SSI Scuba Diver
A stepping stone to exploring the ocean. Dive with a professional to 12 meters and halfway to your SSI Open Water Diver Certification.
Underwater is Earth's final frontier, one of the few ways left to explore our world is to be able to dive.
Diving allows you to experience weightlessness just like being in space. It is the nearest you will get to being an astronaut or experiencing space, so learn to dive which will give you the ability and the skills to go experience and explore the inner world.
What is the SSI Scuba Diver Certification?
The SSI Scuba Diver course is (roughly) the first half of the SSI Open Water Diver course. It omits some of the more challenging skills and is a good choice for aspiring scuba divers who have limited time, are not sure they want to commit to a full open water course yet, or for children (over the age of 10 years).
Completing the SSI Scuba Diver course is a bit like obtaining a learner’s permit when learning to drive. It’s an intermediate step towards full scuba certification for aspiring scuba divers who:
- Don’t have time to complete the entire Open Water course.
- Can’t finish their Open Water training due to unique circumstances.
- Only want to dive with a professional.
What Do I need to start the SSI Scuba Diver Certification?
- Be older than 10 years old
- Be in good health and reasonably fit - you will need to complete the medical questionnaire
- Be able to float for 10 minutes
*The SSI Junior Scuba Diver programme is available for youths 10 and 14.
What will I do during the SSI Scuba Diver Certification?
Over a number of pool sessions (generally three) you will complete the three confined water dives, whilst completing some theory activity. SSI programmes are performance based and you proceed as you demonstrate mastery of the course skills. This allows you to work at a pace that is comfortable for you, so do not worry if you need more time then this, as extra time is built into your training schedule automatically for you, so although we say three sessions it could be four, which equates to 6-8 hours of in-water pool time.
Diving is like that first driving lesson (for those that drive!) or starting a new job (for those that work!) doing something for the first time can be a bit daunting, but with time and practice it soon becomes second nature.
Have a look at our YouTube channel for demonstrations of the skills you will learn to do.
Then when ready we undertake a drysuit orientation in the pool as ALL of our open water diving is completed in a drysuit suit - this is OUR standard, it is for your comfort, we want you to ENJOY your diving experience and being cold and uncomfortable is not enjoyable!
When ready, then time to complete those two open water dives, generally speaking at Stoney Cove, but at times, other locations are available.
What Materials will I use during the SSI Scuba Diver Certification?
At Dive Rutland we provide you with all of the equipment you need to have fun, explore and become a safe and knowledgeable diver this includes learning about the fundamentals of scuba diving, all dive equipment and techniques.
All you need to provide is your own swimming attire for the pool and a few additional items of clothing for the open water part.
When Can I start my SSI Scuba Diver Certification?
Now, purchase this item and choose the location where you would like to complete your confined water (pool) training and we will be with you to get everything sorted and elearning assigned.
Dive Rutland is committed to helping you learn to dive at a pace that suits you. Our Scuba Diver courses run to a flexible timescale, you can start when you wish, subject to availability, as all of our schedules are built individually around you and your work/family commitments.
Our Open Water training days are scheduled months in advance giving us the ability to plan your course to achieve by dates that suit you.
Are all SSI Scuba Diving courses the same?
This is a statement we hear a lot, but we disagree not everything is the same or equal. Have a look at our How to Choose a Dive Centre article, which actually should be called how to choose your instructional team.
Our Quality Matters
All training is overseen by our very own SSI Instructor Trainer, and we have a range of experienced male and female professionals on our staff.
All equipment is modern and regularly serviced. We have a large range of school equipment to fit all sizes and shapes. Our breathing air quality is monitored and externally verified regularly.
We are fully insured and meet all legal obligations placed upon us. This includes full risk management and our staffing ratios exceed industry standard requirements.
Are there any other costs?
Entrance fees to the open water training site and your personal travel costs are not included
I want to learn to dive but not in the UK?
We understand that not everyone wants to dive in the UK, but also do you really want to spend your holiday learning to dive?
What you really want to do is explore and enjoy the scenery below the water then there is a referral process, which means you complete the confined water (pool) sessions and here in the UK and the required theory chapters and knowledge reviews. You then take the referral paperwork with you to a dive centre in a warm location and arrange to complete the two open water dives with them
You can enrol on to our SSI Referral Course and Upgrade to complete your Open Water dives here, with us, Easy.
I am not sure that Scuba Diving is for me
We appreciate that not everyone is a swimmer and you do not need to be to become a diver, you might be a little apprehensive and just want to have a little taster prior to signing up for the Scuba Diver certification, that's great... come and Discover Scuba Diving during one pool session
What is the next adventure after the SSI Scuba Diving Certification?
Once you've got your Scuba Diver certification DIVE Rutland can help you progress to Open Water Diver rating and continue diving. To uplift to the SSI Open Water certification you need to:
- Complete the remaining requirements and assessments of Academic Sections 4-6
- Complete the Open Water Diver final exam with a passing score of at least 80%.
- Undertake additional pool sessions where you will complete the skills in Confined Water 3 - 5.
- Complete the remaining two (2) open water training dives and corresponding skills
- If you did not complete the Scuba Diver certification with us here at Dive Rutland, then during one of your confined water sessions you will be fitted and orientated to a drysuit (you can choose to complete the Drysuit specilaity for an additional cost)
But your real adventure is to go diving
Nottingham Scuba Diving Facility
The training facility at our Nottingham location features a purpose-built pool that is 4 meters deep and 10 meters in diameter, providing an exceptional environment for scuba diving training. The pool boasts fantastic visibility and maintains a constant temperature of around 29 degrees, ensuring optimal comfort for all divers.
A 1.6-meter training platform extends over 50% of the pool's bottom surface, offering ample space for practicing various diving skills. The pool's unique design, with a bottom depth of 4 meters, allows divers to swim in a 30-meter circular path, simulating open water conditions. This facility also includes a gas filling station, a classroom, and an equipment showroom, making it a comprehensive training center for divers of all levels.
Oakham Swimming Pool
The 25m heated swimming pool at Oakham School's Leisure Centre is perfect for scuba diver training and kids' diving courses. This state-of-the-art facility provides laned sections for focused training and a comfortable, warm environment, ensuring an ideal learning experience for divers of all ages and skill levels. Whether you're refining your technique or introducing children to the wonders of diving, our pool offers the perfect setting.
Our pool session(s) are on Saturday evenings from 18:00 - 20:00, with a meet at the Dive Centre prior (this time will be confirmed when you book). The time at the Dive Centre is spent on various activities depending on which course you are undertaking but for all first session this will involve introducing you to your instructor, the dive equipment you will be using in the pool, a safety briefing and the evenings activities. During non term time then we have a pool session available on a Thursday from 19:00 - 21:00.
First Aid Words
First Aid Words
Our team of highly experienced instructors will be on hand to guide you through every step of the way
