SSI Open Water Diver Course (Part B)
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SSI Open Water Part B – Become a Certified Diver
Complete your open water dives and become certified
Open Water Part B is the final stage of your beginner diving journey. This is where you take the skills and confidence you built in Part A and complete the open water dives needed to become an SSI Open Water Diver.
Complete the Final Stage of Your Open Water Journey
Open Water Part B is where everything comes together.
By this stage, you have already started your journey. You have completed, or are completing, the theory and pool-based training that gives you the core knowledge, safety skills, buoyancy practice, equipment familiarity, and confidence needed before moving into open water.
Part B is the achievement stage. It is where you complete your open water training dives, apply what you have learned in real diving conditions, and earn your SSI Open Water Diver certification.
This is not just the final part of a course. It is the point where you become a qualified diver and open the door to club diving, dive trips, holidays, equipment, specialties, and a much bigger underwater world.
Quick Summary
What it is: The open water completion stage of your SSI Open Water Diver certification.
Who it is for: Divers who have completed their theory and pool training, also known as Part A or referral training, and are ready to complete their qualifying open water dives.
What you do: Complete 4 open water training dives over 2 days with Dive Rutland instructors.
What you achieve: Your SSI Open Water Diver certification, once all course requirements are successfully completed.
Best for: Students who want a supported, structured route from pool training to becoming a confident certified diver.
The simple version
Part A builds your foundations. Part B completes your certification. Together, they take you from beginner to qualified diver.
Why Open Water Part B Matters
Pool training is where you learn the skills. Open water is where those skills start to become real diving ability.
During Part B, you move beyond the controlled pool environment and begin applying your training in real open water conditions. You will practise core diving skills, build confidence with your equipment, experience buoyancy in a different environment, and complete the dives required for certification.
This stage matters because it bridges the gap between learning about diving and actually becoming a diver.
What Part B helps you achieve
- Complete your certification: Finish the required open water dives for SSI Open Water Diver.
- Build real diving confidence: Apply your pool skills in a proper open water environment.
- Get comfortable outside the pool: Learn how diving feels when visibility, depth, temperature, and space are different.
- Become more independent: Develop the awareness and control needed for future supervised or buddy diving.
- Open your next chapter: Once certified, you can continue into club diving, trips, specialties, equipment, and further training.
This is where you become a diver
Open Water Part B is not about rushing you through four dives. It is about helping you finish the journey properly, safely, and with the confidence to keep diving afterwards.
Who Open Water Part B Is For
This page is for students who are ready to complete the final stage of their Open Water Diver certification.
This is usually right for you if:
- You have completed your SSI Open Water theory and pool training with Dive Rutland.
- You have completed an Open Water Referral or Part A programme and now need your open water dives.
- You are ready to move from pool skills into real open water training.
- You want to complete your certification with a supportive, safety-focused team.
- You want to keep diving after certification through trips, club diving, and further training.
This may not be the right starting point if:
- You have never tried scuba diving before.
- You have not completed the required theory and pool training.
- You are unsure whether diving is right for you yet.
- You still feel very nervous in the water and need more pool time first.
- You are looking for a one-off experience rather than certification.
Not sure where you fit?
If you are brand new, start with Try Scuba. If you are ready to learn properly, start with Open Water Part A. If you have already completed your theory and pool training, Part B is likely your next step.
What Happens During Open Water Part B?
Open Water Part B is the practical open water completion stage of the SSI Open Water Diver course.
You will complete your open water training dives with Dive Rutland instructors, usually over 2 days. These dives are designed to help you apply your previous training, demonstrate key skills, and build confidence in real diving conditions.
Typical Part B Structure
| Stage | What Happens | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation | Paperwork, kit checks, briefing, dive planning, and site orientation. | Helps you understand what to expect and reduces uncertainty before getting in the water. |
| Drysuit Orientation | If training in UK open water, you will complete orientation for diving in a drysuit. | Helps keep you warmer, more comfortable, and better prepared for UK conditions. |
| Open Water Dives | You complete 4 open water training dives over 2 days. | These dives complete the practical open water requirements for certification. |
| Skill Application | You demonstrate and apply the skills learned during Part A in a real diving environment. | This turns pool-based learning into genuine diving ability. |
| Certification | Once all requirements are successfully completed, your SSI Open Water Diver certification is issued. | You become a certified diver and can continue your diving journey. |
Where Does Open Water Training Take Place?
Open water training is typically completed at an appropriate UK open water training site, such as Stoney Cove, although alternative locations may be used depending on dates, conditions, and scheduling.
The aim is not just to complete dives. The aim is to give you a safe, structured, supported environment where you can build confidence and finish your certification properly.
Open water is different from the pool
Open water can feel different because of temperature, visibility, depth, space, and natural conditions. That is exactly why Part A exists first: to make sure you have the foundations before moving into this stage.
What You Achieve After Open Water Part B
Once you have successfully completed all required elements, you will earn your SSI Open Water Diver certification.
This is the qualification most people are aiming for when they say they want to “learn to dive.” It gives you the foundation to continue diving, gain experience, join trips, explore new locations, and build your skills through further training.
After certification, you can:
- Join suitable Dive Rutland club dives and trips.
- Continue diving in the UK or abroad.
- Progress into specialties such as Drysuit, Enriched Air, Navigation, Perfect Buoyancy, or Deep Diving when ready.
- Start building experience toward higher diver recognition levels.
- Begin choosing your own equipment with better understanding and confidence.
Certification is the start, not the end
Once you qualify, Dive Rutland can help you keep diving, gain confidence, choose equipment, join trips, and continue progressing as a diver.
What You Need Before Starting Part B
Because Open Water Part B is the completion stage, you need to have the correct foundations in place before booking or attending.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 10 years old. Junior certification restrictions apply for younger divers. |
| Training Prerequisite | You must have completed the required Open Water theory and pool training, also known as Part A or referral training. |
| Medical Fitness | You must complete the required diving medical questionnaire. If you answer yes to relevant medical questions, a physician’s sign-off may be required before training. |
| Water Comfort | You must be able to swim 200 metres continuously and float or tread water for 10 minutes. |
| Paperwork | Your SSI profile, digital paperwork, and required training records must be complete before certification can be issued. |
Junior Diver Information
Divers under 15 receive a Junior Open Water certification. Age-related depth and supervision limits apply:
- Ages 10–12: Maximum depth of 12 metres, with appropriate supervision requirements.
- Ages 13–15: Maximum depth of 18 metres, with qualified adult supervision requirements.
If you are booking for a younger diver and are unsure which route is most appropriate, please contact Dive Rutland before booking so the team can guide you properly.
What's Included in Open Water Part B?
Open Water Part B includes the training and certification elements needed to complete the open water stage of your SSI Open Water Diver course.
| Included | What This Means |
|---|---|
| 2 days of open water training | Your open water completion dives are normally completed over 2 days. |
| 4 open water dives | These are the required open water dives for SSI Open Water Diver certification. |
| Dive Rutland instructional team | Training is delivered by qualified, insured Dive Rutland professionals. |
| Certification processing | Your SSI digital certification card is issued once all course requirements are successfully completed. |
| Structured support | You are guided through the open water stage with clear briefings, supervision, and support. |
Equipment
Dive Rutland provides essential scuba training equipment as part of the course structure, subject to the option booked and availability. You will normally need to provide or arrange personal items such as mask, snorkel, and suitable exposure protection where required.
If you are unsure what equipment you need, contact us before booking. We can help you understand what is included, what you need to bring, and whether an equipment package would be useful.
Additional Costs to Budget For
One of the most important parts of a good diving journey is pricing clarity. We want you to understand what is included and what may be extra before you commit.
| Potential Additional Cost | Why It May Apply |
|---|---|
| Open water site entry fees | Training sites usually charge entrance fees. For example, Stoney Cove is approximately £27 per day. |
| Travel | You are responsible for travel to and from the open water training site. |
| Food and accommodation | If required, these are not included unless specifically stated as part of a separate trip package. |
| Mask and snorkel | These are personal-fit items and are often purchased separately. |
| Optional equipment package | Dive Rutland can advise on suitable mask, snorkel, wetsuit, or other package options where needed. |
| Extra training time | If additional support or bespoke 1:1 training is required, this may be arranged separately. |
Ask before booking if you are unsure
If you are comparing course prices, make sure you compare what is actually included. We are happy to explain the full route clearly so there are no surprises later.
Why Complete Open Water Part B with Dive Rutland?
The final stage of your Open Water Diver course should feel supported, structured, and confidence-building. It should not feel like you are being rushed through a checklist.
Dive Rutland focuses on quality, safety, and progression. The aim is not simply to issue a certification card. The aim is to help you become a diver who feels ready to keep diving after the course.
What makes the Dive Rutland approach different?
- Progression-focused training: Part B is treated as the natural final step after your foundations, not as an isolated product.
- Supportive instruction: You are guided by qualified professionals who understand beginner nerves and open water confidence.
- Modern, maintained equipment: Dive Rutland uses regularly serviced equipment and supports students with kit guidance.
- Safety and compliance: Training is delivered by insured professionals working within appropriate standards and UK expectations.
- Real next steps after certification: You can continue into club diving, trips, equipment advice, drysuit training, specialties, and further progression.
We do not just certify divers
The goal is to help you feel confident enough to keep diving. Certification matters, but what really matters is what you are able to do with it afterwards.
Should I Complete Part B in the UK or Abroad?
Some students complete their open water dives in the UK. Others prefer to complete their dives abroad in warmer water as part of a trip or referral route.
There is no single right answer for everyone. The best choice depends on your confidence, availability, travel plans, budget, and whether you want to continue diving regularly in the UK after certification.
Completing Part B in the UK can be a good choice if:
- You want to finish your certification without waiting for a holiday.
- You want experience in UK diving conditions.
- You plan to join local dives, club trips, or continue diving with Dive Rutland.
- You want to build confidence in drysuit or cooler-water conditions.
Completing Part B abroad may suit you if:
- You already have a holiday planned.
- You prefer warmer water and higher visibility for your first open water dives.
- You want to finish your certification as part of a diving trip.
- You have completed Part A with us and want guidance on the best referral option.
If you are unsure which option is right for you, speak to the Dive Rutland team before booking. We can help you choose the route that makes the most sense for your goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Open Water Part B?
Open Water Part B is the open water completion stage of the SSI Open Water Diver course. It is where you complete your required open water training dives and, once all course requirements are met, become certified.
Is Part B the same as the full Open Water Diver course?
No. The full Open Water Diver journey includes both Part A and Part B. Part A covers theory and pool training. Part B covers the open water completion dives. You need both stages to achieve certification.
How many dives are included?
The standard Open Water Part B includes 4 open water training dives, usually completed over 2 days.
Where are the dives completed?
Open water training is normally completed at a suitable UK open water training site, such as Stoney Cove, although locations may vary depending on dates, conditions, and scheduling.
Do I need to have completed Part A first?
Yes. Part B is for students who have already completed the required theory and pool training, either with Dive Rutland or through a suitable referral route.
What if I did my referral training somewhere else?
Contact us before booking. We will need to check your training records, agency, paperwork, medical status, and whether your previous training meets the requirements for completing Part B with us.
Will I be certified after Part B?
Once you successfully complete all required theory, pool, open water, paperwork, and performance requirements, your SSI Open Water Diver certification can be issued.
Do I need a medical?
You must complete the required diving medical questionnaire. If your answers indicate that physician approval is needed, this must be completed before training can begin.
Do I need to be able to swim?
Yes. Open Water Diver students must be able to swim 200 metres continuously and float or tread water for 10 minutes.
What if I am nervous about open water?
That is completely normal. Part A is designed to build your confidence before this stage. During Part B, your instructors will brief you clearly, support you through the dives, and help you progress safely. If you feel you need more pool time first, speak to us before booking.
Will it be cold?
UK open water can be cooler than a swimming pool or tropical destination. That is why exposure protection and drysuit orientation are important parts of preparing for UK diving. Being comfortable helps you learn better and enjoy the experience more.
Can I complete my open water dives abroad instead?
Yes, many students choose to complete open water dives abroad through a referral or organised trip route. If that is your preferred option, contact us so we can help you understand the best pathway.
What happens if I need more time?
SSI training is performance-based, which means the focus is on mastering the required skills rather than simply following a fixed timetable. If you need additional support, the team can advise on the best next step.
What happens after I become certified?
After certification, you can continue diving, join suitable trips, gain experience, explore equipment options, and progress into specialties such as Drysuit, Enriched Air, Perfect Buoyancy, Navigation, or Deep Diving when ready.
Take the Final Step Towards Becoming a Certified Diver
If you have completed your theory and pool training, Open Water Part B is the next natural step.
This is where you move from practising skills to using them in real diving conditions. It is where you complete the dives, earn the certification, and begin the next chapter of your underwater life.
Whether your goal is UK diving, warm-water holidays, club trips, family adventures, or simply proving to yourself that you can do something extraordinary, this is the stage that makes it real.
Ready to complete your certification?
Book Open Water Part B or contact Dive Rutland if you are unsure whether this is the right next step. We will help you confirm your training status, explain what you need, and guide you through the final stage.
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
