Who can take the Solo Diver course?

Minimum age 21, SDI Advanced Diver or equivalent, and proof of 100 logged dives.

What equipment is required for solo diving?

Independent redundant air source (pony, twinset, etc.), SMB + spool/reel, surface signaling device, compass, cutting tools, streamlined configuration.

Can I do the Solo Diver course with less than 100 dives?

No. The SDI Solo Diver course requires proof of 100 logged dives.

How the SDI Solo Diver Course Works at Chang Diving

How the SDI Solo Diver Course Works at Chang Diving – Step by Step (Koh Chang)

What would it feel like to glide through the water completely on your own — calm, focused, and free? No buddy dependency. No guide pace. Just you, your plan, and the blue world of Koh Chang.

But here's the straight talk: solo diving is earned, not bought. It's not about ego — it's about self-reliance, redundancy, and discipline. This guide shows you exactly how the SDI Solo Diver course is structured at Chang Diving and what you must be able to do before you dive solo.

Not yet an Advanced Diver?
The SDI Solo Diver course requires an Advanced level (or equivalent). Start here: Advanced training options on Koh Chang

What is the SDI Solo Diver Course?

The SDI Solo Diver specialty trains experienced divers in the benefits, hazards, and proper procedures for diving solo. After successful completion, graduates may engage in solo diving activities within training limits and appropriate conditions.

Who can take the course?

The SDI Solo Diver course is designed for experienced divers only. Minimum requirements:

Minimum age: 21
Certification: SDI Advanced Diver (or equivalent)
Experience: Proof of 100 logged dives

Who should NOT dive solo?

Solo diving is not appropriate for every environment. In this course we discuss clear "no-go" scenarios and conservative decision-making.

Overhead environments (e.g., wreck penetration, caves)
Planned decompression or technical profiles
Deep dives beyond conservative limits
Strong current days or challenging surface conditions
Low visibility + complex navigation (unless conditions are suitable and planned)

Required equipment (this is the big one)

Solo diving requires true redundancy. A standard octopus is not considered a redundant air source for solo diving. You must use an independent backup gas supply.

✅ Mandatory: Redundant air source (choose one)

Pony cylinder with independent regulator
Twin cylinders with isolation manifold
Independent doubles
H-valve (configuration dependent)
SpareAir™ (limited option, discussed realistically)

✅ Essential safety + navigation gear

SMB + spool/reel (must be deployable independently)
Surface audible signaling device (whistle / air horn)
Mechanical compass (plus practical navigation techniques)
At least one cutting tool (we strongly recommend two)
Streamlined configuration (nothing dangling, snag risk minimized)
Computer/tables proficiency (backup computer recommended)

Note: Exact setup depends on your experience, body size, exposure protection and local conditions on Koh Chang. We'll help you build a clean, practical configuration — not a "gear-heavy" one.

Course structure – Step by step

Step 1: Pre-check & paperwork

Verify prerequisites (age, certification level, 100 logged dives)
Medical statement + liability / assumption of risk forms
Discuss your solo diving goals (photography, calm reef exploration, navigation focus, etc.)

Step 2: Theory (self-reliance mindset + real-world risk management)

You will cover the key concepts of solo diving: benefits vs. hazards, conservative planning, gas management, avoiding entanglements, emergency procedures, and when not to dive solo.

Step 3: Equipment workshop (redundancy + streamlining)

Configure and test your redundant air system
Regulator routing, clipping strategy, snag prevention
SMB + spool/reel practice and surface signaling plan
Navigation tool setup (compass use + practical techniques)

Step 4: Open Water Dive Planning (like a solo diver)

You'll create a complete plan including maximum depth, maximum no-decompression time, surface interval, gas limits/turn pressure, exit strategy and contingencies — then log it properly.

Step 5: Training Dive 1 (open water)

Execute the planned dive within all predetermined limits
Demonstrate calm problem-solving and continuous awareness
Navigation tasks (compass + natural navigation)

Step 6: Surface interval + logging

Review performance and decision points
Adjust plan conservatively based on real conditions
Log dive plan details (NDL, SI, gas, route)

Step 7: Training Dive 2 (open water)

Repeat planning → execution → control
Demonstrate SMB deployment and surface signaling procedure
Emergency switch to redundant air source at a depth not exceeding 30m / 100ft

Step 8: Graduation requirements (skills you must demonstrate)

200m / 600ft surface swim in full scuba equipment (configured for local conditions), non-stop in open water
Adequate pre-dive planning and conservative limits based on your personal gas consumption
Proper descent/ascent rates and correct safety stop procedures
Strong navigation skills (compass proficiency)
Proficient use of redundant air (bailout switch) and signaling equipment

Solo diving in Koh Chang – what we focus on locally

Koh Chang offers beautiful reefs, pinnacles and wreck history — but conditions can change. That's why our Solo Diver training emphasizes:

site selection and conservative decision-making
current awareness and safe ascent procedures
navigation that works in real visibility (not only "perfect days")
clear coordination with surface support (boat procedures, SMB use, timing)

Want to explore the area first? See our Koh Chang dive sites overview.

Pros & cons – honest Straight Talk

✅ Why experienced divers love solo diving

pure focus and calm exploration
no buddy dependency (gas, pace, attention)
ideal for photography and macro hunting
stronger discipline in planning and awareness

❌ The price of freedom

no immediate help if something goes wrong
errors have less margin
requires redundancy, routine, and mental control

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is solo diving "allowed" everywhere?
Rules depend on local regulations, operator policies and insurance. The bigger point is: solo diving requires real training, redundancy and conservative planning.
Is solo diving safer than buddy diving?
A disciplined solo diver can be very safe — but a well-functioning buddy team is still one of the strongest safety systems in recreational diving. Solo diving increases personal responsibility dramatically.
Can I do this course if I have less than 100 dives?
No. The SDI Solo Diver course requires proof of 100 logged dives.
Do I need a pony cylinder?
You need an independent redundant air source (pony, doubles with isolation, independent doubles, etc.). We'll help you choose the setup that fits your diving style and conditions.

Book your SDI Solo Diver training on Koh Chang

If you meet the requirements and want to build true self-reliance the right way, contact us. Tell us your certification level, logged dives, and what redundant setup you plan to use — and we'll recommend the safest training approach for Koh Chang.

📩 Send Solo Diver Inquiry

Straight Talk: If you're not ready yet, we'll tell you honestly — and give you a clear path to get there.