SSI Scuba Diver Course

Overview

Scuba Diver is a two-day certification course for people who want to dive in the sea but do not have time for the full Open Water Diver program. You cover the first half of the Open Water theory, complete pool or confined water training, then make two open water dives on the reef. On completion you are a certified SSI Scuba Diver, qualified to dive to twelve metres under the direct supervision of a dive professional. This is an important distinction: a Scuba Diver always dives with a professional, not with a regular buddy. You must be at least ten years old and able to complete a swim and float assessment during the course. Groups are limited to four students, and the course runs even for a single person. All equipment, learning materials and certification are included. If you later want to dive independently, your Scuba Diver certification credits fully toward the SSI Open Water Diver course, so nothing you complete here is repeated or wasted.

Description

Scuba Diver is a real certification, not an introductory experience. It is shorter than the full Open Water Diver course because it covers half the theory and half the open water dives. Understanding exactly what it does and does not qualify you to do is the most important thing to get right before booking. What the course covers Over two days you complete the first three academic sections of the SSI Open Water Diver program, a written exam, three pool or confined water training sessions, and two open water training dives on the reef. The theory covers how pressure affects your body and your equipment, how to plan a dive safely, what the equipment does, and the rules that keep diving within safe limits. The confined water sessions build the practical skills: assembling and checking your equipment, mask clearing, regulator recovery, buoyancy control, and what to do if something does not go to plan. The two open water dives take place on the reef, to a maximum depth of twelve metres, where you demonstrate those same skills in real conditions and then dive. What the certification allows A certified SSI Scuba Diver can dive to a maximum of twelve metres, in conditions similar to those they trained in, under the direct supervision of a dive professional. You cannot dive with a friend who is also certified, and you cannot dive independently. Every dive you make as a Scuba Diver has to be guided. This is worth thinking about honestly before you book. If your plan is to dive on holiday with a dive center, where a guide comes along anyway, this certification works well and saves you a day. If your plan is to dive with a partner or friend on your own, you need the Open Water Diver certification instead. Upgrading later Scuba Diver is designed as a genuine halfway point. To upgrade, you complete the remaining academic sections, pass the Open Water Diver final exam, and complete the remaining open water training dives. Nothing from the Scuba Diver course is repeated. Many people certify as Scuba Diver on one trip and upgrade on the next. Swimming requirement This is where Scuba Diver differs from the introductory programs. SSI requires a water fitness evaluation before any open water training dives. You must swim 200 metres with no aids, or 300 metres using a mask, snorkel and fins. There is no time limit and you may take as long as you need, but you cannot stop or stand. You must also float or tread water for ten minutes in water too deep to stand in, with your face clear of the surface. You do not have to be a strong or fast swimmer. You do have to be comfortable in deep water without support. If you are unsure whether you can do this, say so when you book rather than on the morning of the course. Age The minimum age is ten. Students under fifteen are certified as Junior Scuba Diver, which carries the same supervision requirement and depth limit. Who this suits Travellers with two days rather than three or four. People who expect to always dive with a center or guide. Anyone who wants to test a full certification course before committing to the complete program, since the credit carries forward. What is included Full scuba equipment, SSI digital learning materials, all training, and your SSI Scuba Diver digital certification card.