The main Characters Emma, Nico, Star, Spike and Shelly will guide you through the chapters

Unforgettable aquatic adventures for kids – Go underwater and discover the wonder of Snorkel, Scuba, Mermaid, and Freediving Explorer programs

The SSI Explorers program allows children starting at age six to go underwater and sample the different ways they can explore the aquatic world around them. They will gain a solid foundation in ocean conservation and have the opportunity to experience four main aquatic adventures: snorkeling, scuba diving, freediving, and swimming like a real mermaid. SSI Explorers can also expand their diving knowledge as they continue their underwater experience with specialty courses like marine mammal ecology, underwater photography, and 20 others.

Besides fun for the whole family, your children who have not yet achieved the minimum age for scuba diving will learn important life skills. These underwater adventures will enable young divers to acquire maturity, self-esteem, and a sense of responsibility. Contact your local SSI Training Center for information on how to get started today!

Connect with a Training Center
Open Explorers workbook to see whats inside

SSI Explorers – The brand-new program for young aquatic enthusiasts

SSI Explorers takes kid’s diving to a whole new level. Combined with the guidance and supervision of qualified SSI Explorers Instructors, this program includes a comprehensive printed Explorers manual to help your child learn the knowledge and skills they need to safely participate in snorkeling, mermaid, freediving, and scuba in a pool or confined water environment. The manual is very engaging, with colorful cartoon drawings and authentic ocean images for this young audience.

Join Emma and Nico on exciting underwater adventures as they guide your children through the educational content in a fun and engaging way, using Spike the shark as their equipment expert and Shelly the sea turtle as the ocean environment champion.

Prepare your kids for their future in the aquatic world

We’ve designed the Explorers program to be an offline, book-based learning experience, intended to encourage children to interact directly, not virtually, with the marine environment. As they get older, they can get involved with our digital course offerings at a completely different level using their Explorers skills to enhance their understanding and training.

SSI Scuba Explorers makes diving for kids simple and fun. SSI Mermaid Explorers get to swim around like real mermaids while improving their swimming skills. SSI Freediving Explorers will dive deeper and hold their breath longer in an encouraging, relaxed environment. Talk to your SSI Training Center for more detailed information on these kids’ diving experiences.

  • Quizzes for deepening knowledge
  • Engaging challenges after each chapter
  • Sticker sheet for sign-off
  • Fun coloring pages
  • Logbook to capture underwater adventures

The SSI Explorers materials start by introducing your children to the importance of protecting and preserving the world’s oceans by becoming a Blue Oceans Explorer. They learn why the oceans are important, about the world’s five oceans, and what they can do to help protect the oceans.

Your young explorer can then move on to learn about snorkel equipment and snorkeling in a confined water environment and earn their Snorkel Explorer rating. After completing these two initial experiences, SSI Explorers can choose from one of three aquatic adventures and either become a Scuba Explorer, Mermaid Explorer, or Freediving Explorer, or they can continue on to earn all three ratings.

Explorers - Blue Oceans Badge
Explorers - Snorkeling Badge
Explorers - Recreational Scuba Badge
Explorers - Mermaid Badge
Explorers - Freediving Badge

The fun doesn’t stop there, however! SSI Explorers can go on even more underwater adventures to earn 22 different Specialty Explorer ratings. They can improve their explorer skills with exciting specialties like Underwater Model Explorer, Rescue Explorer, Shark Ecology Explorer, and Search and Recovery Explorer, just to name a few.

SSI Explorers are recognized for their achievements with Explorers recognition cards which they can be proud of, share and show to their friends.

Specialty Rating Badge for No-Fins Explorer
Specialty Rating Badge for Boat Explorer
Specialty Rating Badge for Night and Limited Visibility Explorer
Specialty Rating Badge for Monofin Explorer
Specialty Rating Badge for Rescue Explorer
Specialty Rating Badge for Underwater Model Explorer
Specialty Rating Badge for Photo and Video Explorer
Specialty Rating Badge for Scooter/DPV Explorer
Specialty Rating Badge for Search and Recovery Explorer
Specialty Rating Badge for Marine Mammals Explorer

The SSI Explorers program sounds like it would be interesting for your young aquatic enthusiast doesn’t it? For more information about the SSI Explorers program, look for an SSI Training Center near you and get started today!

For more information about the SSI Explorers program, look for an SSI Training Center near you and get started today!

Connect with a Training Center
Further open water certification opportunities

Discover the wonders of the deep with SSI's blog

Join us on an exciting journey of discovery and learn more about exhilarating diving adventures, dedicated conservation initiatives, and innovative educational opportunities that will help you illuminate the extraordinary beauty of the underwater world. Let's explore the underwater world together and delve into the hidden wonders beneath the gentle waves.