Your journey to becoming a certified diver starts here.

The SSI Open Water Diver course is the world’s most popular way to become a fully certified scuba diver. With this internationally recognised certification, you’ll be able to dive anywhere in the world, up to 18 metres, with a buddy — no instructor required.

This course is designed to build your skills, boost your confidence, and open the door to a lifetime of underwater adventure. Whether you’re dreaming of exploring coral reefs, shipwrecks, or just want to be part of the global dive community, it all starts here.

Course Overview

The Open Water Diver program is structured into four key parts:

• Online Learning: Study at your own pace through the MySSI App or online portal. You’ll learn key theory around physics, physiology, equipment, and the underwater environment — all yours to keep for life.
• Classroom Session & Dry Land Skills: A guided discussion with your instructor to reinforce your learning and help you understand key diving concepts in more depth. Equipment Orientation, assembly and care.
• Confined Water (Pool) Sessions: Get hands-on with your scuba gear in a heated pool. You’ll take your first breaths underwater, learn emergency procedures, and practise essential diving skills.
• Open Water Dives: This is where the real adventure begins. You’ll apply what you’ve learned in real-world diving conditions, exploring local dive sites and getting comfortable in the open water.

What You Need

• Minimum age: 15
• Junior Open Water Diver: Minimum age 10 (we recommend 12+ for confidence and physical readiness)
• Be in good health and fit to dive (you may need medical clearance
• Swim 200 metres (any style, no time limit) and tread water for 10 minutes

Course Details

• Depth: Up to 18 metres (12 metres for under 14s)
• Includes: Full scuba gear, dive computer use, digital course materials, classroom and in-water training, certification
• Confined Water Sessions: 2
• Open Water Dives: 4
• Final Exam: Online and in-person, 80% pass mark