SSI Open Water Diver Course
- All Core Scuba Equipment
- All Course Materials and Certification
- Services of your Highly Trained and Professional Instructor and Support Team
SSI Open Water Course
Underwater is Earth’s final frontier. One of the few ways left to truly explore our world is to dive.
Diving allows you to experience weightlessness—just like being in space. It’s the closest most of us will ever get to being an astronaut. Learn to dive and unlock the ability to explore an entirely different world.
Course Duration and Structure
The SSI Open Water Course is flexible and performance-based, but most students complete it within the following structure:
Part A – Theory and Pool Training
- 5–6 pool sessions
- Each session includes:
- 1 to 1.5 hours at the Dive Centre (theory review and briefings)
-
2 hours in the pool
- Total time commitment:
- Approx. 15–20 hours overall
- Including 10–12 hours of in-water training
Sessions are scheduled to suit you and are typically spread over multiple weeks, although intensive options are available if required.
Part B – Open Water Dives
- 4 open water dives over 2 days
- If completing the Drysuit Specialty:
-
5 dives over 2 days
What Do I Need to Start?
- Minimum age: 10 years old
- Be healthy and reasonably fit
- Please review the Medically Fit to Dive section. If you answer YES to any conditions, a physician’s signature is required before starting.
- Be able to:
- Swim 200 metres continuously
- Float or tread water for 10 minutes
Junior Certifications:
- Ages 10–14 receive a Junior Open Water certification
- Ages 10–12: dive to max 12m with a certified parent/guardian or professional
- Ages 13–15: dive to max 18m with a qualified adult
If aged 10–12, you may wish to start with the SSI Scuba Diver certification and upgrade later.
How the Course Works
After booking, you’ll receive access to the SSI online learning platform, where you will:
- Complete your profile and paperwork
- Work through interactive digital theory modules
Once underway, our team will contact you to schedule your pool sessions.
Training is performance-based, meaning you progress as you demonstrate mastery. If you need additional time, it is naturally built into your training—no pressure.
Before open water, you’ll complete a drysuit orientation session, as all of our open water training is conducted in drysuits. This ensures comfort, warmth, and a far more enjoyable experience.
Open Water Training
When ready, you’ll complete your open water dives—typically at Stoney Cove, although alternative locations may be used.
Course Options
You can choose how to structure and pay for your training:
Option 1: Open Water Course
Option 2: Open Water + Drysuit Specialty
The course is split into two parts:
Part A: Theory & Pool
Includes:
- SSI Open Water eLearning (plus Drysuit if selected)
- All pool sessions and fees
- Full equipment rental (excluding mask, snorkel, wetsuit)
- Air fills
- Professional instruction (HSE compliant)
- Insurance & liability cover
Part B: Open Water Dives
Includes:
- Pool orientation in a drysuit
- 2 days open water training
- Certification fees and digital certification card
Both Part A and Part B are required to achieve your SSI Open Water certification.
Drysuit Specialty (Optional Upgrade)
You’re already training in a drysuit—so why not complete the full specialty?
With just one additional dive, you gain a recognised certification that allows you to hire and dive drysuits worldwide.
(Think of it like a driving licence—you can’t hire without one.)
Standalone value: £250
Equipment
We provide all essential scuba equipment.
You will need:
- Swimwear for pool sessions
- Mask and snorkel
- Optional wetsuit (available in our equipment packages)
When Can I Start?
You can start immediately.
Once booked, your eLearning is assigned and you can begin straight away. Pool sessions are then scheduled around your availability.
Courses run year-round, with training dates planned well in advance to help you achieve your goals.
Quality Matters at Dive Rutland
- Modern, regularly serviced equipment
- Wide range of sizes for comfort and fit
- Air quality independently tested
- Fully insured and HSE compliant
- Instruction exceeds industry standard ratios
Additional Costs
- Open water site entry fees (e.g. Stoney Cove – approx. £27 per day)
- Mask, snorkel, and optional wetsuit
- Optional upgrades:
- 1:1 training
- Intensive courses
Referral Option
Prefer to finish your dives abroad?
Complete your theory and pool training with us, then we’ll connect you with an SSI centre worldwide to complete your open water dives in warmer conditions.
Related Posts?
- How to Choose a Dive Centre We believe this article really should be retitled to How to choose your Instructor
- Understanding Open Water Course Prices
- Training Agencies what part do they play
What's Next after SSI Open Water?
Once you've got your Open Water Diver certification DIVE Rutland can help you progress your Diver rating and continue diving, but working towards your SSI Master Scuba Recognition Award is a great aim.
Is there another way to qualify without doing the Full Open Water Course
Yes, you can complete the SSI Scuba Diver Course, which is pool and two open water dives. This qualifies you to dive to 12metres with a dive professional and then at a later date uplift to the SSI Open Water Certification. This is something we would recommend for those that are 10 - 12 years old as they are restricted to diving with a dive professional and to a depth of 12metres.
Prior to any Diver training course students need to complete a Mandatory Medical Questionaire.
Please ensure that you have read the Medical Statement and are sure that you will be able to commence any diver training PRIOR to paying as our Training Terms Conditions apply after payment has been made.
A doctor's confirmation of fitness to dive is required if you answer YES to any medical condition on the Medical Statement.
Please note that if you need a Physician signoff most of our local surgeries WILL NOT sign this form, we suggest you contact Midlands Dive Chamber 01788 579 555 in this instance.
You can check out the Medical Statement here:
PADI Courses:
PADI Medical Statement
SSI Courses:
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
First Aid
Our team of highly experienced instructors will be on hand to guide you through every step of the way
