Plan for one. Prepare for everything.
Develop the planning, equipment redundancy, self-rescue and emergency-management skills needed to become a more capable, self-sufficient diver.
Become the diver who can solve the problem
Independent diving requires far more than simply entering the water without a buddy. It demands disciplined planning, redundant equipment, excellent buoyancy and the ability to respond calmly when something goes wrong.
The SSI Independent Diving Specialty is designed for experienced divers who want to reduce their reliance on others and improve their self-rescue capabilities. These skills are valuable whether you intend to dive independently or continue diving with a buddy.
Independent diving is advanced training for experienced divers. Certification does not remove the need to follow local laws, operator policies, site rules or sensible risk-management practices.
This is not a shortcut to solo diving
The course teaches advanced planning, redundancy and self-rescue. It does not make every dive suitable for independent diving. Conditions, personal readiness, site requirements and dive-centre policies must always be considered.
Designed for experienced, capable divers
Experienced divers
Build greater confidence in planning, equipment management and solving problems without depending immediately on another diver.
Underwater creators
Photographers and videographers often become task-focused or separated by a short distance while concentrating on a subject.
Deep and technical divers
Develop disciplined redundancy and emergency-management habits that support more advanced diving pathways.
Better buddy divers
A self-sufficient diver is better prepared to manage personal problems and remain useful to a buddy during an emergency.
One failure should not end your options
Independent-diving equipment is configured so that essential functions have a suitable backup.
Independent backup supply
Learn how a genuinely independent gas source is configured, monitored and deployed.
Direction and return planning
Maintain awareness of your route, conditions, distance and planned exit point.
Backup
Respond
Depth and time awareness
Maintain access to the information needed to control the dive if a primary device becomes unavailable.
Be visible and locatable
Carry and correctly use appropriate signalling equipment for the planned environment.
Prepare, prevent and respond
Dive planning
Plan depth, time, route, gas requirements, reserves, conditions, contingencies and exit options.
Risk assessment
Identify hazards before the dive and decide whether the planned dive is appropriate for independent execution.
Gas management
Calculate and monitor suitable gas reserves, including the gas needed to respond to an emergency.
Equipment configuration
Configure redundant systems so they are accessible, streamlined and ready to use without assistance.
Self-rescue
Practise responding to equipment problems, gas-supply issues and other situations without immediate buddy assistance.
Buoyancy and trim
Improve control, efficiency and gas consumption while carrying a more complex equipment configuration.
Build the system before relying on it
SSI digital learning
Complete the Independent Diving digital learning through the MySSI app before your practical training begins.
Planning and equipment workshop
Review risk assessment, gas management, independent-dive planning and the configuration of redundant equipment.
Pool session
Practise equipment deployment, buoyancy, trim, backup-gas use and self-rescue procedures in a controlled environment.
Ocean training dive one
Apply the planning process and complete independent-diving skills at a suitable Diani dive site under instructor supervision.
Ocean training dive two
Take greater responsibility for planning and executing the dive while demonstrating awareness, control and emergency readiness.
Ocean training dive three
Consolidate the complete independent-diving process by planning and conducting the dive while demonstrating equipment redundancy, gas management, navigation, buoyancy and emergency readiness.
Free fun dive
After completing the three required training dives, enjoy an additional fun dive to apply what you have learned in a less task-focused setting.
Independent Diving prerequisites
This specialty requires substantial experience before training begins.
Your complete training package
SSI digital learning
Independent Diving academic materials provided through the MySSI app.
Pool training
One controlled-water session with an SSI Instructor to practise equipment and emergency procedures.
Three training dives
Three ocean training dives on suitable Diani dive sites with an SSI Instructor.
Free fun dive
One additional ocean dive after the three required training dives to apply your new skills.
Diving equipment
Standard dive equipment, air fills and weights are included. Confirm specialist redundant-equipment arrangements before the course.
Boat refreshments
Fruit, drinking water and light snacks during the ocean training days.
Diani transfers
Local transfers within the Diani area are included for scheduled training days.
Instructor coaching
Personal feedback on planning, configuration, buoyancy and emergency response.
SSI certification
Receive the SSI Independent Diving Specialty certification after meeting all performance requirements.
Train together and save
Individual booking
Per person
Per person
Group prices apply to divers included on the same reservation. Ocean Tribe does not combine separate reservations to create a group rate. Confirm specialist redundant-equipment requirements when booking.
Independent Diving FAQ
Does this course mean I can dive alone anywhere?
No. Independent diving may be restricted by local regulations, environmental conditions, dive-site rules or operator policies. Certification does not make every dive appropriate for solo or independent diving.
Why do I need at least 75 logged dives?
The course builds on experience that should already include strong buoyancy, situational awareness, equipment familiarity and calm problem-solving. It is not an entry-level specialty.
What certification do I need?
You need an SSI Advanced Open Water Diver certification or an accepted equivalent from another recognised training organisation, plus at least 75 logged dives.
How many dives are included?
The practical course includes one pool session and three required ocean training dives. Ocean Tribe also includes one free fun dive after the training requirements have been completed, giving you four ocean dives in total.
Will I dive to 40 metres?
Training depth depends on your existing certification, experience, course objectives, conditions and the instructor’s plan. A maximum depth is never a target that must be reached.
Do I need specialist equipment?
Independent diving requires suitable redundant equipment, including an independently usable backup breathing-gas supply and appropriate safety equipment. Contact Ocean Tribe before the course to confirm exactly what is supplied and what you should bring.
Is this useful if I always dive with a buddy?
Yes. Improved planning, gas management, equipment redundancy and self-rescue skills can make you a more capable and reliable buddy diver.
Do I need medical clearance?
All participants must complete the required diver medical questionnaire. Certain answers, conditions or medications may require clearance from a physician before diving.
Ready to become a more capable independent diver?
Contact Ocean Tribe to confirm your eligibility, course availability and specialist equipment requirements.
