Sharpen your skills. Expand your diving experience.

Once you've completed your Open Water Diver certification, the real fun begins. SSI Specialty programs are designed to grow your skillset, boost your confidence, and help you explore new types of diving with guidance from qualified instructors. Whether you’re working toward Master Diver status or just want to focus on something that excites you, these short, practical courses give you the freedom to choose your next step.

Each course includes free online learning through the MySSI App or website, paired with focused in-water sessions led by our dive team. There are over 20 specialties to choose from — but to start with, we recommend these three:

• Perfect Buoyancy – Improve your control, comfort, and air efficiency underwater. A must-do for all divers.
• Boat Diver – Learn how to dive safely and efficiently from boats, and make the most of Taranaki’s offshore sites.
• Stress & Rescue – Build awareness, spot issues before they become problems, and learn how to manage dive emergencies with confidence.

These courses count toward SSI Specialty Diver, Advanced Open Water Diver, and Master Diver certifications — helping you progress through the ranks while becoming a safer, more capable diver.

Why Take a Specialty Course?

• Focus on skills that match your goals and interests
• Build confidence and dive experience with professional support
• Earn credits toward advanced SSI ratings and recognition

What You Need

• Minimum age and prerequisites vary by course
• Must be a certified Open Water Diver or equivalent
• Be fit and healthy to dive

Each course includes:

• Online training and digital materials (yours to keep)
• All required scuba gear and dive computer use
• In-water instruction and certification e-card