Become a certified Open Water Diver with SSI This globally recognized certification program is the best way to begin your lifelong adventures as a certified scuba diver. Personalized training is combined with in-water practice sessions to ensure you have the skills and experience required to become truly comfortable underwater. You will earn the SSI Open Water Diver certification. Discover Local Course Dates Whether you’re on the move or planning ahead, we’ve got you covered. Never miss out on exciting training opportunities and register with ease. Facts and Training Standards Minimum Age 10Amount of Academic Sessions 6Amount of Pool/Confined Water Sessions 6Amount of Open Water Sessions 4Maximum Training Depth 18 m / 60 ftSuggested duration (h) 16-32Certification Prerequisites Fit to swim, No certification prerequisitesSSI Standards Languages Português (Brazil) Български език/Bălgarski esik Català 简体字 Hrvatski Česky Dansk Nederlands English English US (imperial) Suomi Français Deutsch ελληνικά עברית Magyar Bahasa Indonesia Italiano 日本語 한국어 Norsk (Bokmål) Polski Português (Portugal) română Русский Srpski Slovenský jazyk Español Svenska ภาษาไทย Türkçe українська мова Tiếng Việt Your Adventure starts here Here are the benefits you can expect from attending this training program: Discover a completely new world hidden just below the surface Learn about new environments and exotic new species Experience the nearly weightless sensation of flight Upgrade your Training Upgrade your training experience with a perfect match! The following programs can be combined with your SSI Open Water Diver training. Skills and experience are your tickets to dive the world’s best dive sites. When you complete a certain number of Specialty Programs and Logged Dives, you will also automatically earn the SSI Recognition Ratings – SSI Specialty Diver, SSI Advanced Specialty Diver and SSI Master Diver. Start your SSI Specialty training right away and earn recognition as you become a safe and comfortable diver! Computer DivingLearn the ins and outs of using a dive computer correctly to increase your efficiency and safety while diving. Get the most out of your dive computer investment with the SSI Computer Diving specialty.10Minimum Age3-6Suggested duration (h)Enriched Air NitroxExtend your dive time, shorten your surface intervals and spend more time exploring the dive sites you love, with the SSI Enriched Air Nitrox Specialty certification program.10Minimum Age3-6Suggested duration (h)Perfect BuoyancyThe SSI Perfect Buoyancy Specialty is the best way to improve your body position for relaxed dives, lower your air consumption and increase your bottom times. Take control of your enjoyment. Start online now!10Minimum Age5-10Suggested duration (h) More Information Training Prerequisites SSI Entry-Level Programs – Open Water Diver, Freediver, or Mermaid require students to complete a water fitness evaluation prior to open water training. The goal of this evaluation is to determine a comfort level baseline consisting of: Swim Assessment Survival Float Technical Requirements To start training, students must create a MySSI profile. This can either be done via the SSI website at www.divessi.com/register or by installing the MySSI App. Simply download the app for either iOS or Android, set up the user profile, and access the world of diving in minutes! The MySSI App safely stores everything in one place, online or offline – training materials, logbook, and certification cards. This includes Recreational Scuba, Extended Range, Freediving and Mermaid. Training Center Selection & Affiliation Every student must select an SSI Training Center as their “Training Partner” during the course registration process. Affiliation ensures personalized service and a high-quality training experience. Students can also change affiliation or choose to affiliate with multiple Training Centers in their user profile. When affiliating with a Training Center online or via the MySSI App, a Privacy Policy Agreement will be processed to comply with GDPR regulations. Medical & Administrative Requirements Each student or candidate must complete the required SSI Training Record Forms prior to participating in any SSI training program. The forms for minors must be reviewed and signed by a parent or guardian. Responsible Diver Code SSI Responsible Diver Code - Scuba DivingSSI Responsible Diver Code - FreedivingSSI Responsible Diver Code - Extended Range Diving Diver Medical Statement & Questionnaire or Physician’s Approval to Dive (where required) Training Assumption of Risk, Liability Release, & Liability Release, & Hold Harmless Agreement (where required / not applicable within the European Union) Program-specific Completion Record (done by the Instructor prior to certification) Training Course Costs Training consists of various components which are either charged singly or as a package depending on the selected Training Center. The components are: Training Materials / Digital Kit Tuition for Academics and In-Water Training Open Water Training Dives Certification 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. Why Performance Freediver Matters for Progressing Freedivers 2026-02-20 Explore what sets Performance Freediver apart and why it plays a key role in structured depth progression, performance training, and safer freediving. Underwater Modeling Is Taking Off—Here is How to Get Started 2026-02-16 Underwater modeling is in demand across fashion, media, and advertising. Learn what it takes to get started and stand out underwater. Antikythera: Scientific Diving on a 2,000-Year-Old Wreck 2026-02-14 Explore how technical and scientific diving support research at the 2,000-year-old Antikythera shipwreck, one of the richest ancient wrecks ever found. Featured Destinations ideal for Scuba Beginner Scubago is an online platform connecting divers with dive centers and resorts worldwide, offering easy booking for courses, dive experiences, and accommodation — powered by the world’s largest dive site database. With 10,000+ dive sites and detailed wildlife information, divers can find and book experiences at locations that match their dream encounters. The database is built on 20+ million logged dives and grows daily through the Digital DiveLog integrated in the SSI, MARES, AQUA LUNG and APEKS apps. Using QR code technology, the Digital DiveLog connects dive sites, buddies, instructors, centers, and resorts, and supports multiple dive computer brands for seamless dive downloads. Get inspired by our featured destinations, combine learning how to scuba dive with a vacation the whole family can enjoy! © iStock/simonbradfieldAustraliaAustralia offers a great diversity of diving adventures, from tropical diving in the north, to cold water diving, shipwreck explorations, and coral reefs.Learn more © iStock/ferrantraiteMexicoDiving in Mexico is a breathtaking, world-class experience. This country offers many adventures and a landscape full of natural wonders.Learn more © iStock-LunamarinaFloridaThe Sunshine State Florida offers many great and divers dive sites from the tropical Florida Keys to deep shipwrecks and crystal clear freshwater springs.Learn more © iStock/tawatchaiprakobkitIndonesiaIndonesia is considered one of the best diving destinations in the world with more than 17,500 islands distributed over 5,000 kilometers.Learn more © iStock/narvikkEgyptThe Arab Republic of Egypt is a country that sits in the Northeast corner of Africa on the Mediterranean Sea to its north and the Red Sea to its east.Learn more © iStock/saiko3ThailandThailand, The Land of Smiles, is a joy to explore, from the friendly locals to the dazzling scenery and offers some of the best diving in the world.Learn more