SSI Open Water Course – Complete Your Certification Abroad with Dive Rutland
The underwater world is Earth’s final frontier, and learning to dive is your passport to explore it.
Scuba diving lets you experience true weightlessness — the closest you’ll get to being an astronaut, right here on Earth!
With Dive Rutland, you can start your journey in the UK and finish your certification abroad on one of our carefully organised dive trips, such as Roots Red Sea, Egypt (May 2026). Train with familiar instructors, warm water, great visibility, and an incredible reef on your doorstep.
As part of this package offering we also include the SSI Enriched Air Speciality
What Do I need to Start the SSI Open Water Course?
- Be older than ten years old
- Be healthy and reasonably fit - please read the section below Medically Fit to Dive because if you have any YES (on page 2) then you will need a Physician signature prior to commencing on the course
- Be able to swim 200metres continuously and float / tread water for 10 minutes
NOTE: For those that are younger than 15 a Junior Open Water certification will be issued.
Between the ages of 10 - 12 years juniors may only dive with a dive professional to a maximum depth of 12 metres, 13 - 15 years they may dive with qualified responsible adult to a maximum depth of 18 metres (dive professional restriction removed)
If between 10 and 12 years old, consider the SSI Scuba Diver certification and then an uplift to the full Open Water certification when 12 years or older to gain the additional depth rating.
How the Open Water Course Works
The SSI Open Water Diver programme is divided into two parts — theory & pool training in the UK (Part A), and open water dives abroad (Part B).
Part A: Theory and Pool – Here at Dive Rutland
Once you sign up, we’ll assign your SSI Open Water and Enriched Air eLearning, so you can start studying right away.
You’ll then complete a series of pool sessions with our experienced instructors — learning buoyancy control, equipment setup, and essential safety skills in a calm, supportive environment.
Part B: Open Water Dives – Complete Them Abroad with Dive Rutland
When you’re ready, it’s time to head to warmer waters! 🌞
Join us on a Dive Rutland trip — such as Roots Red Sea in Egypt — where you’ll complete your four open water dives under the guidance of our instructors.
Enjoy stunning reefs, tropical temperatures and crystal-clear visibility while earning your full SSI Open Water Diver certification. You’ll finish your course surrounded by vibrant marine life, not chilly quarry water!
What’s Included in Your Course
Part A (Theory & Pool):
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SSI Open Water (and optional Drysuit Diver) eLearning
-
All pool fees
-
Full use of modern Dive Rutland equipment (excl. mask, snorkel & wetsuit)
-
Instruction from our qualified, insured dive professionals
-
Fun, flexible learning at your own pace
Part B (Open Water):
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2 days of open water training dives (4 dives total)
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Certification fees and digital certification card
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Complete your dives abroad with us on a Dive Rutland trip
-
SSI eLearning access for course review and completion
(Please note: trip costs are not included in the course fee.)
Why Complete Your Open Water Dives Abroad?
✅ Warm, clear water – perfect conditions to build confidence
✅ Relaxed environment and small group ratios
✅ Dive with your familiar Dive Rutland instructors
✅ Make it a full diving holiday — learn, qualify and explore!
What’s Included in Your Course
Part A (Theory & Pool):
-
SSI Open Water and Enriched Air eLearning
-
All pool fees
-
Full use of modern Dive Rutland equipment (excl. mask, snorkel & wetsuit)
-
Instruction from our qualified, insured dive professionals
-
Fun, flexible learning at your own pace
Part B (Open Water):
-
2 days of open water training dives (4 dives total)
-
Certification fees and digital certification card
-
Complete your dives abroad with us on a Dive Rutland trip
-
SSI eLearning access for course review and completion
(Please note: trip costs are not included in the course fee.)
🏖️ Why Complete Your Open Water Dives Abroad?
✅ Warm, clear water – perfect conditions to build confidence
✅ Relaxed environment and small group ratios
✅ Dive with your familiar Dive Rutland instructors
✅ Make it a full diving holiday — learn, qualify and explore!
Quality Matters at Dive Rutland
All equipment is modern and regularly serviced. We have a large range of school equipment to fit all sizes and shapes. Our breathing air quality is monitored and externally verified regularly.
We are fully insured and meet all legal obligations placed upon us. This includes full risk management and our staffing ratios exceed industry standard requirements
Our day to day operations are fully compliant with UK HSE
Dive Equipment Package Available
We have a number of equipment packages with Mask, Snorkel and Wetsuit (long or shorty) available
Have a look at our packages here
Are there any Additional Costs?
Yes, Trip is not included.
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.
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