SSI Nudibranch Ecology
- All Core Scuba Equipment
- All Course Materials and Certification
- Services of your Highly Trained and Professional Instructor and Support Team
Few marine creatures capture a diver's imagination quite like nudibranchs. These colourful sea slugs come in an incredible variety of shapes, sizes and colours, making them a favourite subject for underwater photographers and marine life enthusiasts alike.
The SSI Nudibranch Ecology Speciality introduces you to the fascinating world of nudibranchs, helping you understand their biology, behaviour, habitats and the important role they play in marine ecosystems.
The SSI Nudibranch Ecology program provides you with the knowledge needed to identify nudibranchs, understand their life cycles and behaviour, and appreciate the remarkable diversity of these fascinating marine animals.
Whether you're diving in UK waters or exploring tropical reefs, this speciality will help you discover an entirely new level of detail on every dive.
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
A passion for marine life and the underwater world
Your training begins with the SSI digital learning materials, where you will discover the amazing adaptations and diversity of nudibranchs found throughout the world's oceans.
During the course you will learn:
🐌 What nudibranchs are and how they are classified
🐌 The anatomy and unique characteristics of nudibranchs
🐌 How nudibranchs feed, reproduce and defend themselves
🐌 The different families and species found around the world
🐌 How nudibranchs use camouflage, warning colours and chemical defences
🐌 The habitats where nudibranchs are commonly found
🐌 How divers can locate and identify nudibranchs underwater
🐌 The ecological importance of nudibranchs within marine ecosystems
You will gain a deeper appreciation for these often-overlooked creatures and develop the skills to spot and identify them on future dives.
As part of the course you will receive access to the SSI Nudibranch Ecology digital learning materials through the SSI App.
You can complete the course entirely through eLearning or choose to attend an optional classroom session with one of our SSI Professionals to explore the subject in greater detail.
eLearning Only:
Complete the course at your own pace through the SSI App.
eLearning + Classroom Session:
Approximately 2–3 hours, including discussion, identification techniques and examples from UK and international dive sites.
There are no additional diving costs for this course as it is a dry speciality.
Once you start looking for nudibranchs, you'll never look at a dive in the same way again. These tiny and often spectacular creatures can be found hiding in places many divers swim straight past.
Whether you're diving the rich waters of the UK coastline or exploring vibrant tropical reefs, you'll soon discover that finding nudibranchs can become highly addictive!
Why not combine this speciality with Marine Ecology, Fish Identification, or Underwater Photography to get even more from your underwater adventures?
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 underwater world.
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