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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.
How to write a scuba diving CV? A well-crafted scuba diving CV sets you apart in a competitive job market. With over 150,000 active dive professionals worldwide, getting hired requires more than just the minimum qualifications. Your CV is your first chance to impress employers and secure an interview.
Dive centers receive countless applications. If your CV looks unprofessional or lacks key details, they will ignore it. Too many divers rely on posting photos and job requests in social media groups, hoping for an opportunity. That rarely works.
If you want to be treated and paid as a professional, you need to approach the hiring process seriously. Your CV must showcase your skills, qualifications, and experience in a clear and structured way. A strong CV gets you an interview—nothing less, nothing more.
• Full Name – Make it easy for employers to identify you. Place your name prominently at the top.
• Multiple Contact Methods – Give employers multiple ways to reach you. Include an email, phone number, and WhatsApp. If they struggle to contact you, they will move on to the next candidate.
• Nationality & Work Permits – List your nationality and any valid work permits or visas. If you want to work abroad, employers need to know if hiring you is legally possible.
• Languages You Teach In – Being multilingual makes you more valuable. Many dive centers prioritize instructors who can teach in multiple languages to serve diverse customers.
• Instructor Certifications – Clearly list your certification level (e.g., Open Water Instructor, Specialty Instructor, Instructor Trainer) and the agencies you are qualified under (SSI, PADI, NAUI, etc.). Add your dive professional number so dive businesses can verify your status.
• Number of Certifications Issued – If you have certified many students, mention it. This proves your teaching experience. If you’re newly certified, you can leave this out.
• Relevant Work Experience – Highlight jobs related to diving, tourism, customer service, or outdoor adventure. Show how your past experience has prepared you for this role.
• References – Provide contact details for former supervisors, especially from the diving industry. Strong references confirm your professionalism and teaching ability.
• University or Military Background – If you have a degree or military experience, include it. Some employers appreciate structured training, discipline, and specialized knowledge.
• Scuba Technician Skills – Many dive centers need someone who can maintain and repair scuba gear. If you have training in equipment servicing, highlight it.
• Boating Skills – If you have a captain’s license, mention it. Just ensure your certification is valid in the country where you are applying, as licenses are not always internationally recognized.
• Trade Skills – If you have experience in mechanics, plumbing, electrical work, or landscaping, list it. Dive centers and liveaboards constantly need maintenance, and these skills can give you an edge.
• Marketing & Sales Experience – Many dive businesses struggle with digital marketing. If you have skills in social media management, website development, or sales, highlight them. This could make you a key asset to the team.
• Photo & Video Editing – Customers and dive centers love high-quality underwater photography and videos. If you have professional skills in Adobe Premiere, Lightroom, or Final Cut and your own equipment, mention it. This could make you more valuable to employers.
• Underwater Selfies – You’re applying for a scuba diving job, so it’s assumed you can dive. A professional headshot looks far more serious than a casual boat or fun dive photo. Avoid fun or casual shots, after diving, or in swimwear
• Age & Relationship Status – Unless the job description specifically asks for this, leave it out. Employers will ask if they want to know.
• Biography & Hobbies – Avoid personal statements like “I love the ocean” or “I’m passionate about teaching.” Focus on what makes you the best candidate for the job. Often it is best to leave these out.
• High School Education – Your high school background isn’t relevant to a dive center. Unless it directly supports your application, leave it out.
• Where You Did Your Instructor Training – Some dive centers hold biases against specific training locations. Your certification matters, not where you earned it. If necessary, discuss this in an interview.
• Personal Details – Do not list information about tattoos, piercings, or other physical attributes. Employers may judge you unfairly before even meeting you. Unless specifically requested, there’s no need to disclose this.
• Dive Gear List – As a professional diver, you are expected to own your own equipment. There’s no need to list every piece of gear you have.
• Future Certifications – If you haven’t started a course yet, don’t include it. Only list qualifications you have completed or will finish before starting the job. Future training plans can be discussed in the interview.
• Keep it Clear and Professional – A well-structured CV improves your chances of getting an interview. Employers don’t have time to decipher cluttered applications.
• Use a Simple, Readable Font – Stick to standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Avoid decorative fonts that make your CV look unprofessional.
• Highlight Key Information – Use bold text for important details so recruiters can quickly find relevant information.
• Limit it to One or Two Pages – Hiring managers don’t have time to read long CVs. Keep your information concise and relevant.
Your CV is your first impression. If it looks professional, well-structured, and highlights the right skills, you will stand out from the competition. Take the time to get it right, and you’ll increase your chances of landing your next diving job.
Are SSI certifications valid all over the world? Yes! SSI (Scuba Schools International) certifications are recognized worldwide. Whether you want to dive in the Great Barrier Reef, explore shipwrecks in the Red Sea, drop between tectonic plates in Iceland, or swim with manta rays in Indonesia, your SSI certification will be accepted.
Global Recognition
SSI is one of the largest scuba training agencies in the world. It follows international diving standards set by the World Recreational Scuba Training Council (WRSTC) and ISO (International Organization for Standardization). This means dive shops, resorts, and liveaboards in nearly every country accept SSI certifications.
Can I Dive Anywhere with SSI? Are SSI Certifications Valid All Over the World?
Absolutely! Once certified, you can book dives at any dive center that recognizes WRSTC-approved agencies, including SSI, PADI, NAUI, RAID, and others. If a dive shop does not accept SSI, it is usually a business preference, not a certification issue. In most cases, showing your digital certification card on the SSI app is enough to prove your qualification along with your logbook.
Can I Switch to Another Agency?
Yes, you can. If you started with SSI and want to take an advanced course with another agency like PADI or SDI, most training centers will accept your certification as proof of experience. Similarly, if you want to continue your training with SSI after starting with another agency, you can do that too!
Why Choose SSI?
SSI offers flexible online learning, high training standards, and free digital certification cards. Plus, it has over 3,500 training centers in 150+ countries, so you can find support anywhere you go.
Ready to start your underwater adventure? Get your SSI certification today and dive the world!
Here at Ocean Tribe we have decided to look at changing the way future dive instructors are trained. As a proud SSI Instructor Training Center, we have embraced a powerful teaching philosophy—all skills are taught while neutrally buoyant. It’s not just a trend. It’s the future of scuba instruction.
In real diving situations, you’re never kneeling on the bottom. So why train that way? Ocean Tribe trains instructors to perform every skill mid-water. This approach mirrors how actual diving works. When instructors master skills neutrally buoyant, they gain true control and become more confident in dynamic underwater conditions.
Neutral buoyancy isn’t just for advanced divers—it’s a game-changer for beginners too. When students learn how to hover, control their body position, and move efficiently from their very first session, they become better divers, faster.
During our Divemaster courses and ITCs, candidates are taught to demonstrate every skill mid-water. This sets the tone for how students will learn. Instead of developing a habit of dropping to the bottom to complete a task, students stay in the water column where real diving happens. They learn to manage their trim, adjust their buoyancy with small breath changes, and maintain control during every part of the dive.
This approach builds confidence. Students who train this way feel more in control of their bodies and their surroundings. They’re less likely to panic. They’re more aware of their positioning, their equipment, and their environment. And because they’re not relying on the bottom for support, they develop a stronger foundation of skill and comfort that transfers directly into open water diving.
It also improves skill retention. When students are neutrally buoyant, they’re actively engaged in the process—not just passively mimicking an instructor kneeling on the sand. This helps them internalize the mechanics and purpose of each skill. They’re thinking, adjusting, and learning in real time.
At Ocean Tribe, the goal is never just to get students certified. The goal is to train divers who are safe, confident, and capable from day one. Teaching neutrally buoyant sets that standard right from the start.
Training on the bottom might seem harmless—but it can do real damage. Coral reefs are delicate ecosystems. Even a single misplaced fin or a cloud of kicked-up sand can disrupt marine life. Kneeling during training crushes coral, stirs sediment, and startles fish. Over time, this causes serious harm to dive sites.
That’s why on Ocean Tribe ITCs all instructor candidates learn to teach neutrally buoyant. By staying off the bottom, they avoid disturbing the natural environment. Avoid broken coral. No damaged habitats. Eliminate unnecessary contact.
This isn’t just about avoiding harm—it’s about building awareness. Instructors who train this way pass on those habits to their students. New divers learn from day one to respect the reef, stay off the bottom, and move with care. That kind of training creates ocean-conscious divers for life.
At Ocean Tribe, protecting the reef isn’t an afterthought. It’s built into every skill, every dive, and every course.
The SSI system promotes comfort, control, and realistic diving conditions. Teaching skills neutrally buoyant fits perfectly into this modern, student-focused model. Ocean Tribe embraces this progressive approach to develop instructors who are both professional and eco-conscious.
Neutral buoyancy isn’t harder—it’s smarter. It requires real dive control, spatial awareness, and the ability to stay calm and focused. That’s why we insist on it. Every instructor who passes out of our instructor training course can teach confidently, demonstrate flawlessly, and lead by example.
This approach doesn’t stop at instructor training—it continues with every student they teach. When instructors pass these habits on, they create divers who are better from the very start. Good buoyancy improves skill execution. Take clearing a mask mid-dive, for example—you don’t drop to the seafloor. You hover, perform the skill, and continue the dive with ease. That’s real diving. And it all starts with buoyancy control.
As a dive centre we at Ocean Tribe believe in raising the standard. By teaching all skills neutrally buoyant, we are not just ticking boxes—we are producing skilled, confident instructors who build better divers. It’s safer, smarter, and better for the environment.
Diani Beach is one of the best places to scuba dive in Kenya. With warm waters, healthy coral reefs, and a relaxed coastal vibe, it’s a diver’s paradise. If you’re planning to go scuba diving in Diani—whether it’s your first time underwater or you’re going pro—you’ll want a dive centre that offers more than just tanks and gear. That’s where Ocean Tribe comes in.
At Ocean Tribe, it’s all about people. From the moment you walk in, you’ll feel like part of the family. The team keeps group sizes small so every diver gets personal attention. Whether you’re on a guided fun dive or starting your Open Water course, the focus is on safety, comfort, and making every moment enjoyable.
The atmosphere is professional but relaxed. There’s no rush, no pressure—just experienced instructors who are passionate about diving and even more passionate about sharing it with you.
Ocean Tribe is an award-winning dive centre certified at the top level by both SSI and PADI, which means you get access to the latest in digital learning. You can start your dive theory online before your holiday even begins. The training is flexible and interactive, and it’s built around your pace and learning style.
From beginner courses to Divemaster and Instructor training, Ocean Tribe follows internationally recognised standards. But they also go the extra mile with one-on-one mentorship and real-world skill development.
Diani’s dive sites offer something for everyone—shallow coral gardens, deep walls, and seasonal marine life like turtles and rays. Ocean Tribe runs well-organised trips to all the best local sites, with experienced guides who know the reefs inside out.
You’ll dive in small groups, with top-quality rental equipment and safety as a priority. If you’re into underwater photography, macro life, or just soaking in the reef vibes, they’ve got you covered. It’s really the most relaxed way to go diving in Diani.
Thinking of turning your passion into a profession? Ocean Tribe is one of the few centers in East Africa that specialises in dive Instructor training. With a supportive learning environment, expert mentorship, and real hands-on experience, it’s an ideal place to start your dive career.
Even after your course, the team offers continued support, networking opportunities, and practical advice to help you find work and grow as a dive pro.
If you live in Kenya or dive regularly on the coast, the Ocean Tribe Dive Club is a game-changer. It’s designed specifically for local divers, offering discounted dive rates, priority booking, and invitations to member-only events. It’s a great way to stay active in the water, improve your skills, and become part of a passionate dive community—without breaking the bank.
What really sets Ocean Tribe apart is the community. It’s not just about diving—it’s about connection. Many divers return year after year, not just for the reefs, but for the people. You’ll laugh, learn, and maybe even leave with new friends from around the world.
So whether you’re here for a day of fun diving in Diani or a full certification course, Ocean Tribe offers more than just a service. They offer a shared passion, an unforgettable experience, and a tribe you’ll want to come back to.
Ready to turn your passion for diving into a career? Join the SSI Instructor Training Course (ITC) this May at Ocean Tribe in Diani Beach, Kenya. This comprehensive 12-day course, led by Award-Winning Instructor Trainer Mark Slingo, is a full package, with no hidden fees.
The package includes everything you need to become an SSI Open Water Instructor: all required SSI digital and physical materials (including SSI Recreational Scuba Pro Wetnotes, a professional mask strap, and Dive Guide Evaluation Slate), and the opportunity to complete class sections online or live in Kenya. With our IE Pass Guarantee, you can be confident you’ll pass the Instructor Evaluation with SSI.
Alongside the course, you’ll enjoy pre-ITC training, online learning, and post-ITC team teaching to ensure you gain real-world experience. You’ll also be introduced to Sidemount Diving and the Classified Diving Specialty Instructor course for disabled divers. Additionally, you’ll complete 7 Instructor Specialties, which will help you stand out as a well-rounded dive professional.
Upon completion of the SSI Instructor Training Course, you will be qualified to teach a wide range of courses, such as Try Diving, Scuba Diver Course, Open Water Diver Course, Advanced Open Water Course, Diver Stress & Rescue Course, Enriched Air Diver Course, Perfect Buoyancy Course, Science of Diving Course, Scuba Skills Update, Computer Diving Course, React Right First Aid, CPR & Oxygen Provider Course, Deep Diving Course, and Divemaster Course. These certifications will allow you to guide divers at various skill levels, from beginners to advanced, and help you expand your professional diving career.
The course also includes job-seeking assistance and possible in-house work opportunities at Ocean Tribe. As an optional bonus, you can add a 3-day, 2-night African wildlife safari to your training experience, or choose to further enhance your qualifications with extra specialty courses, sidemount training, and accommodation options.
After completing your course, you’ll be ready to begin your dive instructor career. Secure your spot today and make your diving dreams a reality!
The total cost is $2199 and this includes the training, all materials and application fees as well as the Instructor Evaluation fee. There are no hidden costs at all.
When is the best time to dive Kenya? Kenya’s coastline offers exceptional diving opportunities year-round, but certain periods provide particularly favourable conditions. Understanding these seasonal variations can help you plan the perfect diving adventure.
Between October and March, the northeast monsoon brings calm seas and often excellent visibility, often up to 30 meters. Water temperatures during this period range from 26°C to 30°C, creating comfortable conditions for divers. This season also offers the best chances to encounter majestic whale sharks and manta rays, especially around Diani Beach. March is especially good for this with calm waters and cheaper deals on hotels and flights to Kenya.
From July to September, cooler waters, ranging from 23°C to 26°C, coincide with the annual humpback whale migration along Kenya’s coast. Diving in areas like Watamu and Diani during these months may provide opportunities to witness these magnificent creatures.
The months of May and June are considered less favourable for diving due to the southeast monsoon and Kusi winds, which brings rough seas and reduced visibility. Many dive operators focus on training and development during this period.
Kenya’s coastal waters experience varying tidal conditions. Planning dives around slack tides can enhance safety and enjoyment.
Dolphins are commonly spotted year-round, while turtle nesting typically occurs from December to March in areas like Diani, Watamu and Malindi.
By aligning your diving plans with these seasonal patterns, you can maximize your chances of experiencing Kenya’s rich underwater biodiversity.
If you wish to conincide your dive trip with a wildlife safari on land then you should take into account the following:
The June to October dry season is the best time to see the Great Migration in the Maasai Mara. Huge herds of wildebeest cross the plains, attracting predators and offering thrilling safari experiences.
However, October to March also delivers incredible wildlife sightings. After the short November rains, the landscape turns lush and green. Many animals give birth during this time, bringing more predator activity. Birdwatching is also fantastic, with numerous migratory species arriving.
For safari lovers, both seasons offer unforgettable adventures, each with unique highlights.
Lake Chala is a hidden gem on the Kenya-Tanzania border, a volcanic crater lake shrouded in mystery and natural beauty. Our team set out from Diani Beach, heading west for an expedition into this remote and breathtaking location.
The drive took us from the coastal plains, through the bustling roads of Mombasa, and onto Mombasa Road heading inland. Once we turned off onto the route leading to the lake, the landscape transformed. The road wound through conservancies and Tsavo National Park, offering us a stunning safari experience along the way. Elephants lumbered in the distance, giraffes moved gracefully between the trees, and herds of antelopes darted across the savannah. The journey itself was a reminder of the wild beauty that Kenya has to offer.
Arriving at Lake Chala, we were immediately captivated by the serene waters cradled within the steep crater walls. After setting up camp, we watched the sun dip below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the lake with the mighty silhouette of Mount Kilimanjaro in the background. The stillness of the evening, punctuated only by the sounds of nature, set the perfect tone for the adventure ahead.
The next morning, we geared up for four dives—two from the Kenyan shore and two from a boat on the Tanzanian side. But before we could even get in the water, we had to tackle the challenging descent, carrying our gear down the steep crater wall to the lake’s edge.
Diving in Lake Chala is unique. At an altitude of over 800 meters, it required careful dive planning to account for the reduced atmospheric pressure. Once underwater, the experience was both eerie and exhilarating. The initial visibility was poor, but as we descended past 20 meters and broke through the thermocline, the scene changed dramatically. The murky water gave way to an underwater world teeming with life. Schools of tilapia swam past, freshwater crabs scuttled along the rocks, and the lakebed was dotted with sunken fishing boats—silent reminders of the human connection to this place.
The volcanic crater walls were perhaps the most mesmerizing feature. They loomed around us, full of caverns and caves that hinted at the lake’s ancient past. Looking down into the depths, the bottom of the lake was nowhere in sight, adding to the mystery of this crater lake.
Lake Chala is a diver’s dream for those seeking adventure beyond the usual dive spots. The combination of altitude diving, challenging conditions, and a unique underwater landscape made this trip unforgettable. With the echoes of the wild from Tsavo behind us and the silent depths of the crater below, this expedition was a perfect blend of Africa’s land and water wonders.
Would we do it again? Absolutely. But next time, we might bring a few extra hands to help haul the gear down that crater wall!
You should be an Advanced / Deep Qualified diver at least to sign up for a Lake Chala trip. It is also good to be knowledgeable about altitude and computer diving. Chris might even teach an Altitude diving specialty course on the next expedition. Contact us for more information.
What Are Non-Agency Diving Courses?
Are you looking to expand your dive knowledge beyond the basics? A non-agency diving course might be exactly what you need. Unlike traditional courses from training agencies like PADI, SSI, or NAUI, these independent programs are designed to enhance your skills without being tied to a specific certification system.
Training agencies only teach the minimum requirements to become a certified dive professional. While this is enough to get started, it does not fully prepare you for real-world diving challenges. Non-agency courses fill this gap by focusing on risk management, human factors in diving, and advanced diving techniques.
By taking these courses, you can:
Want to see real examples of useful non-agency courses? Check out this great video from Divers Ready. It highlights some valuable training that can help both dive professionals and recreational divers.
Non-agency diving courses do not follow a strict agenda or push a specific certification. Instead, they focus on making diving safer, smarter, and more professional. Investing in continuing education will not only make you a better dive pro but also improve safety for everyone in the water.
The best dive professionals never stop learning. Are you ready to take your skills to the next level?
Learn to scuba dive! Scuba diving is an incredible way to explore the underwater world. Whether you dream of swimming alongside vibrant coral reefs or discovering sunken shipwrecks, learning to dive is an exciting journey. The process is straightforward, but following the right steps ensures a safe and enjoyable experience.
Before signing up for a course to learn to scuba dive, make sure you meet the basic requirements. Most diving certification agencies accept students as young as 10 years old, though some may have different minimum age limits. You also need to be in good health. Certain medical conditions, such as respiratory or heart issues, might require a doctor’s approval before you can dive. You can download the scuba diving medical to check it out here.
Being comfortable in the water is essential. While you don’t need to be an expert swimmer, you should be able to swim 200 meters (or 300 meters with fins) and tread water for 10 minutes. These basic swimming skills will help you feel more at ease underwater.
Several internationally recognized organizations offer certifications to learn to scuba dive. The most popular include SSI (Scuba Schools International), PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors), NAUI (National Association of Underwater Instructors), Scuba Diving International (SDI) and CMAS.
Each agency follows similar training structures, so choose one that fits your learning style and location. A globally recognized certification allows you to dive anywhere in the world.
Here at Ocean Tribe we choose to primarily offer diving courses from SSI. This is due to SSI’s excellent training structure, training materials, and worldwide recognition for its certifications. We also offer courses from PADI if customers wish.
The Open Water Diver course is the first step in becoming a certified diver. This entry-level certification teaches you the fundamentals of scuba diving. The course consists of three main components:
Learn about dive theory, equipment, safety procedures, and how to handle underwater emergencies. Many agencies offer online learning options.
Practice essential skills in a swimming pool or a controlled environment. You’ll learn how to clear a mask, control buoyancy, and handle common underwater situations.
Complete at least four dives in an ocean, lake, or similar open-water environment. These dives allow you to apply what you’ve learned under real conditions.
Once you pass your final exam and open water dives, you’ll receive your Open Water Diver certification, allowing you to dive with a buddy up to 18 meters (60 feet) deep in conditions similar or better to those in which you were trained.
If you are not sure you want to commit to a full Open Water Diver course then you have the option of doing the Try Scuba Diving experience which can count towards the Open Water Diver course or the sub-course of Open Water, Scuba Diver. These programs take less time, cost less, and allow you to experience scuba.
Most dive schools provide rental gear during your training, but having your own equipment enhances comfort. At a minimum, consider purchasing a well-fitting mask, snorkel and fins
As you gain experience, you may want to invest in a wetsuit, buoyancy compensator (BC/BCD), regulator, and dive computer. Owning your diving gear ensures a better fit and familiarity, making your dives more enjoyable.
Getting certified is just the beginning. To improve your skills and confidence, dive regularly. Join local dive trips, explore different locations, and dive with experienced buddies. The more you dive, the more comfortable you’ll become in various underwater conditions.
If you want to expand your skills, consider advanced courses. The Advanced Open Water Diver certification allows you to dive deeper (up to 30 meters / 100 feet) and introduces you to specialty diving, such as night diving, underwater navigation, and wreck diving. As an alternative, if you wish to do the advanced training at Ocean Tribe, we offer an advanced open water alternative package which includes more ratings for the same price. This includes: The Deep Diving specialty, increasing your depth range to 40m. Navigation Diving specialty really improves your navigation. And Enriched Air Diving specialty teaches you to dive using enriched air to extend your allowable bottom time and increase safety margins.
For those who want to take it even further, the Rescue Diver and Divemaster courses help develop leadership skills and emergency response techniques.
Learning to scuba dive opens the door to amazing underwater adventures. By following these steps, you’ll gain the skills and confidence needed to explore the ocean safely. Whether you’re diving for fun, photography, or marine conservation, the underwater world is waiting for you!
Dive course online and pool training. Planning your dream dive holiday in Kenya? Want to save time on your trip and still become a certified diver? Good news—yes, you can start your scuba diving course at home and finish it with Ocean Tribe in Diani Beach! Thanks to the SSI digital learning system, getting certified has never been more flexible.
With Scuba Schools International (SSI), you can begin your Open Water Diver course online. After registering through this link and affiliating with Ocean Tribe, you’ll get access to your digital learning materials. You can read, watch videos, and complete quizzes from your phone or laptop—anytime, anywhere.
This means you can do all the theory before you even pack your bags. You’ll arrive in Kenya ready to dive into the action.
If you want to go a step further, you can complete your confined water sessions—the pool part of your course—at a dive centre near you. This is called a Referral.
An SSI instructor will guide you through the basic skills in a pool or similar environment. Once you complete this portion, your training will be logged and transferred digitally through SSI’s global system.
When you arrive in Diani, you’ll be ready to finish your open water dives in the Indian Ocean. Ocean Tribe will pick up right where your local instructor left off.
Once you’ve completed the online study and pool work, you only need to do your four open water dives to get certified. You’ll explore Diani’s reefs, spot turtles, and experience the thrill of diving in tropical waters.
This split-training method saves you time on holiday, keeps your course relaxed, and still gives you the full SSI certification. Plus, your dives in Kenya will be the highlight of your training.
The process is simple. Register with this SSI link, affiliate with Ocean Tribe, and begin your digital learning now. You can book your referral or full course with us anytime.
Whether you want to finish everything in Kenya or start early at home, we’ll make your dive journey smooth, safe, and unforgettable.
Ocean Tribe Dive Team
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