SSI - Your Choice for Certification

Dive into the Great Lakes of North America

The five lakes Huron, Superior, Michigan, Erie and Ontario at the northern border of the USA and southern border of Canada, make up the largest group of freshwater lakes on the world - and they also offer some superior diving. So what can you experience down there? Although the visibility is not too good and there is not much marine life or corals, prepare yourself to explore well-preserved sunken watercraft from decades ago. From wooden schooners to modern steel freighters, this is the perfect dive destination for wreck lovers. Discover your next shipwreck adventure!

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Discover the World’s Most Fascinating Aquatic Life

Aquatic life under our oceans, lakes, rivers, and streams is amazing! From microscopic zooplankton to the largest animal on earth, the blue whale, underwater life comes in all possible shapes and sizes. With 71% of the earth being covered with water, it is no wonder we are so fascinated with what lies beneath the surface. In fact, scientists estimate that there are nearly 1 million different species of aquatic animals. Freshwater ecosystems are home mainly to fish, invertebrates, and reptiles, whereas the ocean contains a wide array of marine life including fish, mollusks, crustaceans, reptiles, sharks, and marine mammals like whales, dolphins, seals, and manatees.

Carp

The carp originated as an ornamental and aquaculture fish in China but has spread as an invasive species worldwide. In fact, the common species has now spread to inhabit all continents in the world except Antarctica. Ironically enough, native wild populations in Asia are actually considered vulnerable to extinction yet are highly destructive and abundant in waters in other parts of the world where it’s not supposed to be found.

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Trout

One of the more beautiful types of freshwater fish, trout is the common name for a large number of different freshwater species closely related to salmon. They live exclusively in freshwater lakes and rivers and come in a wide variety of colors that change based on their environment, making them masters at camouflage. Preferring cool, clear streams and lakes, they can be found in waters averaging 10-16 degrees C (50-60 degrees F) so if you want to go diving with trout you better bring a thick wetsuit.

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Catfish

Catfish is the common name given to any fish in the order Siluriformes and are one of the most widely diverse and abundantly distributed species on the planet, occurring on every continent except Antarctica. Most of them live in freshwater lakes, rivers, and ponds with the exception of a few saltwater species. They are easily recognizable by their barbels on the upper jaw and, sometimes, snout and chin, which look like the whiskers of a cat, giving them their name.

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Salmon

When you google the word ‘salmon’ you won’t find a bunch of data on the species itself, but hundreds of delicious recipes as it is one of the most desired fish for eating around the world. It is the common name for any species of fish in the Salmonidae family, most of which occur naturally in North American waters, 5 in the Pacific Northwest and one in the Atlantic. Two occur only in Asia, the masu and amago, but they have been introduced into non-native environments in other parts of the world such as the Great Lakes of North America and the Patagonia of South America.

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Check Out the Incredible Moments Water Enthusiasts Like You Experience Every Day with SSI

Did you just complete an SSI certification? Proudly post it! Want to support your favorite SSI Training Center and promote it to the world? Post it! Did you just have an unforgettable dive experience with your SSI Professional? Post it!

We love to see the SSI family growing day by day: so upload your photo to Instagram with #wearessi or #divessi or mention @ssi_international, and it will automatically appear in the SSI Hall of Fame. We can’t wait to see your adventures today!

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.