What is SSI?
SSI is a recreational scuba diving certification agency. Dive operations around the world issue SSI scuba certifications from beginner to professional level.
SSI offers certifications in scuba diving, freediving, as well as technical diving with their extended-range courses, and even rebreather certifications. SSI schools around the world keep to certain training standards with flexibility in skill order during basic diver training. This means that if you get stuck on a skill, you can go back to it later. It is at the instructor’s discretion on which open water dives the mandatory skills are completed.
Once you hold your SSI diver certification, you can dive around the world by showing your certification. You will be limited to dive to your certification’s limits.
Do you need a certification to go scuba diving at all?
What does SSI stand for?
SSI stands for Scuba Schools International and was established in 1970 by Robert Clark.
SSI Overview
According to SSI’s statistics:
- Has more than 30 service centers
- Represented in over 110 countries
- Has over 2800 locations globally
- Has printed training materials in over 30 languages
How Do I Get My SSI Certification?
To get certified with SSI, you need to locate an SSI dive center and complete the SSI Open Water course. You will be given access to their electronic learning materials which you work through with your instructor. There are also confined water sessions as well as open water dives conducted as part of your certification.
What is the minimum age to dive with SSI?
The minimum age for an SSI dive experience as part of the ‘Scuba Rangers’ program is 8 years old.
The minimum age where an SSI certification can be completed is 10 years old with additional junior depth restrictions.
There are depth restrictions and special requirements for children that scuba dive.
The minimum age for an SSI Pro Member, such as a Divemaster or an Instructor, is 18 years old.
