Name: PADI Self-Reliant Diver
Location: Rawlings, VA 23876, USA

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Train for independence. Dive with intention.The PADI Self-Reliant Diver course is about building margin.  Margin in planning.  Margin in equipment.  Margin in decision-making.Self-reliant does not mean solo. It means you are capable of managing problems independently when needed, without panic, shortcuts, or guesswork. The goal isn’t pushing limits. It’s widening your safety buffer and becoming a more capable, thoughtful diver.This course is ideal for experienced divers who want to stop outsourcing responsibility underwater and start diving with confidence, redundancy, and clarity.

Rawlings, VA 23876, USA

PADI Self-Reliant Diver

Dive WIth Frank

Frank was patient and fantastic with us for our Dry Suit Class.  We left the pool feeling infinitely more confident than when we arrived!  Frank made sure to explain everything clearly and demo before we were asked to do it.  Frank was easy to communicate with to make arrangements and get everything set up for the PADI course.  Thanks Frank!

PADI Drysuit Diver Specialty – Because Shivering Is Overrated

Recently joined Frank for a Zombie Apocalypse Diver specialty and had a great time! Great instructor who adapted the course to the students easily and made sure it was both educational and fun. Would absolutely take a class with him again in the future. The ZAD class itself is worth it for the opportunity to play with bubble ring guns ALONE!

Halloween Zombie Apocalypse Diver

Great trip!
Frank is very knowledgeable and experienced  instructor!
Thanks again!

October 2025 Oyster Dive

Great time as always! This is my second trip with Frank. Well organized and planned. I am looking forward to doing it again next year. 

Frank is an excellent instructor who is very passionate, knowledgeable, and competent. He makes complex topics easily digestible, and so much fun!

DAN BLS Course

PADI Self-Reliant Diver in Rawlings, VA 23876, USA

<h3>Train for independence. Dive with intention.</h3>The PADI Self-Reliant Diver course is about building margin. Margin in planning. Margin in equipment. Margin in decision-making.Self-reliant does&nbsp;not&nbsp;mean solo. It means you are capable of managing problems independently when needed, without panic, shortcuts, or guesswork. The goal isn’t pushing limits. It’s widening your safety buffer and becoming a more capable, thoughtful diver.This course is ideal for experienced divers who want to stop outsourcing responsibility underwater and start diving with confidence, redundancy, and clarity.

Scuba equipment rental is not included. Students must provide required gear, including a redundant gas source.

Gear Rental

Air or Nitrox fills are not included and are the responsibility of the participant.

Gas Fills

Quarry entry fees or boat charter fees, if applicable, are not included.

Site or Boat Fees

Pony bottle and regulator are required for training and are not included in the course fee.

Redundant Air

PADI Self-Reliant Diver specialty instruction taught privately or in a small group with focused coaching.

Self-Reliant Training

One extended, discussion-based academic session covering planning philosophy, redundancy, and risk management.

Academic Session

Three open water training dives focused on deliberate execution, control, and real-world decision-making.

Open Water Dives

PADI certification processing upon successful completion of course requirements.

ePIC

This course is especially well suited for:<ul><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">PADI Professionals (Divemasters and Instructors)</li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Underwater photographers and videographers</li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Divemaster candidates</li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Experienced recreational divers considering technical training</li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Divers who want stronger decision-making and self-sufficiency skills</li></ul>

Who this course is for

<ul><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Minimum age: 18</li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">PADI Advanced Open Water Diver (or higher)</li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">At least 100 logged dives</li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Successful skills assessment with the instructor</li></ul>If you’re unsure whether this course is a good fit, reach out before booking. That conversation matters.

Minimum requirements:

This course reinforces the value of the buddy system while preparing you for situations where you must rely on your own skills and equipment.Training focuses on:<ul><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">The role and limitations of the buddy system</li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Risk recognition and conservative decision-making</li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Gas planning and management</li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Equipment redundancy and configuration</li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Managing failures calmly and methodically</li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Planning dives with self-reliance in mind</li></ul>This is not about bravado. It’s about discipline, awareness, and preparation.

What you’ll learn

One extended academic session<ul><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Discussion-based and instructor-led</li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Covers planning philosophy, redundancy, and risk management</li></ul>Three open water dives<ul><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Typically completed over a single day, conditions permitting</li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Focused on deliberate execution, not rushed skills</li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Emphasis on trim, control, awareness, and decision-making</li></ul>Training is conducted privately or in very small groups to ensure quality coaching and meaningful feedback.

Course structure

In addition to standard scuba gear, you will need:<ul><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">DSMB and spool or reel</li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Redundant gas source (pony bottle and regulator)</li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Dive computer</li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Surface signaling devices</li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">At least one cutting tool</li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Underwater slate and pencil</li></ul>If you’re unsure about configuration or sizing, we’ll sort that out before training begins.

Required equipment

Private or small-group PADI Self-Reliant Diver specialty for experienced divers. Focused on planning margin, redundancy, gas management, and calm problem-solving. Includes academics and three open water dives.

PADI Self-Reliant Diver

PADI Self-Reliant Diver

About this trip

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Minimum requirements:

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