Manta and Ray Ecology
- All Core Scuba Equipment
- All Course Materials and Certification
- Services of your Highly Trained and Professional Instructor and Support Team
SSI Manta & Ray Ecology
Discover the fascinating world of manta rays, stingrays and their relatives.
Few underwater encounters are as memorable as watching a graceful manta ray glide effortlessly through the water or seeing a ray resting quietly on the seabed. These incredible animals have fascinated divers for generations, but there is much more to them than their impressive appearance.
The SSI Manta & Ray Ecology programme introduces you to the amazing world of rays and helps you understand their biology, behaviour and importance within marine ecosystems.
This dry speciality is perfect for divers who want to learn more about the animals they encounter underwater and develop a deeper appreciation of the marine environment.
What will you learn?
During the SSI Manta & Ray Ecology programme, you will discover:
- The different species of rays found around the world
- The differences between manta rays, stingrays and other ray species
- How rays are adapted to survive in different marine environments
- Their feeding habits, behaviours and life cycles
- The role rays play within healthy ocean ecosystems
- The threats facing manta rays and other ray species
- How divers can help support marine conservation
Why learn about Manta Rays and Rays?
Manta rays and their relatives are some of the most misunderstood animals in our oceans. From tiny bottom-dwelling rays to enormous oceanic manta rays, they are an important part of marine ecosystems and provide some of the most incredible wildlife encounters a diver can experience.
Understanding these animals makes every future dive more rewarding. Instead of simply seeing a ray pass by, you’ll understand what you are seeing, how it behaves, and why protecting these species matters.
A dry speciality — learn at your own pace
The SSI Manta & Ray Ecology programme is a dry course, meaning there are no pool sessions or open water dives required.
You can complete the learning through SSI eLearning at your own pace, making it an ideal speciality to complete between dives or alongside other training.
Course Information
Minimum age: 10 years old
Prerequisites: SSI Scuba Diver or equivalent certification
Course type: Dry speciality
Training method: SSI eLearning
Continue your diving journey
Every speciality you complete helps you become a more knowledgeable and confident diver. Whether you dream of diving with manta rays in tropical waters, spotting rays on UK dives, or simply understanding more about the underwater world, SSI Manta & Ray Ecology helps you see the ocean differently.
Start your journey into the world of rays today.
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:
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