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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.
The SSI Open Water Diver course is one of the most popular entry-level scuba diving courses in the world.
More people become scuba divers in this way than any other. Once you have the Open Water Certification you can use the diving license to go diving with a buddy anywhere in the world.
At the end of the course, you will be qualified to dive with a buddy to a depth of 18m. Your first scuba diving certification card.
And what better place to learn than Kenya? From the dive base in Diani, we have sheltered dive sites that are perfect for allowing beginners to get comfortable in the water and complete the skill training as well as a chance to take in the wonders of the thousands of different marine species on the coral reefs and exciting local dive sites such as wrecks.
The course is broken down into three segments, knowledge development, confined water (in a swimming pool) training, and open water dives.
The SSI Open Water Diver Course can be done over 3 days. This incorporates both pool training and 4 open-water dives. There is also some digital learning to be completed in your own time in the MySSI app.
The SSI Open Water Diver course is open to anyone from age 10 who has basic swimming skills and wants to get their first diving certification. This will qualify them to dive all over the world in conditions similar or better, with a buddy up to 18m deep.
diving, explains essential safety concepts, and builds the background knowledge you’ll need for each session. In addition, it includes your theory briefings, ensuring you feel well-prepared and confident before starting any in-water activities.
As the course progresses, your SSI Instructor will build on that foundation during each dive. This way, you’ll connect what you’ve learned online with practical, hands-on experience underwater. By completing most of the SSI Open Water Diver Digital Learning before you arrive, you’ll already have a solid understanding. As a result, you can focus entirely on developing your diving skills—both in the pool and out on the reef.
Furthermore, SSI’s cutting-edge digital learning system is one of the best in the world. It lets you study in the comfort of your home, at your own pace. You can even take notes directly in the app to review later with your instructor. After each section, you’ll complete short quizzes. You’ll need to answer correctly to move forward, which helps ensure you truly understand the material before you continue.
Now it’s time to get wet—this is what you came for! We conduct confined water training for the Open Water Diver course in the swimming pool right at our dive base, making it easy and convenient to learn essential skills in a safe, controlled environment.
The pool session teaches you to use SCUBA safely and procedures to troubleshoot any problems you potentially might have. The swimming pool environment allows you a safe area to practice with no outside factors to worry about such as poor visibility, surge, or current.
This is about making sure you are comfortable using the scuba unit so our Instructors will make sure you have ample time to practice skills and perform them with ease before moving on to the next section of the course
Day 2: Your first two open water dives take you to a maximum depth of 12 metres. You’ll head out at 8:00am and return by around 12:30pm, exploring vibrant coral gardens and practicing key skills in a real ocean setting.
Day 3: Build confidence and complete your training with dives 3 and 4, reaching a maximum depth of 18 metres. Another 8:00am departure ensures calm conditions and clear visibility, with plenty of time to enjoy the incredible marine life before returning by early afternoon.
The SSI Open Water Diver Course is your first full certification as an independent diver. It teaches you everything you need to dive safely to 18 meters with a buddy. At Ocean Tribe, you’ll complete online learning, pool training, and four exciting dives in the Indian Ocean.
Typically, the course takes three days. On day one, you focus on theory and pool skills. On day two and three, you’ll complete your ocean dives. However, you can start studying at home before you arrive. That way, you’ll have more time to enjoy the sea and sun.
Absolutely. Once certified, you’ll be able to dive at destinations around the world. SSI is accepted globally, and your card never expires. So, whether you’re diving in Kenya or the Maldives, you’ll be ready.
To enroll, you must be at least 10 years old and comfortable in the water. You should also be in good health and able to swim. No prior diving experience is required. From the very first session, our instructors guide you step by step
A question that we are constantly asked at Ocean Tribe is “Do I need to be able to swim to scuba dive?”. This is a more complicated answer than a simple yes or no, as it really depends on the experience you are looking to have.
If you are after getting your Open Water Diver licence or any other scuba diving certification then the straight answer in yes. On the entry level Open Water Diver and Scuba Diver courses there are swim and floating tests that you need to be able to accomplish in order to earn the dive certification. On the Open Water courses this is a 200m swim and a 10 minute tread or float.
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You’ll learn how to use scuba equipment, control your buoyancy, plan dives, and handle simple emergencies. First, you complete online academic modules. Then, you’ll practice in shallow water before diving on real coral reefs. By the end, you’ll be confident and capable in the water.
Yes, very safe. Ocean Tribe follows strict SSI standards. Every dive is supervised by experienced instructors, and all equipment is carefully maintained. Plus, you’ll train in calm, clear waters that are perfect for beginners.
Everything is included. That means your SSI digital learning, certification fees, scuba equipment, and expert instruction. We don’t add surprise charges. You just bring swimwear, and we’ll take care of the rest.
Yes, and we highly recommend it. You can begin the digital learning now using the MySSI app. This saves you time and allows you to focus on the practical skills once you’re in Diani Beach. It also means fewer classroom hours and more diving fun.
Yes, upgrading is easy. If you already have the SSI Scuba Diver certification, you can complete the remaining two dives and theory modules to become a fully certified Open Water Diver. It’s a great way to continue your training without repeating anything.
Diani Beach is famous for its vibrant coral reefs and warm, clear water. Expect colourful reef fish, sea turtles, rays, and maybe even dolphins. Every dive is unique.Diani Beach is home to healthy coral reefs and a wide variety of marine life. You’ll likely spot clownfish, parrotfish, butterflyfish, and maybe even sea turtles or rays. Every dive site has something different to offer, which makes each day underwater even more exciting.
Booking is simple. Book online for discounted rates WhatsApp us directly, or email info@oceantribe.co. You can also start the online learning immediately through the MySSI app.
The SSI Scuba Diver course is a sub-rating of the SSI Open Water Diver course, which is one of the most popular entry-level scuba diving courses in the world.
If you are unsure about diving and want to take each certification step by step, or always want to dive under the supervision of an SSI pro, then the SSI Scuba Diver rating might be for you. It qualifies you to dive to 12m deep under supervision in conditions similar or better. The SSI Scuba Diver rating can be completed over a couple of days when done with the SSI Digital Learning option. You will spend a few hours in the pool getting comfortable with your dive skills then the 2 ocean dives are completed in one day on the boat.
And what better place to learn than Kenya? From the dive base in Diani, we have sheltered dive sites which are perfect for allowing beginners to get comfortable in the water and complete the skill training as well as a chance to take in the wonders of the thousands of different marine species on the coral reefs and exciting local dive sites such as wrecks.
The course is broken down into three segments, knowledge development, confined water (in a swimming pool) training and open water dives.
The SSI Scuba Diver Course can be done over 2 days. This incorporates both pool training and 2 open-water dives. There is also some digital learning to be completed in your own time in the MySSI app.
The SSI Scuba Diver course is open to anyone from age 10 who has basic swimming skills and wants to give scuba diving a try. Perhaps you like to do things in stages or simply don’t have the time to complete the full SSI Open Water Diver course. This is a great first step and certification.
Before you go in the water there is Digital Training for you to complete. This covers the knowledge briefing and gives you an introduction to scuba diving and safety concepts. Your SSI Instructor will elaborate on this during the SSI Scuba Diver course dives.
Completing the knowledge development section starts before you begin the course. It requires you to complete most of the Digital Learning for the SSI Open Water Diver Course.
SSI’s cutting-edge digital learning leads the world in diver education. It enables you to complete the knowledge development in the comfort of your own home. You can take notes in the app to discuss with your SSI Instructor any concepts that you don’t understand. Quick reviews assess your progress at the end of every section in the online learning. You must get this correct to proceed so it’s essential you understand
You are getting wet now. This is the reason you are here. Our confined water training for the Scuba Diver course is conducted in the swimming pool at the dive base.
The pool session teaches you to use SCUBA safely and procedures to troubleshoot any problems you potentially might have. The swimming pool environment allows you a safe area to practice with no outside factors to worry about. Such as poor visibility, surge, or current.
This is about making sure you are comfortable using the scuba unit. So our Instructors will make sure you have ample time to practice skills and perform them with ease. before moving on to the next section of the course
Day 2: Your first two open water dives take you to a maximum depth of 12 metres. You’ll head out at 8:00am and return by around 12:30pm, exploring vibrant coral gardens and practicing key skills in a real ocean setting.
The course takes 2 days. It includes theory, pool sessions, and two open water dives in the Indian Ocean. You’ll learn the basics of scuba diving in a safe, supportive environment.
The Scuba Diver course is shorter and limits your depth to 12 meters, always with a professional. The Open Water course goes to 18 meters and allows you to dive independently with a buddy. You can upgrade from Scuba Diver to Open Water at any time.
Yes. You need to be comfortable in water and able to swim at least 200 meters. You’ll also do a 10-minute float or tread during your pool session.
Very safe. At Ocean Tribe, safety is our top priority. You’ll learn with certified SSI instructors and use high-quality equipment. Our training follows global standards and includes emergency skills and safety procedures.
You’ll dive on beautiful coral reefs just off Diani Beach. Expect colourful reef fish, sea turtles, and vibrant marine life. Every dive is unique and unforgettable.
You need to be at least 10 years old to join the SSI Scuba Diver course. We also offer the SSI Scuba Explorers program for kids aged 8 and up.
Your course includes all gear, digital learning materials, certification fees, and professional instruction. We don’t charge hidden extras. Just bring swimwear and a towel.
Yes! You can begin the digital learning from home using the MySSI app. That way, you can finish the theory before you arrive in Kenya and spend more time diving.
Booking is easy. Book online for discounted rates, message us on WhatsApp, or email info@oceantribe.co. We also offer local pickup for guests staying in Diani Beach.
For those of you who would just like to try scuba diving out, perhaps as a test before getting your certification, then the SSI Try Diving (Basic Diver) Experience is for you. After a short briefing and pool session when you are introduced to the basic diving skills, you embark on 2 ocean dives up to 12m deep under the direct supervision of an Ocean Tribe SSI Instructor. The dives from your SSI Try Diving (Basic Diver) Experience can also then be credited towards the SSI Scuba Diver or SSI Open Water Diver courses, meaning you have already got a head start on your certification.
The experience can be as short as 1½ hours if you opt for the single lagoon dive or 5 hours if you want to visit the main reef and complete two dives under the supervision of an Instructor.
The SSI Try Scuba Diving experience is open to anyone from age 10 who has basic swimming skills and wants to give scuba diving a try.
Before you go in the water there is a short eLearning section for you to complete. This covers the knowledge briefing and gives you a quick introduction to scuba diving and safety concepts. This will be elaborated on by your Instructor during the try diving experience.
Before we take you into the ocean we want to teach you a few basic scuba skills. This will enable you to safely be able to use the scuba equipment. This is done in a pool environment. This means you can stand up if you have any problems. Also there are no other factors such as surge or currents to distract you.
Your Ocean Tribe diving Instructor will demonstrate the skills to you. They will then get you to do the skill until you are comfortable with it. Once you are comfortable using the scuba then it’s time to go on a real dive.
Try Scuba Diving is your first taste of the underwater world. It’s a short, guided session that lets you breathe underwater for the first time using real scuba gear. You’ll learn a few basic skills and enjoy 2 dives on a beautiful coral reef in Diani Beach.
No, but being comfortable in the water helps. Our instructors are with you at all times, and the dive is in shallow, calm conditions. You’ll also wear a buoyancy jacket that helps you float easily on the surface. See more here
The whole experience takes around 4 to 5 hours. That includes a short briefing, getting into gear, a few skills in the pool, and 2 guided dives to a maximum of 5 to 12 meters—depending on your comfort. Most people prefer to do the pool the day before so they don’t have to get up early
Yes, very safe. Ocean Tribe follows international SSI safety standards. You’ll be guided by certified instructors who are trained to support first-time divers. We also offer the SSI Classified Diving option for guests with physical or cognitive challenges.
You need to be at least 10 years old for Try Scuba. For younger adventurers aged 8 and up, we offer the SSI Scuba Explorers program—a fun pool-based intro to diving.
Just bring swimwear, a towel, and a sense of adventure. We provide all the scuba gear and a wetsuit if needed. Sunblock and water are also recommended.
Yes! Diani Beach has vibrant coral reefs filled with colourful reef fish, sea turtles, and sometimes even rays or dolphins. Every dive is different, but our reefs never disappoint.
Absolutely! Many people come back for a second session or upgrade to the SSI Scuba Diver or the most popular Open Water Diver course. Your Try Scuba session even counts as credit towards full certification if you continue your training within six months.
Yes, you’ll receive an SSI digital recognition card and a paper certificate showing that you’ve completed the Try Scuba Diving experience. It’s not a full certification, but it’s a great first step.
You can book online by clicking here and get a discounted price, by WhatsApp, or by visiting us directly on Diani Beach. If you’re staying nearby, we can even pick you up.
Experience the thrill of breathing underwater with the SSI Try Scuba Diving program! This beginner-friendly session takes place in a safe, controlled swimming pool. You will learn basic scuba skills, practice using dive gear, and feel weightless underwater.
A certified SSI Professional will guide you every step of the way. No experience is needed—just bring your sense of adventure! This is the perfect way to see if you like scuba diving before committing to a full course.
Book your experience today and take your first breaths underwater!
If you like the pool then perhaps you would like to experience the ocean on the next segment of the Try Diving experience, The SSI Basic Diver program. Or perhaps you are hooked and want to earn your first scuba certification on the SSI Open Water Diver course.
This experience takes around 3 hours from start to finish. Perfect for a half-day adventure in sunny Diani Beach!
New to scuba? This is for absolute beginners.
No swimming skills? No problem.
Minimum age: 8 years and above.
It’s ideal for anyone curious about diving but not yet ready for the open sea.
Step 1: Digital Learning
Start with a quick and engaging digital module through MySSI. It explains basic dive theory and safety. You can complete this in about 20 minutes before your session.
Step 2: Pool Introduction
Meet your instructor at our Diani Beach dive center. Get a safety briefing, gear up, and take your first breaths underwater in our confined pool environment. You’ll learn simple skills, float around weightlessly, and experience the joy of scuba.
No, swimming skills are not required. This pool-only session is designed for total beginners.
Yes! Kids aged 8 and up can take part with parental consent.
Great! You can continue straight to the SSI Basic Diver or Open Water Diver course and start your scuba journey.
Absolutely. We follow SSI’s high safety standards. All sessions are led by qualified instructors with years of experience.
Starting your professional scuba journey is exciting, but it’s important to plan it well. This Divemaster course schedule shows a structured 14-day training program designed to cover all the core workshops, academic sessions, and dive leadership requirements.
Completing the course in 14 days is possible, but it is not always ideal. We recommend spreading your Divemaster training over a longer period if you can. Taking extra time gives you more practice, more real-world dive leadership experience, and a stronger foundation for your professional career. As well as logging more dives. However, if you are prepared and committed, this schedule represents the minimum timeline to complete a full Divemaster training program.
Graduating as a Divemaster also requires meeting a critical milestone—you must log at least 60 dives before certification. If you are short on dives when you begin, you should plan extra dive days or enroll in one of our Divemaster career internships. These internships are the perfect way to boost your experience, log more dives, and polish your skills in real-world diving operations.
Following this schedule will prepare you to lead dives, assist instructors, and work confidently in the dive industry. But remember, quality experience matters. Taking extra time to refine your abilities can make all the difference as you step into your new role as a dive professional.
Now, let’s dive into the detailed Divemaster course schedule.
Daily Schedule Outline
Start Time: 7:30 AM (dive days) or 9:00 AM (academic days)
Lunch Break: 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
End Time: 5:00 PM
• 8:00 AM: Meet, Welcome, and Course Introduction
• 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Academic Session 1 | What is a Divemaster? (Lessons 1.1 – 1.4)
• 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Lunch
• 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Continue Academic Session 1
• 7:30 AM – 12:00 PM: Candidate Water Fitness Evaluation + Pool Skills
• 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Lunch
• 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Academic Session 2 | Preparing for the Dive (Lessons 2.1 – 2.3)
• 7:30 AM – 12:30 PM: Assist and Lead Dives (First Leadership Dive Day)
• 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM: Lunch
• 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM: Continue Academic Session 2 (Lessons 2.4 – 2.6)
• 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Dive Centre Operations Module
• 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Lunch
• 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Retail Skills, Rental Gear, and Weighting Workshops
• 7:30 AM – 12:30 PM: Assist and Lead Dives (Second Leadership Dive Day)
• 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM: Lunch
• 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM: Academic Session 3 | Conducting the Dive (Lessons 3.1 – 3.3)
• 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Troubleshoot and Repair Equipment Workshop
• 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Lunch
• 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Continue Academic Session 3 (Lessons 3.4 – 3.5)
• 7:30 AM – 12:30 PM: Assist and Lead Dives (Third Leadership Dive Day)
• 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM: Lunch
• 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM: Dive Briefing Evaluation
• Full day off to recharge
• 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Academic Session 4 | Dive Emergencies (Lessons 4.1 – 4.3)
• 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Lunch
• 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Rescue Workshops (Panicked Diver, Stress Recognition)
• 7:30 AM – 12:30 PM: Assist and Lead Dives (Fourth Leadership Dive Day)
• 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM: Lunch
• 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM: Dive Guiding Evaluation Preparation for Deep Dive
• 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Diving Physics + Diving Physiology
• 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Lunch
• 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Decompression Theory + Dive Equipment Systems
• 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Aquatic Environment
• 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Lunch
• 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Science of Diving Exam and Review
• 7:30 AM – 12:30 PM: Dive Guiding Evaluation | Open Water Dive
• 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM: Lunch
• 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM: Night Dive Planning and Pre-Briefing
• 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM: Dive Guiding Evaluation | Night Dive
• 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Computer Diving Course (Academic Sessions 1-3)
• 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Lunch
• 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Computer Diving Course (Academic Sessions 4-5)
• 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Dive Log Finalization and Graduation Ceremony
Summary Table: 14 Days At-A-Glance
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Special |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Orientation + Academic 1 | Academic 1 continued | |
| 2 | Pool Fitness + Skills | Academic 2 | |
| 3 | Boat Dive 1 | Academic 2 | |
| 4 | Dive Centre Ops | Retail/Weighting Workshops | |
| 5 | Boat Dive 2 | Academic 3 | |
| 6 | Troubleshooting | Academic 3 | |
| 7 | Boat Dive 3 | Briefing Evaluation | |
| 8 | Rest Day | ||
| 9 | Academic 4 | Rescue Skills | |
| 10 | Boat Dive 4 | Deep Dive Planning | |
| 11 | Science of Diving 1 | Science of Diving 1 | |
| 12 | Science of Diving 2 | Science of Diving Exam | |
| 13 | Boat Dive 5 | Night Dive Prep + Night Dive | Night Dive |
| 14 | Computer Diving Course | Graduation Ceremony |
Can You Scuba Dive If You Have Asthma or Other Medical Conditions? Scuba diving opens the door to an incredible world beneath the surface. It’s peaceful, exciting, and unlike anything else. But if you have asthma or another medical condition, you might wonder if scuba diving is safe—or even possible.
The good news is that many people with medical conditions can still enjoy scuba diving. However, it depends on the specific condition, its severity, and how well it’s managed. Diving affects the body in unique ways, especially when it comes to pressure and breathing. That’s why medical clearance is so important.
If you have asthma, diving isn’t automatically off the table. It depends on the type of asthma you have and what triggers it. For example, if your asthma is exercise-induced or worsens by cold air or stress, it may pose a higher risk underwater. But if it’s mild, well-controlled, and not triggered by diving conditions, many doctors will approve you to dive after a proper medical check.
Training agencies like SSI and PADI require you to complete a medical questionnaire before starting a course. If you answer “yes” to any condition—including asthma, diabetes, or heart issues—you’ll need to get a physician’s approval before diving. This is not just a formality. It’s a step that protects your safety and ensures you’re fit to dive under pressure. Download the medical form here.
Many divers with medical conditions dive safely every day. The key is honest communication, both with your doctor and your instructor. In some cases, a diving doctor may request further tests or recommend specific dive limits. With proper precautions, even those with chronic conditions can enjoy underwater experiences.
So, can you scuba dive with asthma or other medical issues? In many cases, yes. But you need to go through the right channels, get professional advice, and listen to your body. Always prioritize safety. When you do, you can turn your health limitations into manageable challenges—not barriers.
Scuba diving is for everyone who can dive safely, and with modern medicine and responsible training, that includes more people than ever before.
Ocean Tribe is delighted to announce that on Wednesday 18th December 2024 we will be running the PADI EMEA Advanced Training Academy in Diani Beach, Kenya.
The program will run for 1 day from 8:30AM – 6:00PM
The PADI (EMEA) Advanced Training Academy consists of presentations/workshops, each to further develop new, inactive, inexperienced, or less confident PADI instructors, to empower them to become more confident and productive. While elements of the topics would have been delivered during the Instructor Development Course, the PADI EMEA Advanced Training Academy provides additional insight into these areas and is for participants (PADI OWSI and above) who already have a basic understanding of these topic areas. Presentations/workshops include:
8:30am -Orientation
9:00am- Workshop- Making the Most of the PADI Pros Site
11:00am- Workshop- Conducting a Successful PADI Rescue Diver Course
2:00pm- Workshop- Conducting a Successful PADI Divemaster Course
4:00pm- Workshop- PADI Risk Management and Best Practice
PADI Instructors who successfully complete the PADI EMEA Advanced Training Academy may submit a Program Completion Verification Form, signed by their Course Director, to PADI. Seminar credit will be given to instructors who submit the Program Completion Verification Form. This supports seminar credit needed when advancing PADI Instructor credentials.
The cost of the program is $99 per PADI professional
For those who would like to attend but are unable to, there will be an opportunity to complete the program online over 4 live sessions. These will be held on:
19/12/24- 2-3 pm – Orientation and Online Workshop- Making the Most of the PADI Pros Site
20/12/24- 2-3 pm – Online Workshop- Conducting a Successful PADI Rescue Diver Course
21/12/24- 2-3 pm – Online Workshop- Conducting a Successful PADI Divemaster Course
22/12/24- 2-3 pm – Online Workshop- PADI Risk Management and Best Practice
To sign up for the program please book online here or email idc@oceantribe.co and if you have any questions for us in the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact us via email or WhatsApp.
Ocean Tribe PADI IDC dates for 2025 have now been released with 5 PADI IDCs scheduled for next year. These will be in March, April, June, September and November. If you don’t see a date that suits you then contact Ocean Tribe and we will try to arrange a PADI IDC that will suit you. Become a PADI Instructor in paradise with Africa’s top PADI Instructor Development team.
All IDCs are conducted by our resident PADI Course Director Mark Slingo and have loads of inclusions on top of the IDC. These include PADI Specialty Instructor training courses, African wildlife safaris, dive pro equipment discounts, and introductions to new areas of diving such as Sidemount and Full Face Diving. All PADI pro programs at Ocean Tribe include Adaptive Techniques where candidates learn to work with divers with disabilities and other special requirements.
For more information on the PADI Instructor Development Course and IDC options and internships at Ocean Tribe in Diani, Kenya. Please visit out dedicated IDC website at https://idc.oceantribe.co.
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Mar |
Apr |
Jun |
Sep |
Nov |
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| EFR Instructor Course |
14 Mar |
27 Apr |
21 Jun |
12 Sep |
6 Dec |
| IDC Prep Course |
1-2 Mar |
12-13 Mar |
8-9 Jun |
30-31 Aug |
23-24 Nov |
| PADI IDC (Dry Workshops) |
3-7 Mar |
16-20 Apr |
10-14 Jun |
1-4 Sep |
25-29 Nov |
| PADI IDC (Practical Section) |
8-16 Mar |
21-29 Apr |
15-22 Jun |
5-14 Sep |
30 Nov- 8 Dec |
| PADI Instructor Exam |
17-18 Mar |
30-31 Apr |
23-24 Jun |
15-16 Sep |
9-10 Dec |
| PADI Specialty Instructor Courses |
20-23 Mar |
2-4 May |
25-27 Jun |
18-20 Sep |
12-14 Dec |
| PADI IDC Staff Instructor |
3-16 Mar |
16-29 Apr |
10-22 Jun |
1-14 Sep |
25 Nov- 8 Dec |
We are very excited to announce that we are offering the PADI Sidemount Diver course in Kenya at Ocean Tribe. From mid-December you will be able to be trained on sidemount, opening up a whole other side of diving for you. For the first program top PADI Sidemount Instructor Trainer, Platinum Course Director Gary Phillips will be travelling to Kenya to run the program.
Normal scuba diving involves carrying a single cylinder on your back. This is back mount diving. Sidemount diving is simply a configuration where the tanks are arranged on your sides rather than your back. Sidemount diving can be used in sport, technical, and overhead environment diving and was originally developed by cave divers.
Sidemount divers often dive with two tanks attached in the water which can make gearing up easier. The tanks are attached to the diver’s harness with bungees or straps which can be easily removed or adjusted while diving.
In technical diving where multiple cylinders often have to be carried some believe that it is easier when using sidemount. You can move onto the PADI Tec Sidemount Diver course from the PADI Sidemount Course to learn how to mount at least 4 tanks for tech diving.
Sidemount diving is becoming increasingly popular around the world and is one of PADI’s best-selling specialty diver courses.
So why should you try sidemount diving? It is a new diving configuration so is it for you? Below are a few good reasons to become a sidemount diver.
As divers, it is very important to be as streamlined as possible. When we see marine creatures underwater, we marvel at the speed they travel. This is because their streamlining has developed over millions of years of evolution. So how do we match it?
The main problem is water is 800 times denser than air and not being streamlined can create drag which means you have to work harder to propel yourself, using more energy and your precious air. So even small things like having your feet slightly below the rest of your body can create significant drag requiring more effort to move.
What diving a sidemount configuration does is align the cylinders with your body and the direction of travel. This streamlining can make propulsion easier and your dive much more relaxed and comfortable.
Trim refers to the forward-to-back orientation of a diver and is usually referenced as; ‘in trim’, ‘head down’, or ‘feet down’. Getting the right trim is a basic diving requirement to move efficiently underwater. This is normally a good horizontal trim.
A good trim is achieved by having the correct weighting amount and positioning on your body, coupled with the correct positioning of gas in your BCD and dry suit (if you are wearing one).
While it is perfectly possible to get a great trim in back mount diving
(And also essential for good easy normal diving). Sidemount diving can make it easier due to the cylinder position at the sides of your body. This allows them to more closely align with your centres of gravity and buoyancy.
When you are diving with cylinders on your back, you have to use body tension to keep your balance when turning towards your sides. You often can feel unbalanced in these situations.
By contrast, when you are diving sidemount, the cylinders are mounted on either side of your chest and no matter what your orientation in the water, the centre of gravity is near the centre of your body and you are always balanced.
When you are stable when diving you can relax almost completely, whilst remaining with a good trim and balance. This makes you truly weightless and also a stable platform. From which you can perform tasks and skills in the same position in the water.
This can be incredibly important when doing some of the dives that sidemount is intended for such as overhead environments. You do not want to make contact with the floor of a wreck or cave and cause a silt out, or hurt yourself hitting overhead objects. Additionally, it is essential to be able to maintain good buoyancy for decompression stops and gas-switching tasks at specific depths, when using the configuration for tech diving.
I would just like to point out that good stability is perfectly achievable with backmount and many of us have achieved this with little difficulty. Some sidemount pros have pointed out that sidemount configurations can be easier to develop this skill in their opinions. See what you think.
One of the main benefits of sidemount is that enables you to carry more gas. It also provides you with a redundancy system in the event of equipment failure or diver error. This is a requirement for all technical diving. Sidemount can provide two independent gas supplies. While this has its pros and cons the redundancy feature of sidemount is a serious benefit.
When you are diving with a back mount configuration it can be hard to reach and impossible to see your cylinder valves, making it awkward to open and close them when geared up.
Sidemount allows you to have your valves in view, making it easier and quicker to identify and isolate any issues and easily open and close valves to switch gas supplies.
Sidemount gives you the option to don and doff equipment in the water (subject to water conditions). This can be of tremendous aid to divers who struggle to carry single or twinsets on land. This can aid those with back issues or with disabilities who find it easier to gear up in the water.
Additionally, sidemount also allows you to unclip tanks underwater and feed them through gaps ahead of you, enabling you as a diver to squeeze through smaller spaces. This can be very useful in cave or wreck diving.
You might not be looking to do technical training, or squeeze through tight overhead environments so should you still think of diving sidemount? I mean after all. It is not for everyone. Well if you like to learn new skills and embrace new challenges then yes for sure.
Sidemount diving requires you to learn new skills that you don’t find in traditional back-mounted scuba diving. If you are like me and just want to learn as many skills as possible and keep yourself developing then this is definitely worth it.
New skills introduced include but are not limited to Managing more than one tank, new control of buoyancy and trim, and new equipment positions. What a challenge, which can be very rewarding.
Ok there is some PADI eLearning to complete as part of the knowledge development section of the PADI Sidemount Diver Course. During this and workshops with your PADI Instructor, you will learn about the theory of sidemount diving, as well as the gear configurations and equipment options that are available to you. You will also be introduced to
The PADI sidemount course practical part includes both confined and open water diver training. You will learn about the setup and donning of sidemount gear and then perform the following skills and exercises in the water
You will make 3 open water dives on Sidemount over 1 or 2 days as part of the course following mastering the techniques in the pool.
Once all performance requirements have been met by you with regards to elearning, and confined and open water dives you will be issued with a PADI Sidemount Diver certification, indicating that you are qualified to use sidemount gear and dive a sidemount configuration.
Click here to book your PADI Sidemount course now or contact us on WhatsApp to find out more about your options on the Sidemount program.
You will need to be:
Yes, we can include the Sidemount Instructor training courses in a package for those PADI Instructors who complete PADI Sidemount diver training with us.
Becoming an SSI Instructor through a crossover program is an exciting step in your professional diving career. At Ocean Tribe, we offer a flexible crossover schedule that can be completed in just four days. Candidates can choose to complete it over consecutive days, split it across two weekends, or even incorporate it into a full Instructor Training Course. The crossover schedule is customisable to meet the needs of each candidate.
Please note that the Instructor Evaluation (IE), which finalizes your SSI certification, is conducted separately and takes an additional one to two days depending on the number of participants.
Your SSI Instructor Crossover journey begins with a short orientation session. During this time, you will receive your academic assignments and in-water presentation tasks. Instructors will explain the course expectations, set your goals, and ensure you understand the flow of the upcoming days.
The orientation is designed to be clear, efficient, and set a positive tone for the entire program. The total duration is 1.5 hours.
The first full day of training dives straight into the academic content. You will review Academic Sessions 1 through 6, covering essential elements like the SSI teaching philosophy, standards, and systems.
In the afternoon, you move into your first teaching presentation. You will deliver an academic lesson based on the Open Water Diver course, practicing your ability to engage and educate future divers in a classroom setting.
Day one is a full training day, with a total duration of nine hours.
Day two builds on the academic base from the first day. You will continue the academic review, focusing on Sessions 7 to 10. These sessions deepen your understanding of SSI’s teaching methods and customer care systems.
After the academic work, you will transition into the pool or confined water environment. Here, you will deliver your first confined water teaching presentation, simulating how you would instruct Open Water Diver students during their initial skill development.
Day two is equally packed, with a total duration of nine hours.
The third day moves into more practical, real-world rescue scenarios. You will participate in a Diver Stress & Rescue workshop, refining your ability to manage emergencies in diving environments.
Following the workshop, you return to the pool for another teaching session. This time, the focus is on demonstrating and teaching emergency ascent skills, a vital competency for any Open Water Instructor.
Day three is slightly lighter, with a total duration of six hours.
The final day of the SSI instructor crossover program shifts to the open water. You will conduct an open water teaching presentation, guiding your fellow candidates through real-world skill demonstrations.
After the practical open water work, you will complete your final written exams. These exams test your understanding of the SSI system, teaching standards, and professional responsibilities.
Finally, you will sit down for your overall performance review, receiving feedback on your strengths and the areas where you can continue to grow as an SSI Instructor.
The last day runs for a total of seven hours and brings your training portion of the crossover to a close.
After successfully completing the crossover schedule, candidates must attend the Instructor Evaluation. This evaluation takes an additional one to two days and is required for final SSI Instructor certification.
Ocean Tribe Dive Team
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