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Unforgettable aquatic adventures for kids – Go underwater and discover the wonder of Snorkel, Scuba, Mermaid, and Freediving Explorer programs
The SSI Classified Diving program has been created to enable persons with disabilities who might not be able to earn full certifications the ability to dive and get certified with different safety parameters. Learn to work with disabled divers.
If you’re planning to become a scuba diving instructor, you’ve probably come across the PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC). While the PADI IDC has long been a popular option, it’s not the only route to a rewarding career as a dive professional. Today, more divers are choosing the SSI Instructor Training Course (ITC) as the smarter, more flexible alternative to the PADI IDC.
Here’s why the SSI pathway makes sense for both your wallet and your future career.
One of the biggest reasons divers look for an alternative to the PADI IDC is cost. The total price of the PADI IDC plus instructor evaluation and required crew packs and application fees.can easily exceed USD $3,000, not including required crew packs and application fees.
By comparison, the SSI Instructor Training Course (ITC) is often significantly more affordable. At Ocean Tribe, the complete SSI ITC including materials, instructor evaluation, and application fees costs around USD $2,250, saving you up to USD $750 or more from the start. See below for an exact comparison to how our instructor courses cost up.
SSI’s training materials are fully digital and included in the price so you won’t face unexpected expenses for manuals or extra crew packs.
It is not just a case of “you get what you pay for” with PADI’s higher pricing. But becoming a dive instructor can be an expensive affair so you want to make sure you get the maximum value.
The PADI IDC requires you to follow a rigid sequence when teaching skills which can make it harder to adapt to your students’ needs.
The SSI Instructor Course focuses on flexibility. You can rearrange skills as needed to match student pace and comfort levels. This adaptive approach often leads to better learning outcomes and makes you a more versatile instructor.
Take a look at the SSI Scuba Diving Training Standards Free
Some aspiring instructors worry that an SSI certification won’t open as many job doors as PADI. The reality is very different:
By choosing the SSI Instructor Course, you’ll gain access to a broad global network of employment opportunities. If anything there is a scarcity of SSI Instructors at the moment and there are dive centres who want to run SSI programs looking to recruit more.
Another major advantage of the SSI Instructor Course is the quality and practicality of the training materials you receive.
A serious plus of the SSI system is how accessible the Instructor Teaching Guides are. While they are also available as downloadable PDF instructor manuals like PADI, SSI has gone a step further by fully integrating them into the MySSI App. When teaching any course, the instructor simply clicks the “Pro” button on the same digital learning page the student is using, and the complete teaching guide and standards for that subject appear instantly. This makes lesson planning and course delivery incredibly simple, as all the required information is right at your fingertips on any device. It is a huge time-saver, eliminates the need to carry bulky manuals, and allows instructors to remain fully focused on their students.
SSI provides professional-grade Wetnotes instead of the bulky collection of instructor slates used by PADI.
In short, SSI Wetnotes are built for efficiency, durability, and convenience, helping you stay organised and professional in every teaching environment.
By contrast, the PADI system requires instructors to carry a large, bulky stack of separate slates for each course which can be cumbersome in the water, difficult to travel with, and prone to wear and tear.
If you’re already a PADI Divemaster or Instructor, SSI makes it straightforward to cross over.
This makes SSI a flexible option whether you’re starting fresh or already hold professional-level certifications with another agency.
Becoming an SSI Instructor isn’t just about saving on initial training costs. It also brings long-term benefits as you progress in your career:
These advantages add up quickly, especially for instructors working full-time or seasonally in different destinations.
Ocean Tribe’s upcoming SSI ITC includes bonus specialty instructor ratings for those who book early. For example, if you register before 10th August for our 1st September 2025 ITC, you’ll receive:
These come in addition to the standard specialties you’ll already be qualified to teach as an SSI Open Water Instructor.
If you’re comparing the PADI IDC with other options, the SSI Instructor Training Course is the best-value alternative to the PADI IDC. It’s more cost-effective, provides teaching flexibility, gives you industry-leading training materials, and offers equal (or greater) access to worldwide job opportunities.
At Ocean Tribe in Diani Beach, Kenya, we’ve helped divers from around the world launch their professional careers through our SSI ITC.
At Ocean Tribe, we made a deliberate decision to run the SSI Instructor Training Course instead of the PADI IDC because it aligns better with how we believe professional dive training should be delivered. Our Instructor Trainer Mark was an active PADI Course Director for 17 years. It was not a decision we took lightly. SSI’s flexible teaching philosophy allows us to tailor training to the strengths and needs of each candidate rather than follow a rigid checklist. The course materials are more modern and practical, with everything instructors need in one streamlined system. The lower costs and the long-term benefits for our graduates, such as the SSI Rewards system and reduced annual renewal fees, also ensure that becoming a dive professional remains accessible. Most importantly, SSI offers our candidates equal worldwide job opportunities with a growing network of dive centres. This combination of flexibility, value, and career support makes SSI the perfect choice for those serious about building a lasting career in the dive industry.
As a comparison just on the price terms for the aspiring dive instructor here our our current SSI pricing vs the previous PADI IDCs we ran last year according to local pricing. Where Euros and British pounds are shown is where we converted to USD according to the rate at the time of publishing on xe.com
| SSI | PADI | ||||
| Instructor Training Course | US$999.00 | IDC/EFR Instructor Course | US$1250.00 | ||
| Instructor Crewpack & Wetnotes/Slate | US$450.00 | Instructor Crewpack and Slates | US$750.00 | ||
| Instructor Evaluation | US$577.00 | €500.00 | Instructor Examination | US$265.15 | £198.00 |
| One Time SSI Pro Application | US$115.53 | €100.00 | Instructor Application Fee | US$928.37 | £695.00 |
| React Right Instructor Add On | US$57.70 | EFR Instructor Application Fee | US$165.63 | £124.00 | |
| TOTAL | US$2199.23 | TOTAL | US$3359.15 | ||
| Saving | US$1159.92 | ||||
| Extras SSI | Extras PADI | ||||
| Specialty Instructor Crewpack | US$57.70 | €50.00 | Specialty Instructor Application | US$62.78 | £47.00 |
| Divemaster Instructor Application | Free | Master Scuba Diver Trainer Application | US$114.89 | £86.00 |
Our next SSI Instructor Training Course begins 1st September 2025. Spaces are limited to keep training personalised.
Click here to learn more and secure your place today
Choosing SSI isn’t just about saving money, it’s about building a stronger foundation for your diving career.
Diani Beach, Kenya offers underwater explorers a stunning tabletop of macro life. While turtles and rays attract the attention, the reef’s miniature residents—leaf fish, mantis shrimp, nudibranchs, and more—reveal an intimate, hidden world. With expert Ocean Tribe guides leading the way, divers uncover these camouflaged creatures in vibrant reef habitats .
Leaf fish, masters of camouflage, resemble fallen leaves scattered among sandy rubble and reef ledges. Commonly found at dive sites like Galu Reef, Mwachema, Tiwi, and Igloo Reef, these sit-and-wait predators lie nearly invisible until prey wanders by. Their earthy coloration paired with rapid feeding strikes make them prized finds for macro photographers .
Close relatives of the leaf fish, scorpionfish and frogfish use impressive camouflage resembling sponges, corals, and algae. Reef structures and wrecks, particularly the MV Funguom host these motionless hunters. Their hidden textures and subtle forms make every encounter feel like a secret discovery .
Vibrant and varied, nudibranchs—tiny sea slugs—dot reef rubble, sandy patches, and wreck surfaces. From neon hues to ornate patterns visible around sites like Galu Reef, these critters offer endless fascination to macro enthusiasts .
These delicate creatures drift among reef edges and sandy slope fringes, mimicking bits of seagrass or algae. Occasional sightings around Igloo Reef, Galu, and Tiwi are rewards for patient divers searching reef flats .
These elusive species inhabit soft corals and seagrass beds at sites like Galu Reef and Tiwi. Though seldom encountered, divers treasure them when spotted .
Look among sandy crevices, reef rubble, and wreck zones like MV Funguo for these intelligent cephalopods. Their dynamic color changes and curiosity offer captivating macro subjects .
Diani’s reefs feature diverse habitats—rubble, sand flats, wrecks, and seagrass beds—which support a rich food web. Healthy reef systems sustain these hidden species, while Ocean Tribe guides use their expertise to uncover them for eager divers .
Diani’s reefs reveals a miniature wonderland, from well-camouflaged leaf and frogfish to electrifying mantis shrimp. Join Ocean Tribe on your next dive and immerse yourself in these small-scale marvels.
If you’re considering scuba diving for kids in Diani, you’re in for a treat. Ocean Tribe offers a safe and structured path for young adventurers to explore the underwater world, build confidence, and develop essential life skills. Children as young as six can begin with the multi‑activity SSI Explorers program, progressing through snorkeling, mermaiding, freediving, and introductory pool scuba. By the age of ten, they can earn the SSI Scuba Diver (Junior Scuba Diver) certification, featuring open‑water dives to twelve meters under professional supervision . As they grow older, divers aged ten to fourteen may complete the SSI Junior Open Water Diver course—rising to eighteen meters with age and training—before eventually transitioning to adult-level qualifications after their fifteenth birthday . Each stage is fully age appropriate, instructor led, and designed to foster independence and a lifelong respect for the marine environment.
Scuba diving is one of the few adventure sports that people of different ages and experience levels can enjoy together, making it an ideal family activity. Whether you’re exploring shallow reefs, spotting turtles, or sharing surface intervals on a boat, diving creates unforgettable shared experiences that strengthen family bonds. At Ocean Tribe, parents and children often train side by side, supporting each other through the learning process and celebrating their achievements as a team. It encourages communication, trust, and responsibility, all while immersing the whole family in the beauty of the marine world. With programs tailored to different age groups, scuba diving allows families to grow together as confident, capable divers—turning holidays into lifelong memories beneath the waves.
Ocean Tribe’s SSI youth programs provide a structured, safe, and engaging introduction to diving. With certified instructors, well-defined progression paths, and age-appropriate materials, these courses build confidence, responsibility, and respect for the marine environment while ensuring safety at every step .
This pool-based program introduces children to underwater exploration in a fun and interactive format. Beginning with Blue Oceans Explorer and Snorkel Explorer, kids can progress to Freediving Explorer, Mermaid Explorer, or Scuba Explorer (from age 8) . The curriculum includes badges, stickers, quizzes, coloring activities, and logbook entries. Children may even unlock up to 22 specialty Explorer ratings such as Rescue Explorer and Marine Mammal Ecology Explorer . The focus remains on developing water confidence, maturity, and environmental awareness.
Scuba Explorer introduces children (8+) to scuba gear and breathing techniques in pool or confined water environments. The depth is limited (around 5 meters), and the emphasis is on controlled, playful skill development. The goal is to prepare participants for later open-water swimming programs .
Starting at age 10, participants can take the SSI Scuba Diver certification (also known as Junior Scuba Diver). This entry-level program includes theory, confined water practice, and two open-water dives with a maximum depth of 12 meters under the direct supervision of an adult or professional. It follows ISO Supervised Diver standards.
The SSI Junior Open Water Diver course mirrors the adult Open Water Diver curriculum, The SSI Junior Open Water Diver course is the first full scuba certification available to young divers and is ideal for children aged 10 to 14 who are confident in the water and ready to explore the ocean beyond the pool. This course follows the exact same structure and academic content as the adult Open Water Diver program but includes age-appropriate supervision and depth limits to ensure safety.
Children aged 10 and 11 are certified to dive to a maximum depth of 12 metres (40 feet), always under the direct supervision of a certified adult or dive professional. From age 12 to 14, the depth limit increases to 18 metres (60 feet), again with mandatory supervision.
The course includes:
Ocean Tribe’s friendly and experienced instructors take a supportive, step-by-step approach, creating a safe and enjoyable learning environment for junior divers. The course is typically completed over 3 to 4 days, and students receive a Junior Open Water Diver certification card upon successful completion.
Once 12 years old, junior divers can pursue further certifications such as:
Each program offers expanded skills and dives up to 18 meters, always under qualified supervision .
Upon turning 15, junior divers holding any SSI junior certification can be upgraded to a full SSI Open Water Diver card. This can be accomplished via an SSI Scuba Skills Update session, which typically includes a pool review and classroom update . Once upgraded, they can dive independently under standard SSI guidelines.
| Program | Age Range | Max Depth | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| SSI Explorers | 6+ | Pool only | Badges, pool activities |
| Scuba Explorer | 8+ | ~5 m (pool) | Intro to scuba gear |
| SSI Scuba Diver (Junior) | 10+ | 12 m | Pool + 2 open-water dives |
| SSI Junior Open Water Diver | 10–14 | 12 m / 18 m | Full OWD with limits |
| Junior Specialty/Advanced Courses | 12+ | 18 m | Skills & multi-dive bundles |
| SSI Open Water Diver (Adult) | 15+ | Standard adult | Full certification after upgrade |
All youth programs at Ocean Tribe follow stringent supervision standards. Participants need to complete medical declarations, fill out parental consent and liability forms, and provide proof of swimming ability. Instructors ensure the use of appropriately sized equipment and safe settings for all activities. Learning materials are hands-on, offline, and visually engaging with SSI’s MySSI digital tracking for certifications and badges.
To enroll, parents should:
Kenya dive safaris offer a rare travel combination: vibrant Indian Ocean diving followed by a traditional African safari. This makes it an ideal destination for those seeking both marine life and wildlife in one seamless itinerary. Ocean Tribe Diani’s dive‑and‑safari packages deliver precisely this blend.
An example 10‑day package includes
Marine life highlights:
A Reddit diver described the coast of Kenya as “first‑class… beautiful, untouched reefs with almost no bleaching” and added that “Water temperatures from 27–30 degrees and visibility from 10 metres and upwards” make it “aquarium” diving .
Who is the package suited for?
Open Water divers and higher, marine enthusiasts, mixed‑interest groups, couples and families.
Can non‑divers join?
Yes. Snorkelling, boat‑based marine‑wildlife watching, safari drives and scuba refreshers are available.
What is included?
Dives, safari, park fees, shared gear and guides. Extras may include nitrox, cameras, dive insurance and private arrangements.
Group sizes?
Four divers per dive guide; safari vehicles typically share with 4–6 guests for a more personal experience.
Best travel season?
Diving is best October–March for manta and whale shark sightings. Safari is excellent during the dry season (June–October).
Is it eco‑friendly?
Ocean Tribe has strong environmental practices: no‑touch reef policy, mooring discipline, coral monitoring, monthly cleaning .
Combining diving with safari in Kenya saves time and maximises experiences in one cohesive trip. Ocean Tribe’s well‑run and environmentally conscious operation ensures safety, quality and a seamless transition between ocean and savannah. You get to experience two of Africa’s greatest natural wonders in one package.
If you’re considering the PADI IDC to begin your dive-instructor career, it’s time to pause. Today, that path—once seen as the gold standard—is slower, more expensive, and filled with hidden hurdles. With full packages now routinely costing $3,000–4,000 USD, choosing PADI first can leave you out of pocket by $1,200–1,800 compared to SSI. Even worse, the once-easy crossover from PADI to SSI now demands the same SSI Instructor Training Course plus Evaluation—no shortcuts, no savings. The smarter, simpler route? Go directly with SSI for transparent pricing, modern tools, and a flexible teaching approach—and keep your investment where it belongs: in your dive career, not in duplicate training and extra fees.
The PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC) is a widely recognized route to professional diver status, typically spanning 7-12 days of training followed by a mandatory two-day Instructor Examination (IE). Pricing varies depending on location and inclusions: courses have listed tuition as low as $1,400, but with materials, application, and exam fees the total typically ranges between $2,800 and $4,000 USD.
In contrast, the SSI Instructor Training Course (ITC) + Instructor Evaluation (IE) generally costs between $1,100 and $2,500 USD, depending on the dive center and region. Ocean Tribe’s one in Kenya is $2199 including all materials and fees and even a free wildlife safari after graduation.
Even at the upper end, SSI still undercuts average PADI costs. SSI also includes digital materials, tuition, exam, equipment access, and sometimes lodging—eliminating many add-on fees.
Using average figures:
Average savings: ~$1,200 USD
When converted with mid-2025 rates (1 USD = 0.92 EUR, 0.80 GBP, 1.50 AUD), you’re saving approximately €1,100, £960, or A$1,800. In best-case scenarios (e.g., $1,100 SSI vs. $2,860 PADI), savings can reach $1,760 USD (~€1,620/£1,410/A$2,640).
Until mid-2024, PADI instructors could crossover to SSI through streamlined processes. However, since January 2025, SSI now requires all crossover candidates to complete the full Instructor Training Course and Instructor Evaluation—the same requirements and fees as new SSI candidates . That means PADI professionals face the full cost (~$1,800–2,500 USD) and time commitment to obtain SSI credentials.
For aspiring instructors, the PADI IDC still offers global recognition, but nowadays comes with:
By contrast, choosing the SSI Instructor Course from the start gives you:
It’s a common concern. But the data and job market tell a more nuanced story. PADI boasts over 6,600 dive centers and resorts worldwide and around 128,000 professional members , which translates into a large global footprint and extensive job listings. Indeed, the PADI job board currently advertises 348+ instructor and divemaster roles, spanning high-demand locations like Australia, Maldives, Europe, and the U.S. .
However, SSI isn’t far behind. With over 3,500 authorized dealers and 35 regional offices worldwide, SSI supports a broad network of dive centers and many of these post jobs on the SSI careers page, which remains regularly updated . In tourist-heavy destinations, especially those shifting to SSI, instructors often report that SSI roles are “serious job offerings” and that “there’s a huge shortage of PADI instructors,” leaving openings for qualified SSI pros too .
What matters most isn’t which certification looks better on paper—it’s where you want to work and the local market demand. In areas saturated with PADI talent, SSI instructors may find less competition and stronger opportunities. Plus, many centers offer crossover benefits. SSI instructors are welcome to teach PADI courses in those centers, broadening your potential roles without extra certification.
Yes—despite a common misconception. SSI instructors must affiliate with one or more dive centers, but this isn’t restrictive freelancing. One experienced instructor clarified:
“You are certainly able to be affiliated with multiple dive centers with SSI… simply ask the SSI regional office to add you as an instructor to the other dive centers you work with.”
In other words, you gain flexibility to work across locations without needing to manage your own shop.
Yes, but with nuances. Historically, PADI instructors enjoyed easier crossovers to SSI. Today’s rules are stricter: SSI now requires all certified instructors to complete the full ITC + IE for crossover, equalizing the cost and effort . You lose the advantage of a fast or cheap shift.
Moreover, forum advice confirms:
“You can crossover from other agencies to PADI… but you have to go through the whole IDC process again and pay a fee.”
So regardless of your starting choice, expect to invest in agency-specific training to teach its courses fully.
SSI clearly excels in digital infrastructure. With its fully digital MySSI platform, lifetime access to materials, and Pro Rewards for teaching, it’s tailored for efficiency . In contrast, PADI professionals juggle multiple platforms (although they have just merged several into one PADI app), paid updates, and separate fees for materials—even for each recognition card
Ultimately, the choice between PADI IDC vs. SSI ITC depends on where you aim to teach, your personal teaching style, and your preference for digital tools and pricing transparency. If your target is an agency with modern systems, clear value, and consistent support, SSI delivers strong advantages in 2025 and beyond.
If you’re looking to become an SSI diving instructor, there’s no better time or place to do it than this September in Diani Beach, Kenya. Ocean Tribe’s next SSI Instructor Training Course (ITC) begins on September 1st, offering passionate divers a clear path to a professional and fulfilling career.
Even better. Book before August 1st and you’ll receive three additional instructor ratings free of charge:
These bonus certifications come in addition to the specialties you’ll automatically qualify to teach upon certification, including:
There are many places to train around the world, but Ocean Tribe offers a unique blend of top-level instruction, real-world ocean conditions, and career-focused mentorship. Here’s why Diani is your ideal launchpad:
Diani Beach offers warm waters, thriving coral reefs, and diverse marine life — the perfect classroom. When you choose to become an SSI diving instructor here, you train in realistic open-water conditions far from the overcrowded resort circuits.
Our ITC is led by an extremely. experienced SSI Instructor Trainer Mark Slingo. You’ll receive direct mentorship, thorough preparation, and honest, supportive feedback — everything you need to succeed in your Instructor Evaluation and your future teaching career.
Ocean Tribe is a professional, inclusive, and close-knit dive centre. We invest in every candidate’s success and help build careers, not just certifications. When you become an SSI diving instructor with us, you become part of the Tribe.
By booking early, you’ll gain additional specialties — including the unique Classified Diving Instructor rating, allowing you to teach divers with disabilities. This adds serious value to your CV and equips you to make a broader impact in the dive industry.
This comprehensive course gives you the knowledge, skills, and confidence to lead SSI dive training programs independently. You’ll cover:
The course concludes with the SSI Instructor Evaluation (IE) — and we celebrate your success with a short Kenyan safari, included in your training package.
Start Date: September 1st
Instructor Evaluation: Mid-September (TBC)
Location: Ocean Tribe, Diani Beach, Kenya
Early Booking Bonus: Book by August 1st to receive three additional instructor ratings at no extra cost
Take your passion for diving and turn it into a career that travels the world with you. Ocean Tribe is here to guide you every step of the way.
Visit our SSI Instructor Training Course page or contact us directly protraining@oceantribe.co or WhatsApp us.
It’s time to become an SSI diving instructor — and Ocean Tribe is ready to help you make it happen this September.
Space is limited. Book early, earn more, and start teaching what you love.
For years, the Ocean Tribe Dive Club has been the ultimate way for East African residents to enjoy the best of Kenya’s underwater world—offering unlimited dives, exclusive discounts, and access to a thriving dive community in Diani Beach. Now, for the first time, we’re opening our doors to international divers with a brand-new membership structure designed for visiting enthusiasts and global dive travelers.
Whether you live along the Swahili coast, frequently dive in East Africa, or are planning a return to Diani year after year, the Ocean Tribe Dive Club continues to offer unbeatable value. In addition to priority access and meaningful perks, it now welcomes every kind of diver through expanded international membership options. With the launch of our Gold Tier for international members, anyone can now become part of the tribe—enjoying the same warm hospitality and premium diving experiences that East African members have loved for years.
Join us, and dive deeper into Kenya’s rich marine ecosystems with the region’s most rewarding dive membership.
$999 / 12 months – International Members
$499 / 12 months – East African Residents
Proof of residency is required to qualify for the East African resident rate.
Designed for passionate divers who want unlimited access to diving and full club privileges.
Gold Tier Benefits:
Optional Add-On: Equipment Packages
Access exclusive professional gear packages at special rates.
$299 / 12 months – Open to All Divers
This tier is well-suited to those who dive less often yet still appreciate being part of the tribe and saving on every trip.
Silver Tier Benefits:
We believe in rewarding our most dedicated members. If you’re with us for the long haul, you’ll enjoy even more value:
Whether you’re diving every weekend or planning an annual dive vacation, Ocean Tribe’s Dive Club delivers unbeatable value and exclusive experiences along Kenya’s beautiful coast. Membership benefits begin immediately and are valid for 12 months from the date of registration.
Dive Club Terms and Conditions
Your Dive Club membership is valid for 12 full months from the exact date of purchase. Once you sign up, your benefits begin immediately and remain active until your expiry date. Please note, membership is non-refundable and non-transferable, so be sure to make the most of it throughout the year.
To join the Dive Club, you must be a certified diver. At minimum, we require Open Water Diver certification (or equivalent) to take part in fun dives.
If you’re applying for the East African resident rate, you must prove citizenship or legal residency in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, or Burundi. When registering, you’ll need to upload or present a valid ID, residence permit, or utility bill that confirms your residency status.
All dive trips, pool refreshers, and training sessions must be booked in advance. Because space is limited and weather conditions may vary, we recommend booking early—especially during holidays and high season.
Gold Tier members enjoy unlimited fun diving, but access is always subject to availability, boat capacity, and minimum booking numbers. Plan ahead to secure your preferred dive dates.
Your membership includes fantastic value—but here’s how to make the most of it:
Your Dive Club membership also unlocks exclusive deals beyond diving:
You won’t need a plastic card—your Dive Club membership lives inside the MySSI app. As long as your profile is up to date, you can easily show proof of membership, book your dives, and check your benefits anytime.
If you haven’t already, download the free MySSI app and link it to your diver account as soon as you register.
Ocean Tribe may update Dive Club benefits, pricing, or terms as needed. Rest assured, any changes will apply only to new sign-ups and renewals—not existing memberships.
However, we take misuse seriously. If we find evidence of unauthorized benefit sharing, false residency claims, or any abuse of the program, we reserve the right to cancel your membership without refund.
We’re here to help you get the most from your Dive Club experience.
If you have questions, need to renew, or want to confirm your eligibility, simply reach out:
Email: diveclub@oceantribe.co
Scuba diving isn’t just a sport. It’s increasingly recognised as a powerful therapeutic tool. For individuals recovering from trauma, injury, or chronic stress, the underwater world offers a unique pathway to healing.
Whether it’s military veterans managing PTSD, individuals overcoming physical injuries and disabilities, or anyone seeking relief from anxiety, scuba diving therapy is making waves as an effective and transformative practice.
Scuba diving therapy involves using diving activities to support physical rehabilitation, mental health, and emotional well-being. It’s not a standalone medical treatment—but it’s a highly effective complement to conventional therapy, particularly for:
Programs offering therapeutic diving often use structured scuba courses tailored to the participant’s needs, either with modified equipment, adaptive techniques, or psychological support integrated into the experience.
Studies have shown that scuba diving can offer a range of therapeutic benefits:
A 2017 study published in the Journal of Disability and Rehabilitation found that military veterans participating in diving programs reported significant psychological improvements, including reduced PTSD symptoms, better sleep, and enhanced self-esteem.
Several organizations worldwide are making scuba diving therapy accessible:
These programs are not only therapeutic but also help build long-term coping strategies, community, and personal growth through adventure.
If you’re interested in exploring scuba diving as therapy, here are your first steps:
At Ocean Tribe in Diani Beach, we’re proud to support inclusive diving through SSI’s Classified Diver Program. Our instructors are trained to work with divers of all physical abilities and to create safe, empowering ocean experiences.
There’s something uniquely peaceful about being underwater. No noise. No rush. Just breath and movement. For many, diving offers more than freedom—it offers relief. In that quiet space below the surface, healing begins.
If you’re searching for a new way to manage stress, rebuild your strength, or reconnect with your body and mind, scuba diving might be the answer.
Every diver should aim to become an eco-conscious diver. After all, the ocean gives us so much adventure, wonder, and beauty. The least we can do is protect it.
That’s where low-impact diving comes in. With just a few small changes in how you dive, you can reduce your environmental footprint and help preserve coral reefs and marine life for the future. Let’s take a look at how to dive responsibly and the training options that can turn you into a true ocean guardian.
Low-impact diving is all about minimizing your disturbance to the underwater environment. That means:
It’s not just about rules. It’s about respect. For the fragile ecosystems that we love to explore.
Neutral buoyancy is the single most important skill for any eco-conscious diver. It lets you glide effortlessly without kicking up sediment or crashing into corals. At Ocean Tribe, we teach buoyancy as a core skill from your very first course, and refine it in every dive after.
Want to level up? The SSI Perfect Buoyancy Specialty is a must. It’s a short course, but the impact it has on your skills (and the reef) is huge.
It’s not just your body that can damage the reef. Dangling gauges, octopus hoses, or camera arms often cause accidental breakage. An eco-conscious diver checks and secures all their gear before entering the water.
At Ocean Tribe, we emphasize good trim, streamlined setup, and proper attachment of all accessories. Less drag, more control, and no damage to the reef.
You’re not alone out there. Marine animals deserve space, and fellow divers deserve respect. Never chase, touch, or feed wildlife. Avoid finning too close to the bottom. And be extra cautious with your entry and exit, especially on shallow reefs.
Joining our SSI Marine Ecology or Coral Identification courses will make you more aware of what you’re seeing—and why it matters. The more you understand, the better you’ll dive.
There’s more than just buoyancy to being a responsible diver. Several training programs can help:
Every course builds not just your knowledge, but your role as a steward of the sea.
At Ocean Tribe, we don’t just teach low-impact diving. We live it. Join our monthly Blue Oceans cleanups and help remove marine debris from Diani’s lagoon. Certified divers can dive for free, and snorkellers can help from the surface. You’ll even get a digital recognition card for taking part.
Looking to make a bigger impact? Talk to us about our SSI Marine Conservation Diver pathway. A journey for divers who want to protect what they love.
The ocean is under threat—from pollution, climate change, overfishing, and careless tourism. But every diver can be part of the solution. Becoming an eco-conscious diver isn’t just good for the environment—it makes you a better, more skilled, and more aware underwater explorer.
It’s the future of diving. And it starts with you.
At Ocean Tribe, we believe that turning your love of the ocean into a career shouldn’t break the bank — and it should be one of the most rewarding, life-changing experiences you’ll ever have. That’s exactly what our Dive Career Internships deliver.
From our palm-lined base in Diani Beach, Kenya, one of the most beautiful coastlines on the continent. We’ve designed a program that combines outstanding training quality with incredible value. Here’s why we’re proud to say our internships offer the best value in East Africa.
One of the biggest hurdles when choosing a dive career program is the price. We get it — you want to be sure you’re investing wisely. That’s why we’ve built our internships to be comprehensive and transparent, without unexpected fees popping up along the way.
Our complete beginner-to-instructor internship package starts at around USD $6,399, including nearly everything you need. Already a certified diver? Even better — your price is even lower, starting from around $4,999. We also have cheaper packages taking you to the starting pro level of Divemaster.
Here’s what’s included:
Our approach means you know exactly what you’re paying for and you get more value than anywhere else in the region. In many other East African programs, you might pay the same just for the courses alone. Then have to budget for equipment, dives, and hidden extras.
Affordable doesn’t mean compromising on quality. We’re proud to be an SSI Diamond Instructor Training Center, the highest level of recognition in SSI’s system, as well as an SSI Classified Dive Center for working with divers of all abilities.
Our team is led by an award-winning Instructor Trainer — in fact, the world’s first instructor trainer to teach from a wheelchair — with decades of global experience. We keep groups small to ensure personal mentorship, and we focus on building confident, capable professionals, not just ticking off boxes.
You’ll receive step-by-step training that’s tailored to your level, with plenty of personal feedback. Our “zero-to-hero” structure lets you progress at your own pace, whether you’re starting as a beginner or already certified.
By the time you graduate, you’ll hold multiple internationally recognized certifications, including:
You’ll also earn recognition ratings like Specialty Diver, Advanced Open Water, and Master Diver, making you stand out in the job market.
From day one, you’re part of our team — assisting courses, guiding certified divers, handling logistics, and seeing what it truly means to work in a busy dive center.
You’ll gain hands-on skills in equipment handling and maintenance, tank filling, customer service, and even dive center operations and marketing. We also include workshops on CV writing and job placement support to prepare you for your next step.
Beyond the technical training, you’ll join conservation activities such as monthly underwater clean-ups and marine monitoring — part of our commitment to responsible diving and ocean protection.
Diani Beach isn’t just a stunning training ground. It’s a place where adventure extends beyond the ocean.
You’ll dive in warm, clear tropical waters with visibility often up to 30 meters, exploring reefs, wrecks, drift sites, and even encountering dolphins, turtles, and whale sharks.
And on your days off? You could be on safari, watching elephants roam Tsavo or exploring the Masai Mara. It’s a unique mix of land and sea that no other destination can match.
When you combine our affordable, all-inclusive pricing with our world-class training and mentorship, plus an unbeatable location, it’s easy to see why our internships are the best value in East Africa.
You’re not just gaining certifications. You’re stepping into a new lifestyle, building lifelong friendships, and experiencing the ocean in a way few ever do.
Join Ocean Tribe and turn your passion into your career — with confidence, skill, and unforgettable memories along the way.
Ocean Tribe Dive Team
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