QUICK INFO
- DURATION
- 2 days
- MINIMUM AGE
- 15 years
- MAXIMUM DIVE DEPTH
- 40 m
- Open Water Diver certification
SCHEDULE
- DAY 1
- Orientation, Briefings, Knowledge Review, Dives 1 & 2
- DAY 2
- Dives 3 & 4
SSI Deep Diving Specialty
Explore greater depths with confidence
Develop the knowledge and practical skills needed to plan and conduct recreational dives between 18 and 40 metres.
Some of the most memorable dive sites lie beyond the usual Open Water Diver depth range. Deeper reefs, dramatic walls and fascinating wrecks can offer an entirely different underwater experience.
The SSI Deep Diving course teaches you how increased depth affects your dive planning, gas supply and decision-making. Through digital learning and instructor-led open-water training, you will become a more capable and confident deep diver.
- Maximum depth
- 40 metres / 130 feet
- Duration
- 2 days
- Ocean Tribe programme
- 4 training dives
- Minimum age
- 15 years
- Prerequisite
- Open Water Diver or equivalent
What you will learn
Build the skills required for deeper diving
Deep diving introduces new considerations. Your training focuses on careful planning, awareness and control.
Deep-dive planning
Plan recreational dives between 18 and 40 metres while accounting for depth, time and environmental conditions.
Gas management
Calculate gas requirements and monitor your consumption throughout each dive.
Dive-computer use
Use your computer to monitor depth, no-decompression time, ascent rate and safety-stop information.
Nitrogen narcosis
Recognise how increased depth can affect judgement and learn how to respond appropriately.
Equipment considerations
Understand appropriate equipment configurations and preparation procedures for deeper dives.
Problem management
Practise controlled ascents, safety procedures and responses to potential problems at depth.
Ready to take your diving deeper?
Complete your SSI Deep Diving Specialty with Ocean Tribe in Diani Beach, Kenya.
Who Can Join the SSI Deep Diver Specialty?
If you’re already certified and curious about going deeper in a controlled, sensible way, you’re in the right place.
This course is about understanding depth and feeling comfortable there.
Certification
You’ll need an Open Water Diver certification from SSI or an equivalent qualification.
Age
The minimum age is 15 years old.
Medical
You’ll complete the standard diving medical questionnaire before the course. If anything is flagged, clearance from a doctor may be required.
What’s Included in Our SSI Deep Diving Course
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SSI Digital Learning
SSI Deep Diving Digital Learning.
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All Equipment Provided
All dive and snorkel equipment, including air fills and weights.
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Boat Refreshments
Fruit, water and snacks on the boat.
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3 Deep Ocean Dives
3 ocean dives with an SSI Instructor.
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1 Free Fun Dive
Enjoy 1 free ocean fun dive.
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Transfers Within Diani
Transfers within Diani are included.
SSI DEEP DIVING SPECIALTY
HOW THE COURSE WORKS
Learn the knowledge and practical skills needed to dive safely and confidently to depths of up to 40 metres.
TRAINING OVERVIEW
PLAN AND MANAGE DEEP DIVES
Through academic sessions and open-water training dives, you’ll learn how to plan deep dives, use dive computers and calculate gas consumption.
You’ll also develop greater awareness of the considerations and risks associated with diving at depth.
DAY 1
PLANNING & TWO DEEP DIVES
Begin with a briefing and dive-planning session on the boat before completing two deep training dives.
- Boat briefing and dive planning
- Two deep open-water training dives
- Afternoon theory session
- Dive review and learning discussion
DAY 2
FINAL DEEP TRAINING DIVE
Complete your final deep training dive, focusing on planning, gas management and awareness at depth.
- Final deep open-water training dive
- Gas-consumption planning
- Depth awareness and risk management
Optional: add an extra fun or training dive for more time in the water.
Plan carefully. Manage your gas. Explore deeper with confidence.
Photos & Videos
Capture your dive experience by purchasing photos and videos, taken daily by our in-house photo team. Or capture the underwater world yourself by hiring DJI Osmo Action 4 cameras from the front desk.*
Buy Photos* Subject to availability
Build your deep-diving toolkit
USEFUL COURSES TO COMBINE WITH DEEP DIVING
Deep Diving gives you the knowledge and confidence to explore beyond 18 metres. Add specialist training in wreck exploration, equipment configuration, breathing gases and buoyancy to become a more capable and efficient diver at depth.
Explore deeper wrecks
Advanced Wreck Diving
Use your deep-diving skills to access more challenging wreck sites, then learn specialised line handling, gas management and limited-penetration procedures within the light zone.
Explore Advanced Wreck DivingAdd balance and redundancy
Sidemount Diving
Learn a streamlined twin-cylinder configuration that supports balanced trim, flexible gas management and redundancy—valuable advantages when planning deeper and more demanding dives.
Explore Sidemount DivingPlan gas with purpose
Enriched Air Nitrox
Learn to analyse nitrox, understand oxygen limits and plan dives using enriched air. At suitable depths, longer no-decompression limits can give you more useful exploration time.
Explore Enriched Air NitroxImprove control at depth
Perfect Buoyancy
Refine buoyancy, trim and breathing control to move efficiently, conserve gas and maintain stable depth during ascents, safety stops and task-loaded dives.
Explore Perfect BuoyancyThe complete training pathway
Mission Ready Diver Package
Combine Deep Diving, Sidemount Diving, Advanced Wreck Diving and Enriched Air Nitrox in one focused program. Apply the skills together across realistic training dives and become a more capable, confident and self-reliant diver.
Discover Mission Ready DiverWhat You Might See
From turtles cruising the reef to tiny treasures hiding among the corals, every dive brings something different. Here are a few marine-life encounters to look out for around Diani.
Sea turtles
A highlight of Diani’s reefs. Watch for turtles gliding past or resting beneath coral ledges, especially at Galu.
Moray eels
Take a closer look at the reef’s nooks and crannies. You might spot a moray peeking out from its sheltered hiding place.
Lionfish
Striking stripes and fan-like fins make these reef fish a memorable sight. Enjoy watching them with plenty of space.
Nudibranchs
Slow down and look closely. These tiny sea slugs bring a splash of colour to the reef and reward a patient eye.
Manta rays
Keep an eye on the blue for a graceful passing manta. A seasonal possibility rather than an everyday reef encounter.
Whale sharks
An unforgettable encounter if you’re lucky. These ocean giants may visit Diani’s waters during the seasonal window.
Wildlife, not a promise. Sightings vary with the dive site, season and ocean conditions and cannot be guaranteed. Give marine life space, never touch or chase animals, and keep clear of the coral.
SSI Deep Diving Course FAQs
What is the SSI Deep Diving course?
The SSI Deep Diving Specialty teaches certified divers how to plan and complete deeper dives safely and confidently. You’ll learn how depth affects your body, your breathing gas, and your dive plan while training with an experienced SSI Instructor.
How deep can I dive after completing the course?
Once certified, you’ll be trained to dive to a maximum depth of 40 metres—the recreational diving limit—within the conditions and experience covered by your training.
Who can join the course?
You must:
- Be at least 15 years old
- Hold an SSI Open Water Diver certification or an equivalent qualification from another recognised training agency
- Meet the standard diving medical requirements
You do not need to hold an Advanced Open Water certification.
How long does the course take?
The course takes two days and includes digital learning, dive planning, theory sessions, and three open-water training dives.
Do I need to complete any theory?
Yes. You’ll complete SSI Digital Learning through the MySSI app. This covers deep-dive planning, gas management, nitrogen narcosis, dive computers, and important safety considerations.
How many training dives are included?
The course includes three deep open-water training dives below 18 metres, progressing to a maximum depth of 40 metres when conditions and your comfort level allow.
Will every training dive reach 40 metres?
Not necessarily. Depths are increased progressively according to the training objectives, local conditions, and your experience and comfort in the water. Safety always comes first.
What skills will I learn?
You’ll learn how to:
- Plan and conduct deep dives
- Calculate and manage gas consumption
- Use a dive computer at depth
- Recognise and manage nitrogen narcosis
- Maintain awareness of depth, time, and no-decompression limits
- Complete safety stops and respond to potential problems
Is diving equipment included?
Yes. Standard scuba equipment, air fills, and weights are included. Ocean Tribe also provides fruit, drinking water, and snacks on the boat.
Is transport included?
Transfers within the Diani Beach area are included. Confirm your accommodation location with the Ocean Tribe team when booking.
Do I need a medical certificate?
Everyone must complete a diver medical questionnaire. If you answer “yes” to certain questions or have a relevant medical condition or medication, you may need clearance from a doctor before diving.
Is there a fun dive included?
Yes. The current course package includes one complimentary fun dive, giving you another opportunity to enjoy Diani’s underwater world and put your new skills into practice.
What certification will I receive?
After completing the digital learning, three training dives, and all course requirements, you’ll receive the internationally recognised SSI Deep Diving Specialty certification.
Why take the course in Diani, Kenya?
Diani offers warm tropical water, coral reefs, deeper walls, and wreck-diving opportunities. It is an excellent setting for developing deeper-diving skills while discovering Kenya’s rich marine life.
How can I book?
The course is offered regularly, subject to availability and diving conditions. You can reserve your place through Ocean Tribe’s online booking calendar or contact the team directly to confirm suitable dates.
Course information: SSI Deep Diving course
