Scuba Diving Solo (Is it safe?)

Scuba diving alone in the ocean. Am I crazy? Yes and No!
The family left me alone for the day, and I want nothing more than to go scuba diving and snap some fish pictures.
Join me as I load up the car, jump in the water near Cane Bay Beach, and swim out to a massive coral head. Packing my full face mask and underwater communication equipment, I also talk about scuba diving solo above and below the surface.
Happy diving, we hope you enjoy the video, - Jeff, Sara, and Evan.
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**Disclaimer: Triton's Realm firmly believes you can not teach someone to dive through the internet. We strongly urge people to ensure they receive dive instruction through an internationally recognized training agency and to dive safely and within the limits of their certification level at all times. Our channel is aimed at already-certified divers looking to further their skills.**
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In accordance with COPPA laws, please note that content on the channel Triton's Realm is not specifically made for, or targeted at, children.

[@TritonsRealm]

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[@everythingscuba]

Loved, loved, LOVED this video! Thank you Jeff for showing how a responsible diver who plans accordingly can Solo Dive safely! Keep the great content coming!

[@TritonsRealm]

Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jackieweichman4255]

Agreed- as an instructor I consider “smart” solo diving to be like teaching, but without the responsibility for others. Recommend solo certs as well. Another great video!

[@TritonsRealm]

Well said!

[@MatthiasLebo]

I couldn't agree more Jeff. I did my Solo Diver course back in 2008 after I had the realization, that when teaching other people to dive, you as their instructor are always solo diving. I was one of the best courses I've ever taken and has made me a much better and more aware scuba diver and buddy. And I love the peacefulness when solo diving to capture some footage underwater... can't beat it... 😉👍🏻

[@TritonsRealm]

👍 Self-reliant diver was one of my favorite courses as well. Like you, I just love the peacefulness.

[@SilentScreamer413]

Pretty good advice here. I just did my first solo dive last week. A spot I know, where I installed safety guide lines at the bottom. I have a few hundred logged dives and only recently did I feel I could try, after many dives this season, trying to perfect my trim, air consumption, etc... Max depth was 25m but I did most of the dive at around 10m with my Scubajet scooter. 61 minutes exactly. It was a very nice feeling being on my own actually, instead of following my usual buddy who's a very qualified dive master. However, being able to call the shots was a great feeling and also helped me build more confidence in my abilities.

[@HellrazorDogsnDives]

sidemount is the key.

[@TritonsRealm]

Sidemount is a perfect choice!

[@AquaticRod]

I love your production skills. The planning on the shots, and the range of filming techniques is amazing. Loved the talking underwater part... takes some thought to do.

[@TritonsRealm]

Thank you! We truly enjoy making every video and appreciate the kind words and support. We’re currently off diving in the Maldives and a few other places, so more content to come. All the best, Jeff

[@BlueHorizonDiving]

Great to start conversation. Completely agree, As an instructor too, you are always solo diving even when guiding tourist divers. As a tec diver too you are trained to be self reliant as you may end a dive on own during tec dive despite going in as a team. Like you if going solo I limit my max depth to 8-9m as know can easily do CESA as last resort (equipment failure). However, if going deeper I will go sidemount with backup redundancy but this is rare, normally a recovery mission. Normally if I am guiding tourists who burn through their air quickly I return them back onto boat and if only been down for 20mins, I do go back down and move between the other groups filming. Great video Jeff.

[@TritonsRealm]

Well said!

[@TommyBedley]

I've been diving solo since day 1. Started in the Fire Service diving on a line with a tender performing training search patterns in muddy lakes with zero visibility here in Georgia. Sure another diver was on land or doing another training search pattern near by but for the most part we were solo. I've taken my solo diving to the next level doing so recreational while spear fishing. I plan accordantly and make sure I have the necessary gear and a redundant air supply. I love diving solo. Loved the video brother! Stay safe !

[@TritonsRealm]

We have a lot of respect for public service divers - thank you for all you do. Glad to hear you have a chance to do some recreational diving as well. Thanks for watching!

[@knightclan4]

Outstanding video

[@TritonsRealm]

Thank you!

[@divingsquad7113]

NICE VIDEO!!!!

[@TritonsRealm]

Thank you! 👍

[@Donnellymadelyn]

I’m all for solo diving. Fantastic video. One thing that does give me pause though, are clauses in my health insurance and life insurance that say should the unexpected happen, I’m not covered. All part of the risk assessment.

[@TritonsRealm]

Thank you! Risk assessment is what it's all about-continually evaluating what's going on and being willing to call it a day for whatever reason.

[@LoveCaveDiving]

I'm a cave diver in the DR. I have 54 cave dives and almost all are solo dives. Why? There are very few cave divers here and I'm not diving with someone not certified.

[@brianwaltman7001]

Very good video and I appreciate the editing. Keep up the good work!

[@TritonsRealm]

Thank you! Appreciate the encouragement. We’ve got more on the way.

[@skyking6989]

Problem is i work weekends. Good luck getting dive buddys on my days off. Solo diving is all but mandatory

[@Al556]

What do you do with your car keys especially if you have an electronic key fob? Hide-a-key somewhere on the vehicle?

[@TritonsRealm]

Great question - on St. Croix we have a vehicle with a keypad that is our favorite feature. Dive shops here will hold keys for divers, which makes for worry-free diving. On trips we have also hidden a key on the vehicle.

[@adrianoushelmond3513]

Hmm we’re is the backup gear ? As a sidemount diver I have 2 systems if one of the tank valve mail functions what if the valve on his cilinder fale? Don’t think ik this setup it’s a way to dive as a solo diver 🤔🙂

[@jamesbarnes2329]

Really enjoyed the video, particularly the self filming you did under the water. What setup do you use to hold the camera, do you use some sort of tripod on the sea floor or? I'd love to see a video with a overview of your filming setup for those types of shots!

[@TritonsRealm]

Thank you. We typically dive with 3 cameras. 2 GoPros mounted on clamps, and our primary camera a Panasonic GH5S. When I solo dive and film, I’ll use a tripod for the primary camera, but sometimes I’ll also clamp the GoPros to a lead weight and set them in the sand. It’s not fancy, but works really well.

[@thetrout529]

How do you record the audio? I got the same mask/buddy phone.

[@TritonsRealm]

Great question. It’s not as easy as we hoped, but here’s a link to a video on how we do it. It’s much easier if you have a surface station, but we don’t have one. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bneZYX6lg9mgr6s

[@chinookpilot77]

how are you recording your audio please? (solo diver here as well, but Im never more than about 15')

[@TritonsRealm]

Thanks for reaching out! Below are a couple of links that show how we use the underwater equipment to record audio. In these videos we do use a transmitter to also communicate between divers but that transmitter is not required when recording audio for a single diver. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ip7VqqNpnaeil7c kzbin.info/www/bejne/bneZYX6lg9mgr6s Happy diving!

[@AndreeaaKim2876]

I have a full face mask. If i buy the communication device can it be connected to the camera as a mic? Please give me advice.

[@TritonsRealm]

Great question. We use Ocean Technology Systems (OTS) gear and OTS does say you can connect the microphone directly into the camera housing. However, we’ve chosen to use a wireless solution where the diver records the audio independently of the camera. We then sync the audio with the video in postproduction. Here’s a link to another video on the exact gear we use, but I should point out that the wireless transmitter is only necessary if you’re communicating with other divers. Hopes this helps. OTS Full Face Mask (Recording Underwater Audio) kzbin.info/www/bejne/bneZYX6lg9mgr6s

[@connormcguire6887]

Please where is this! This is exactly the kind of cheap shore diving I’m looking for

[@TritonsRealm]

It’s off Cane Bay beach on the north shore of St. Croix in the US Virgin Islands. It’s a great shore diving destination. 👍

[@jonnieinbangkok]

70 percent of my dives are solo...wouldn't have it any other way. A "dive buddy" is the person most likely to get another diver killed!

[@ivoryjohnson4662]

Loved the video just wondering why you were kneeling on the bottom? Not trying to be a hater

[@TritonsRealm]

Great question. There was some surge pushing me back and forth, so to get that shot I just knelt in the sand instead of trying to stay neutral while talking.

[@Ken-vl4wk]

Is GH5’s AF an issue when filming underwater?

[@TritonsRealm]

Great question. We've found the GH5s auto-focus works pretty good underwater, but think it is slower than some Sony cameras.

[@Ken-vl4wk]

Triton's Realm another question: GH5 vs GH5s. Do you prefer low light performance over better IBIS stabilization?

[@TritonsRealm]

Thanks for another great question. One of the main reasons we opted for the GH5s over the GH5 for filiming underwater was the low light performance. The GH5s also has a slightly larger sensor over the GH5 which allows us to capture a larger field of view at an aspect ratio of 16:9. The larger sensor in the GH5s is made possible because it doesn't have in body stabilization. So it was a trade off. There are times underwater where we wish we had some in body stabilization help, but for the most part if the camera is neutrally buoyant we're able to capture a pretty steady shot.

[@Ken-vl4wk]

Triton's Realm thanks!

[@jeffspc88mx]

What is this 'dive buddy' you speak of?

[@finchberg1781]

I have my advanced certification could I solo dive if I did not take the self reliant diver course

[@TritonsRealm]

Congratulations on completing your advanced certification! That is an accomplishment to be proud of. During the advanced course you are exposed to different types/aspects of diving such as deep, navigation, night, etc. The Self Reliant (solo) diver course focuses more on how to manage situations you would normally have a buddy assist you with, equipment redundancy, and establishing a more self reliant mindset while scuba diving. The prerequisite for the course is typically 100 logged dives, and we would certainly recommend taking the self reliant course before diving solo. Some dive shops/boats are now also requiring the certification if you plan to dive alone. Great question! Hope this helps.

[@carllafrance5510]

I have been clearing propellers on commercial fishing vessels for 53 years solo Years ago I did a solo dive off a public beach on a wreck on a reef in 18 ft of water a half Nile from shore I swam out there I was gone a good 3 hours. When I got back there was a flotilla of little boats the police and the fire department they were organizing a search party to go looking for me. After that I towed a dive flag around for 3 years and got pulled up 5 times by passing boaters wondering what it was ? Or the line would get staged no something so I ditched it I have dive buddies they are active divers in the commercial gas industry with over 25 years experience. On a"weekend warrior " dive excursions ther can be 8 of us on the boat on the way out. Unless something is planned on the bottom, as soon as they hit the water they are GONE ! You won't see them till you are back at the boat .they don't worry about me I don't worry about them. Plus we know where the smokers are 45 minutes into the dive they are back on the boat having a smoke.

[@TritonsRealm]

Wow. You’ve had some amazing experiences. Thanks for sharing. Solo diving is often misunderstood or even considered taboo in many cases. At the end of the day, it’s primarily about risk assessment, and as you’ve pointed out can certainly be done safely. Thanks again for the comment, and I must say I can also relate to having the dive flag ripped out of the water. It’s happened to me as well. Now most of the time I choose not to tow one, by rather launch an SMB before surfacing. --Jeff

[@carllafrance5510]

Cutting wrapped cable on a shaft with a hacksaw is dangerous when you cut thru it is like a giant weed eater it whipps around and could cut your hand off Worse you wouldn't want to get it in the face In a commercial setting nobody Questions me diving solo yet off the shore every timei get back on the beach somebody comes along and asks where it's your dive buddy like I brokesome sacred ritual Awsome video!

[@endeavor1322]

I’m 13 and want to learn how to scuba dive any tips?

[@TritonsRealm]

That's fantastic! The underwater world is amazing. Each time we head out beneath the waves it's a different experience. Check with your parents as their consent and support is necessary and important. They can help find a local dive shop that offers training. During your scuba certification you'll work on different skills in the pool and then head out to open water. Good luck and enjoy.

[@endeavor1322]

Triton's Realm I’ll note that thanks dude! :D

[@andrecandrade]

Strongly recommed full Self-Reliant

[@TritonsRealm]

Completely agree!

[@theoutdoorchannel9283]

I am a open certified diver and i always thinking on solo diving as well just because i know for a fact your diving buddie as not gonna always be their for you all the time & on top of that just stick to the shallow areas only dont go deep diving and violating your code especially when you were certified that specific distance,dude its better to practice alone in an area where its all shallow water so if anything you can swim up in within like 5 sec or maybe less,just saying diving with a partner is not gonna be their with you for ever,so like i said solo diving in a area where u know its safe would be better to start off to get use to your gear to feel comfortable to feel like now your more than a diving buddie thats how you build more experience and everything...if anyone agrees with me please give me a thumbs up 👍 And remember dont never deep dive alone thatd when you should bring a diving buddie now if your sticking in shallow waters your good to go have fun and enjoy the life of a scuba diver !

[@TritonsRealm]

Well said. Always dive within your training and comfort limits.👍

[@theoutdoorchannel9283]

Triton's Realm exactly

[@Krahamus]

As a new diver, i was quite feeling secure diving because i knew in case something instructor might help, when i finished my open water, i felt insecure diving, and in my area there was no divers at all to dive together, so what i done i started doing zen diving in shallow water just float not far from surface observe underwater life, i started to get more and more comfortable being solo, so i started to dive like 2 meters from surface and swimming around, than increase 1 meter more, but i never passed more than 5 meters in case something might happen, there was small boat reck like 10 meters deep witch looks closer when looking down, but than again i did not go into the boat since i started thinking, ok might be sharp objects, i dont have extra tank in case of something, no buddy, so when you see that you have more cons than pros in case of emergency its not worth the risk, i will come back one day when have enough experience, buddy and extra tank.

[@theoutdoorchannel9283]

@@Krahamus i do the same thing too except i go solo shallow diving in our local rivers in 0 visibility ! And yes ur right not everyone wanna go diving with you so by that being said its time to start getting the hang of it being solo screw everyone else just make sure the area u dive in is safe then dive in investigate it first then jump righr in ! Thats why i do in the rivers !

[@alchymista2]

No, it is not.

[@TritonsRealm]

Like everything it depends on several factors including training, experience, equipment, and environmental conditions.

[@elkraneodeyorick]

To answer the question of the title of your video. No SOLO diving the way you do it on this video is not safe. The fact that you get away with it desnt make it safe, it only makes you lucky. \this is not meant as a hater comment, just as a reflexion on some false impresions your video give. You introduce some falacies on the video. For example you mention that you are a diving instructor and you propose that when you are diving with your students you are virtually a solo diver. Well when you are diving with students each student even if not trained to assist you is acting as a redundancy source. Redundant air suply, redundant, buoyancy devices, etc. All things that you have failed to carry with you on this dive. You have racionalizations for your choice but none of them actually work to mitigate the chances of unforseen accident from happening.

[@TritonsRealm]

Thank you for your feedback.

[@TS-hz4lx]

is doing alright he explain why.