SSI Open Water Referral Course
Underwater is Earth's final frontier, one of the few ways left to explore our world is to be able to dive.
Diving allows you to experience weightlessness, just like being in space. It is the nearest you will get to be an astronaut or sharing space, so learn to dive, giving you the ability and the skills to experience and explore the inner world.
What Do I need to Start the SSI Open Water Referral 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 200 metres continuously and float / tread water for 10 minutes
What is the Open Water Referral program; this is where you complete the classroom and pool sessions here with us in the UK. Then, we connect you with an SSI diver centre abroad so you can finish the program in warm, tropical waters.
What Will I do during the Open Water Referral course?
After signing up, you will be sent an e-mail allowing access to the SSI online academics. Before these are assigned you will update your profile (name, address, digital head and shoulder picture of yourself and complete the online paperwork) and then the elearning will be assigned to allow you to start the learning process. The multimedia academics with videos and multiple-choice questions keep learning fun and ensure you are prepared for your water sessions.
Once this has occured then a member of the Dive Rutland team will be in contact to arrange your pool training dates or if you wish to discuss those prior to booking please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss
Over several pool sessions (generally five / six ), you will complete the five confined water dives whilst completing some theory consolidation and application during the dry times prior to the pool.
SSI programmes are performance based, and you proceed as demonstrate mastery of the course skills. This allows you to work comfortably, so do not worry if you need more time than extra built into your training schedule automatically. Although we say five or six sessions, it could be more, which equates to 10 - 12 hours of in water pool time.
Diving is like that first driving lesson (for those that drive!) or starting a new job (for those that work!) doing something for the first time can be a bit daunting but with time and practice soon becomes second nature.
Materials for the Open Water Course
At Dive Rutland we provide you with all of the equipment you need to have fun, explore and become a safe and knowledgeable diver this includes learning about the fundamentals of scuba diving, all dive equipment and techniques.
All you need to provide is your own swimming attire for the pool and a few additional items of clothing for the open water part, as well as mask, snorkel and if required a wetsuit (see later on for link to equipment packages)
When Can I Start the Open Water Referral Course?
You can start NOW, once you have purchased the course we will assign via the SSI app the online elearning element of your course which you can then start working through immediately.
Dive Rutland is committed to helping you learn to dive at a pace that suits you, courses are running all of the time and are regularly scheduled.
Our Open Water training days are scheduled months in advance giving us the ability to plan your course to achieve by dates that suit you
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
Open Water Referral Course:
Theory and Pool
Included in the Part A Price is:-
- SSI Open Water Elearning
- All Pool Fees
- Dive Rutland Dive Professional(s), working within HSE guidelines and recommendations
- Fully insured and professional liability
- Full SCUBA Diving Equipment Rental and air fills (excl Mask, Snorkel and Wetsuit); and
- Great Training
If you decide to finish the open water dives with us here at Dive Rutland then you will complete Part B of the Open Water course
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, Mask, Snorkel and if you choose Wetsuit. Our Dive Equipment Package is great value!
Yes, if you want a 121 course - contact us to discuss and / or arrange
Yes, if you want an unadvertised intensive course - contact us to discuss and / or arrange
Yes, if you want a 121 AND intensive course - contact us to discuss and / or arrange
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
