SSI Marine Invertebrate Ecology
- All Core Scuba Equipment
- All Course Materials and Certification
- Services of your Highly Trained and Professional Instructor and Support Team
The underwater world is full of incredible creatures that often go unnoticed. From colourful sea stars and delicate shrimp to fascinating octopus, crabs and corals, marine invertebrates make up some of the most diverse and important life forms in our oceans.
The SSI Marine Invertebrate Ecology Speciality introduces you to these amazing animals, helping you understand their biology, behaviour, adaptations and the vital roles they play within marine ecosystems.
The SSI Marine Invertebrate Ecology program provides you with the knowledge needed to identify common marine invertebrates, understand their characteristics and discover how they interact with their environment.
This dry speciality is perfect for divers, snorkellers, ocean enthusiasts and anyone who wants to look closer at the smaller creatures that make our oceans so fascinating.
Through SSI digital learning and optional classroom discussion, you will explore the incredible diversity of marine invertebrates and gain a greater appreciation of the underwater world.
This Speciality certification also counts as one of the four Speciality certifications required for your SSI Master Scuba Diver certification.
You need to be 10 years old or over
No previous diving certification is required
An interest in marine life and the underwater environment
Your learning begins with the SSI digital materials, where you will explore the incredible variety of invertebrate life found throughout the world's oceans.
During the course you will learn:
🦀 The different groups of marine invertebrates and how they are classified
🦐 The biology and unique adaptations of invertebrates
🐙 How animals such as octopus, squid, crustaceans and molluscs survive underwater
⭐ The importance of echinoderms such as sea stars and sea urchins
🪸 The role corals and other invertebrates play within marine ecosystems
🌊 How marine invertebrates interact with their environment and other species
🔎 How to observe and identify invertebrates responsibly while diving
You will discover that some of the most fascinating underwater encounters are often found hiding in the smallest places.
As part of the course you will receive access to the SSI Marine Invertebrate Ecology digital learning materials through the SSI App.
You can complete the course entirely through eLearning or choose to join an optional classroom session with one of our SSI Professionals to explore the topics further, discuss real-world examples and share experiences.
eLearning Only:
Complete the course at your own pace through the SSI App.
eLearning + Classroom Session:
Approximately 2–3 hours, including discussion, examples and exploration of fascinating marine species.
There are no additional diving costs for this course as it is a dry speciality.
Once you start looking closer, you’ll realise every dive site is full of life waiting to be discovered.
Marine invertebrates are often the hidden stars of the underwater world, and understanding them can completely change the way you experience your dives.
Why not combine this speciality with Marine Ecology, Fish Identification, Nudibranch Ecology, or Underwater Photography to develop your knowledge and appreciation of the underwater environment?
It’s not all about training… you should have the knowledge, but most importantly come diving with us and apply what you have learnt. Join our trips, share your discoveries, make new friends and continue exploring the amazing world beneath the surface.
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:
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
Our team of highly experienced instructors will be on hand to guide you through every step of the way
★★★★★Outstanding experience especially for young divers!
We had an absolutely fantastic experience with dive Rutland ! Tracy and the entire team was very friendly, helpful, and professional from start to finish. They went above and beyond to support our 13 year old for their open water course and her drysuit training.
What really stood out was the patience and care shown throughout the process. The instructors took the time to explain everything clearly, made our
daughter feel confident and safe , and ensured they progressed at a comfortable pace. It was never rushed - just supportive , thorough instructions from a team who clearly loves what they do.
Highly recommend Dive Rutland to anyone - especially families or younger divers. We’re so grateful for the experience and can’t wait to come back!Simon PerrinUK
★★★★★#1 training centre in my eyes. The team are friendly, courteous and astute to your individual needs and capability. Of course you’d expect to come away with a certification after paying your money; however, you come away with far more than the basic knowledge and skills to pass the certification, you come away feeling capable and competent and with a group of people you want to keep in touch with as friends and dive with more. Keep it up Dive Rutland!
Mark ConnellyUK
★★★★★Thank you for a great insightful course, which made me appreciate more what was happening around me during my diving trips.The patience and knowledge of all the staff made it a great experience overall.See you in the water soon
Agnes WelhamUK
★★★★★Drysuit Speciality - Was excellent. From the first briefing at the shop. To the pool dive. To the real thing at Stoney Cove (my first time there!). Great mix of professional efficiency with real world fun. Always felt safe. Not the best of weather, but I stayed bone dry. No hesitation in recommending Tracey and the team to anyone considering taking up diving, like me. But be warned, it’s addictive!! Special thanks to Rob
John LawerenceUK
★★★★★Outstanding experience especially for young divers!
We had an absolutely fantastic experience with dive Rutland ! Tracy and the entire team was very friendly, helpful, and professional from start to finish. They went above and beyond to support our 13 year old for their open water course and her drysuit training.
What really stood out was the patience and care shown throughout the process. The instructors took the time to explain everything clearly, made our
daughter feel confident and safe , and ensured they progressed at a comfortable pace. It was never rushed - just supportive , thorough instructions from a team who clearly loves what they do.
Highly recommend Dive Rutland to anyone - especially families or younger divers. We’re so grateful for the experience and can’t wait to come back!Simon HunterUK