Scuba Schools International (SSI)

The Organisation

In the case of Scuba Schools International, SSI for short, it is a commercial training organisation for diving which operates worldwide. Since January 2004, SSI is a brand of the Head Group. The organisation is known for the development of standards and concepts for teaching, as well as a large selection of learning materials. The foundation of the organisation took place in the USA. This was already in the year 1970.

The concept of SSI is based on a programme which brings to mind the franchise system. Thus, the courses can be found in many diving schools worldwide. In 110 countries there are more than 2,500 dealers who are authorised to offer the SSI courses.  The training is based on the ISO 24801 standards, as well as 24802. In the training courses, diving certificates of other associations or organisations are also recognised.

However, there is a significant difference in the case of this diving training organisation in comparison to other organisations. The diving instructors who have been trained by SSI exclusively work for the SSI diving centres as well as the diving clubs which have been authorised by the SSI. In this manner, the standards are supposed to be observed.

At SSI, a EUF certified training system is established.

Courses offered

Introductory Courses

Try Scuba Diving

The Try Scuba Diving Course offers the possibility to gain experience diving and to even work with diving devices.

• Procedure: During the first theory lessons, an insight is given of the functions of the devices and of safety while diving. Under the supervision of the instructor, first dives in restricted water are performed.
• Requirements: Whoever wants to participate in the course must be able to swim well and be healthy. (Keyword: Medical examination for diving fitness)
• Minimum Age: 8 Years
• ISO-Certification: Introductory Dive in accordance with ISO 11121:2009

Beginners’ Courses

Scuba Diver

The Scuba Diver was developed to enable divers, who do not have sufficient time and possibilities to do the Open Water Diver, to complete a training course.

• Procedure: The theoretical course contents deal with the information regarding safety in water, breathing as well as diving itself. Afterwards, the first dives in shallow water follow, not deeper than 2 m. In addition, dives in open water are performed, here the maximum depth cannot exceed 12 m.
• Requirements: The participants must prove safe swimming skills and be physically and mentally fit, a recognition of the OWD is possible.
• Minimum Age: 10 Years
• ISO-Certification: Supervised Diver in accordance with ISO 24801-1:2007 and EN 14153-1:2003

Open Water Diver (OWD)

The basic diving certificate can be obtained with this course. After completion, participants can diving autonomously and assume individual responsibility.

• Procedure: The course is composed of six theory modules as well as six modules in restricted open water and four dives in open water. It reaches a depth of up to 18 m.
• Requirements: Participants of the course must be able to move safely in water and present a current medical examination for diving fitness.
• Minimum Age: 10 Years
• ISO-Certification: Autonomous Diver in accordance with ISO 24801-2:2007 and EN 14153-2:2003

Advanced Courses

Advanced Open Water Diver (AOWD)

The AOWD enables the broadening of diving skills as well as the depth limit.

• Procedure: The course is made up of four dives, each one of them deals with a different topic. Navigation and deep diving belong to those. In addition, three more topics can be chosen.
• Requirements: An Open Water Diver Certificate must be presented or its equivalent
• Minimum Age: 12 Years

Master Diver

With the Master Diver, divers acquire the highest training level in scuba diving which is recognised.

• Procedure: The focus of the course is on the areas of handling stress and rescue. The objective is to help divers in situations of emergency and to be able to handle stress situations oneself.
• Requirements: An OWD diving certificate must be presented as well as an AOWD-certificate or its equivalent, in addition the diver must have 50 confirmed dives in the logbook.
• Minimum Age: 12 Years

Special Courses

• Equipment
• Navigation
• Night diving
• Ice diving
• Diving with nitrox
• Stress and rescue diving
• Search and Recovery
• Shark Diver
• Perfect Buoyancy
• Computer diving
• Currents and Tides
• Science of Diving
• Dry-suit diving
• Deep diving
• Boat diving
• Underwater photography
• Digital underwater photography
• Wreck diving
• Enriched Air Nitrox (Nitrox in accordance with ISO 11107:2009)

Professional Sector

• Dive Guide (Dive Leader in accordance with ISO 24801-2:2007 and EN 14153-3:2003)
• Dive Control Specialist (Instructor Level One in accordance with ISO 24802-1:2007 and EN 14413-1:2004)
• Open Water Instructor (Instructor Level Two in accordance with ISO 24802-2:2007 and EN 14413-2:2004)
• Divemaster
• Trainings Specialist
• Speciality Instructor
• AOW Instructor
• Master Instructor
• Instructor Trainer
• Instructor Certifier

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