About
The Open Water Diver certification is a globally recognized program designed for individuals who wish to begin their journey into the world of scuba diving. This certification serves as an entry-level qualification that allows divers to explore underwater environments safely and confidently.
Program Overview
To become Open Water Diver, participants must complete a series of academic sessions, confined water training, and open water dives. The program consists of:
Minimum Age: Participants must be at least 10 years old.
Academic Sessions: A total of 6 academic sessions are required, covering essential diving theory, safety procedures, and equipment usage.
Pool/Confined Water Sessions: Students must complete 6 sessions in a controlled environment where they can practice skills before moving to open water.
Open Water Sessions: There are 4 required open water dives where students apply what they have learned in real-world conditions.
Maximum Training Depth: Divers are trained to dive up to a maximum depth of 18 meters (60 feet).
Suggested Duration: The entire training process typically takes between 16 to 32 hours.
Prerequisites and Requirements
Before beginning the course, candidates must meet certain prerequisites:
Fit to Swim: Candidates should be comfortable swimming and demonstrate basic swimming skills.
No Certification Prerequisites: There are no prior certifications required to enroll in this program.
Additionally, students need to create a MySSI profile either through the SSI website or via the MySSI App. This profile will store all training materials, logbooks, and certification cards digitally.
Training Center Selection
Students must select an SSI Training Center as their “Training Partner” during registration. This affiliation ensures personalized service and high-quality training experiences. Students can change their training center affiliation if needed.
Medical Considerations
All participants are required to complete necessary medical forms prior to starting the training program. For minors, these forms must be signed by a parent or guardian.
The costs associated with the SSI Open Water Diver certification may vary depending on the selected Training Center but generally include:
Training Materials / Digital Kit
Tuition for Academics and In-Water Training
Open Water Training Dives
Certification Fees
Upon successful completion of the course, participants will earn their SSI Open Water Diver certification, allowing them to dive independently with a buddy or participate in guided dives worldwide.
In summary, obtaining an SSI Open Water Diver certification is an excellent way for individuals interested in scuba diving to gain essential skills and knowledge while exploring the underwater world safely.