SSI Open Water Diver
Becoming an SSI Open Water Diver is the best way to start your scuba adventure! The course is generally based over 4 relaxed days, with all theory being completed online prior to arriving on the island. So, very little classroom time and the online study is FREE!! This also means the days are for in-water time, not sitting behind a desk!
SSI's water training method is the difference!
SSI (Scuba Schools International) training programs are designed with one goal in mind, for you to relax and have fun when you dive! The only way to have a great time diving is to become truly comfortable with skills and the equipment you will use.
What's the difference between this course and a PADI course?
For more information about PADI and SSI click here
What's involved
The SSI Open Water Diver course is usually run over 4 days.
- Homework: Before the course you complete the SSI online training. This is mandatory for our courses and it reduces classroom time!
- Exam: On day one of your course we'll give you a quick review and then you'll complete a 50 question examination.
- Pool: You'll complete 5 pool sessions as part of your course. The first of these will be in shallow water, with your head just beneath the surface! Once comfortable you'll venture deeper into our 3.2m deep training pool so you can learn in water deep enough to experience skills such as ascents.
- Comfort though repetition: All SSI courses are designed with diver enjoyment and safety in mind. To become comfortable with each skill practice is required. And with SSI's flexible aproach to training it means we can repeat and expand on skills until you are totally comfortable before you get on the boat into deeper water!
- Boat dives: Once you have completed your online theory/exam and pool sections of the course we'll take you out to the beautiful reef surrounding Rarotonga for a snorkel and four scuba boat dives, over 2 days. The first 2 dives are to a maximum depth of 12m and then 18m for the remaining dives, all with an Instructor.
- Certification: When you have completed the course we will take your photo and issue you with proof of certification. You will then receive your shiny new international SSI Open Water Diver qualification card direct from SSI in the post.
- Effort: Learning to scuba dive is similar to learning to drive a car. We won't qualify you for just turning up! You must put in the effort to complete the academic sessions, pool sessions and Open Water dives or you won't complete the course.
What's included
- SSI Dive Log
- SSI Dive Table
- Certification (we take the photo for you!)
- Full equipment rental
- All training required to complete the course
Approximate time commitment
We generally base the course over 4 days, so that you don't end up with information overload!
- Home study of theory via the SSI website (10-14hrs)
- Day 1 AM -Theory top up and Exam
- 9:00am-12:30pm
PM - Pool training - 1:30pm-4:30pm - Day 2 PM - Pool training - 1:30pm-4:30pm
- Day 3 PM - Snorkel plus Boat dives 1 & 2 - 1:30pm-5:30pm
- Day 4 PM - Boat dives 3 & 4 - 1:30pm-5:30pm
The course is performance based so daily times may be extended or shortened depending on students ability. We usually spread the course over 4 days so students aren't spending full days of their holiday with us! This also means not spending a whole day in the water which even on a hot day (with a wetsuit) can drop body temperature.
Online learning
- SSI's online learning is FREE of Charge click here to sign up!
- * If you start online, REMEMBER to book your in water training with us too ! *
What's NOT included
- Lunch
- Transfers
Pre-requisites
- Medical statement completed - Read the Medical requirement for courses here
- Min age 16 years (under 18's require parent or guardian signature)
- You need to allow a minimum of 24 hours after completing your dives to fly off the island
- Able to tread water/float for 10 mins
- Able to swim 200m or 300m with mask, snorkel & fins
- SSI Online Learning completed before arrival click here to sign up!
