstrated skills by students. To understand more about this you can visit our Certification Conditions page.

The dive site carefully selected by the instructor cannot be changed by the students.

Courses will be conducted regardless of the weather, conditions, visibility as long as it poses no extra risks.

Because of the added complexity of the dives, instructors will judge of the appropriate depth when conducting the course in open water.

After the course IANTD – Self-Sufficient Diving

It is possible to combine this course with some others that are a good complement to this type of diving. SSI – Specialty Courses such as the SSI – Recreational Sidemount Diving where the equipment requirements for an extra source of air is met with the regular Sidemount configuration. A course like SSI – Navigation can also help independent divers to be safer.