SSI Scuba Diving Certification

Scuba Schools International offers programs to become a scuba diver. To dive, you must complete a series of training courses and master skills in open water. Although part of the scuba training is completed online, it is important to work with instructors in underwater scenarios to verify you are able to dive in open water without supervision. SSI instructors can be found through SSI's website, divessi.com, or through a local scuba retail store.

  1. Online Training

    • Part of SSI's scuba diving certification is completed online. This provides the information given in SSI's open water diver manual and training videos, but the initial course can be completed online at your own pace. The same course is available in a classroom, too. After you complete the SSI scuba online training, register to take the pool training and open water dives at an SSI Dive Center.

    SSI Dive Centers

    • SSI Dive Centers are associated with scuba retail stores. The instructors at the dive center will lead you through skills in five pool sessions, then guide a trip for your five open water dives to complete certification. These open water dives are in an ocean, lake, river or spring, and they are closely monitored.

    Skills

    • As a scuba diver, you must monitor the rate of air you breathe as well as changes in conditions and depths. Our physiology is different underwater, so it is important to understand how your body is reacting to the pressure and water.

      The pool sessions and open water dives prepare you for unforeseen issues, such as losing a mask or fin, running out of air, loss of visual contact with the dive boat or shore, and poisonous or dangerous species.

      After you have completed the requirements you will receive your diving certification.

    Advanced Diving

    • After the initial open water certification, SSI can provide you with other training, such as deep diving, nitrox (a low nitrogen, high oxygen breathable mixed gas) diving, night diving, and search and rescue. Each of these specialties requires additional course and sessions in the pool and open water. After you complete your training and log your dives, you can work toward becoming a dive master or instructor.

    After Certification

    • After you have been certified, you are allowed to dive anywhere in the U.S. and most places in the world. After completing your coursework and dives, you should have a mask, fins, snorkel, weight belt, wetsuit and perhaps a buoyancy control device and regulator. Almost all dive stores allow you to rent equipment, though, if you do not own or want to transport it. Some dive stores provide a discount for SSI scuba divers.