This globally recognized certification program is the ideal way to begin your lifelong adventures as a certified scuba diver. Through a combination of personalized instruction, digital learning, and in-water training, you’ll gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to feel truly comfortable underwater.

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With a strong focus on safety, comfort, and real-world experience, this program prepares you to dive confidently in open water environments.

Upon successful completion, you will earn the SSI Open Water Diver certification, allowing you to dive anywhere in the world.

Complete 2 Specialty Courses 

12 Open Water Dives.

Complete 4 specialties 

(must included: Navigation, Deep Diving, Night & Limited Visibility)

24 Open Water Dives

If you cannot decide which specialty programs are the best choice for you, join the SSI Advanced Open Water Diver program! You will try Deep Diving and Navigation plus a variety of 3 more specialty areas of choice before committing to full specialty training. It is a great way to experience what advanced diver training is all about and how valuable it can be to your diving adventures.

During the Advanced Open Water Diver Program, you will experience 5 different specialties by completing one open water training dive per specialty after a comprehensive briefing with your SSI Instructor.

By taking this program you will have total freedom to explore. You can complete the full Specialty trainings any time in the future and credit your Advanced Open Water Diver training towards them.

React Right is SSI’s emergency first response training program, designed to give you the knowledge, skills, and confidence to act quickly and effectively in a medical emergency.

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This flexible program allows you to focus on the subjects most relevant to your needs, including primary assessment, first aid, CPR, and primary stabilization techniques. Optional modules also cover oxygen administration for diving-related emergencies and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) fundamentals.

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Through a combination of academic learning and realistic hands-on training scenarios, you’ll develop practical emergency response skills that can be used both in and out of the dive environment.

Upon certification, you’ll be qualified to act as an emergency first responder, provide first aid and CPR, administer emergency oxygen, and offer AED support when it matters most.

The SSI Diver Stress & Rescue specialty program teaches you the essential skills needed to protect yourself and assist other divers in emergency situations.

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You’ll learn how to recognize and manage diver stress, prevent accidents before they occur, and apply practical rescue and emergency care techniques. Through a combination of classroom learning, pool sessions, and open water training, you’ll gain hands-on experience that builds confidence and readiness.

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By the end of the program, you’ll be well prepared to respond calmly and effectively to dive emergencies, making you a safer, more capable diver and an invaluable dive buddy.

The SSI Divemaster program is the first step on an exciting professional journey in diving. Designed for experienced recreational divers, this program prepares you to take on leadership roles, earn the respect of your peers, and become an ambassador for the underwater world.

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To enroll in the Divemaster program, you must have:

• A minimum of 40 verified/logged dives

• Training or experience in Deep Diving, Navigation, and Night & Limited Visibility, demonstrated by:

  • Certifications in each specialty, or

  • At least 5 verified/logged dives in each area

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Upon successful completion of the Divemaster program & Science of Diving, you may register for the SSI Professional Divemaster certification.

This final step confirms your professional status within SSI and qualifies you to work as a dive professional under the supervision of an SSI Dive Center.

Join the SSI Science of Diving specialty and you will develop a complete understanding of the underwater world and its effects on the human body.

This specialty is required training for most SSI Professional programs, as well as some Extended Range programs, and is an essential way to expand your dive knowledge. Available online, you can earn your SSI Science of Diving specialty certification from home and get ready to begin your dive professional career.

Upon completion, you will be halfway to earning the coveted SSI Divemaster rating and earn the SSI Science of Diving specialty certification.

Professional Certification Prerequisites

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Minimum 60 logged dives (totaling 40 hours dive time), Professional Dive Guide/Divemaster certification, Science of Diving.

When your interest is to turn your passion into a profession by guiding certified divers, teaching Ecology programs, assisting instructors or even becoming an instructor yourself.  

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Once you complete all coursework and dive requirements, you will need to pay the SSI Professional Registration Fee and obtain Professional Dive Insurance.  

To enroll in the SSI Instructor Training Course (ITC), you must be certified as an SSI Divemaster or hold an equivalent professional qualification. This comprehensive program follows SSI’s two-step Instructor Training approach, combining immersive digital learning with hands-on instructional development.

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The process begins with the Instructor Training Course (ITC), where you’ll develop teaching techniques, academic presentation skills, confined water instruction, and open water training abilities. Upon successful completion of the ITC, you will participate in the Instructor Evaluation (IE), the final step to earning your SSI Open Water Instructor certification.

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As a certified SSI Open Water Instructor, you will be qualified to independently teach and certify divers in core SSI programs, including:

• Open Water Diver

• Advanced Open Water Diver

• Enriched Air Nitrox

• Diver Stress & Rescue

• Dive Guide

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If you prefer a more flexible approach or want additional hands-on experience before becoming a full instructor, the Assistant Instructor rating can be completed as a standalone step. This option allows you to assist with real student courses, gain practical teaching experience, and complete the Instructor Evaluation when you’re ready.

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The possibilities are endless—start your journey toward a scuba diving instructor career today.

The Instructor Evaluation (IE) is the final step of SSI’s 2-Step Instructor Training Approach. Divemasters or equivalent-level professionals will have to successfully complete the Instructor Training Course (ITC) first where you’ll learn how to:

• Conduct academic sessions

• Lead confined water training

• Teach Open Water Diver and various Specialty programs like Enriched Air Nitrox, Diver Stress&Rescue, Perfect Buoyancy and more

• Develop student management and communication skills

Already an experienced instructor with another agency? You may be eligible for shortened onboarding options where you will only have to complete certain parts of the Instructor Training Course (ITC) followed by passing an Instructor Evaluation (IE).

Already certified as an Assistant Instructor with another agency? You could continue your professional journey with SSI. Get in touch with us to explore your options.