Its a big no-no, but at the island in Belize we go to, they're used to me taking off and no longer care, because they know I can be trusted.. I do my safety stops alone - one time even came up on the wrong boat, which was identical to ours.. I thought I was in SOOOOO much trouble, but they radioed my boat, who came to pick me up - while everyone on board was laughing.. that was the first time that happened.. it also happened in Cayman Brac wit my wife.. Gettin gon the wrong boat is embarrassing..
So, I'm pretty used to diving alone, even tho its really bad practice.. they trust me, but I still try not to push it too far.. It started on the one year anniversary of my mom's birthday after she passed.. two Spotted eagle Rays let me get right on their butt and film and even tho everyone was going up, I wasn't missing that opportunity as I thought it was a sign from my mom.. After that, I just chased down and filmed sharks..
Friendship is like peeing your pants.. Everybody can see it, but only you can feel the warmth..