Learn Any Time. Anywhere. Get the MySSI App
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.
Mark, originally from Great Britain, has been diving since 2001 when he took his first plunge in Australia. With over 20 years as a professional diver, he has earned over 125 diving certifications including both SSI Instructor Trainer and PADI Course Director, making him an extremely experienced dive professional.
His favorite dive site in Diani is Mwanyaza, the first place he encountered whale sharks and dolphins underwater. His ultimate dive experience so far remains the Great Barrier Reef but there are always more places to dive and discover.
Beyond diving, Mark enjoys photography, cooking, traveling, and following sports. What he loves most about working for Ocean Tribe is the fantastic dive team, incredible dive sites, and the close-knit, family feel.
Whether training new instructors or exploring the deep, Mark is always ready for the next underwater adventure!
Lisa, originally from Germany, is a highly skilled Staff Instructor and Freediver. Her love for the water started early, and she took her first dive in 2005 in Fuerteventura. Coming from a background in synchronized swimming and freediving, scuba diving was the next natural step—and she’s been hooked ever since!
For Lisa, life without water is like a teabag without water—it just doesn’t make sense. Her favorite dive sites include Ras Mohammed in Egypt and Alfa Funguo in Diani, where she gets to explore the underwater world in all its beauty.
When she’s not diving, you’ll find Lisa freediving, spearfishing, gardening, making music, or catching up on sleep. She loves Ocean Tribe for its diverse opportunities, catering to everyone from beginners to professionals. She also appreciates the team’s passion for marine conservation and, of course, she thinks Henry is the cutest!
Jacinta Kimani, also known as Nimo, is a passionate Instructor, Mermaid, and Freediver from Murang’a, Kenya. She took her first dive in 2023 in Diani, and it completely changed her life. What started as a way to better understand her job quickly turned into a hobby and career. Diving not only helped her conquer her fears but also gave her a sense of peace and freedom beneath the waves.
Her favorite dive site? Galu! It holds a special place in her heart because it was her first dive spot, and she got to swim with turtles—an experience she will never forget.
When she’s not underwater, Nimo loves dancing, photography, modeling, and, of course, diving. She thrives at Ocean Tribe because she gets to meet people from all over the world. Who knows? Maybe she’ll even meet her future husband here! Interested?
Want to dive with Nimo? Join her at Ocean Tribe and explore the underwater world together!
Steph, an SSI Divemaster Instructor and PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor, hails from central Kenya and has been passionate about the ocean since her first dive in 2019 at Kilifi. Driven by a deep curiosity about marine ecosystems, she took the plunge to explore and understand underwater life firsthand.
Her favorite dive site is the breathtaking Takaungu Wall in Kilifi, where vibrant marine life and dramatic underwater landscapes make every dive unforgettable. When she’s not diving, Steph loves spending time in nature, whether it’s hiking, exploring, or simply soaking in the beauty of the outdoors.
At Ocean Tribe, Steph enjoys the variety of courses and hands-on exposure that help divers of all levels grow in their skills and confidence. Whether you’re taking your first breath underwater or advancing your training, Steph is ready to guide you on your diving journey with expertise and enthusiasm!
Chris, originally from Germany, discovered scuba diving while serving in the Navy. However, his love for the ocean started much earlier—his father was a marine biologist, and that passion for the underwater world inspired him from a young age.
His favorite dive sites include the breathtaking Raja Ampat and Alpha Funguo in Diani, where he gets to explore vibrant marine life. When he’s not diving, Chris is always looking for his next adventure. He loves off-road safaris, exploring in his Land Rover, and anything that gets his adrenaline pumping.
With a passion for both land and sea, Chris brings experience, enthusiasm, and a love for adventure to Ocean Tribe
Isaac Kitsao Changawa, a PADI Divemaster from Kilifi County, started his diving journey in 2007 in Malindi and Watamu. What began as an adventure quickly became a life-changing passion, inspiring him to transform not only his own life but also those around him.
His favorite dive sites, Kisima Mungu and Galu, hold special meaning, offering breathtaking underwater experiences. When he’s not diving, Isaac enjoys reading novels, playing the keyboard, and immersing himself in music.
At Ocean Tribe, he continues to grow, gaining more diving experience and sharing his love for the ocean. Ready to dive? Isaac is here to guide you!
Phelix Malongo, from Vihiga County in Western Province, is a passionate adventurer who loves swimming and exploring new places. His social nature and ability to work with anyone make him a great team player.
At Ocean Tribe, Phelix has found the perfect place to thrive. He enjoys the peaceful and cool environment, where he meets new people and shares his love for the ocean.
Looking for a friendly face on your next diving adventure? Phelix is always ready to welcome you!
Nasibu is one of Ocean Tribe’s trusted captains, keeping our divers safe and comfortable as they head out to the reef. While not yet a diver, he’s already working towards his first certifications and is excited to join the tribe underwater soon.
When he’s not on the boat, you’ll probably find him listening to music or out on a morning run to start the day strong. His energy and enthusiasm make every trip to the dive sites a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Rama Katana, from Kilifi, is an enthusiastic Open Water Diver with a passion for the underwater world. His diving journey began on February 8, 2024, at Jadini, and since then, he has been eager to explore more beneath the waves.
His favorite dive site? Galu! The rich marine life and stunning underwater scenery make every dive unforgettable.
When he’s not diving, Rama enjoys watching and playing football. He loves being part of Ocean Tribe, a 5-star dive center, where he gets to grow his skills and meet fellow ocean lovers.
Precious is the friendly face behind Ocean Tribe’s Dive Relations, making sure every diver feels welcome and at home with the team. She completed her Open Water course in 2024 and is already working towards her Rescue Diver certification.
Her favourite dive site is the wreck of the Mv Alpha, where she says she feels like the real-life Ariel exploring an underwater fairytale. Away from the ocean, Precious enjoys watching documentaries and finding new ways to learn about the world.
Her passion for diving started at just 10 years old, when she spotted her first sea snake—a moment that sparked a lifelong love for the sea.
Mark’s dog Henry is ever present around the dive centre to greet divers when they come back from diving. He will be more than happy to frolic with you in the surf and just generally give love and attention. The best dive centre mascot. Warning though: He is a total scrounger for food and affection!
While the following dive internship itinerary is not a set-in-stone one. It will give you an idea of the timings between each diver level and how long you should allow to do a dive internship.
Before joining an SSI Instructor Course, make sure you meet these key requirements:
✅ You must be a certified diver for at least 6 months before starting the Instructor Course.
✅ You need at least 40 logged dives to begin the Divemaster Course.
✅ You must have at least 100 logged dives before starting the Instructor Course.
Plan ahead, log your dives, and get ready to take the next step in your professional dive career!
Arrive at Mombasa or Ukunda Airport, where we’ll pick you up and transport you to Diani Beach. Settle into your dive intern accommodation and get familiar with the dive school.
Spend your first two days exploring Diani Beach and getting used to the area. If you’re getting your own dive equipment, fittings happen on Day 2. You’ll also meet with the internship manager to review your training schedule and study SSI Open Water digital materials.
By Day 4, it’s time to dive in! Start your SSI Open Water Diver course, which runs for four days.
This week, you’ll take:
✔ SSI Navigation Diving Course
✔ SSI Deep Diving Course
✔ SSI Enriched Air Diving Course
Plus, enjoy fun dives to gain experience and increase your logged dives count.
Start your diving career today with Ocean Tribe!
Ocean Tribe is an official SSI Classified Diving Center, committed to making scuba diving accessible to everyone. Through our internship program, all instructors become SSI Classified Diver Instructors, ensuring they can train and assist individuals with physical disabilities and sensory disorders. Divemasters will do the SSI Classified Dive Buddy Program
The SSI Classified Diving program provides specialized training for individuals with limited mobility or sensory impairments. It also prepares certified dive buddies to assist these divers, ensuring a safe and enjoyable underwater experience. With adaptive training, students learn to dive alongside an SSI Classified Dive Buddy or an SSI Classified Diving Professional.
Participants who receive medical clearance start in a pool or confined water setting, mastering essential skills in a controlled environment. Once comfortable, they may progress to open-water diving, experiencing the freedom of exploring the ocean. There is multi-level certification depending on how much the diver is able to do for themselves and others.
About 16% of the world’s population lives with some form of physical disability, whether from birth, illness, or injury. Traditional scuba programs often overlook these individuals, but the SSI Classified Diving program breaks down barriers. It offers an opportunity to enjoy the thrill, adventure, and serenity of diving, proving that the ocean is for everyone.
Scuba diving provides a sense of weightlessness and freedom, making it an ideal activity for those with mobility challenges. At Ocean Tribe, we believe in creating equal opportunities for all divers. Our Certified Classified Diver Instructors are trained to provide personalized, adaptive support, ensuring every student feels safe and confident underwater.
Join us and discover a new world beneath the waves!
The Go-Pro dive equipment package concepts have been designed to recognise that dive professionals should have their own set of diving equipment.
Their ‘tools of the trade’ if you will.
When you have passed a Divemaster course or SSI Instructor Training Course, then you are a professional diver. This is a career.
It would be unreasonable to expect you to be a professional footballer without a pair of boots, so the same principle should apply to diving.
The internship dive equipment packages have been put together not just for our interns to save on price (although that is important).
As a professional diver you are expected to be a role model diver. Your students and divers should look at the equipment you wear. They should think you look professional. They should want to emulate you.
If you are wearing the same rental gear as them, it does not give you much scope for dive equipment sales (a potential revenue source for a dive pro).
As such even the basic dive internship equipment package is not all equipment used for rental, but rather upgrades that will set you aside as someone who should be taken seriously.
All of the dive internship equipment packages come from top scuba diving equipment manufacturers including Apeks Aqualung, Beaver Sports, Cressi, Oceanic, Hollis, Scubapro, Suunto, and Shearwater.
All participants in the Divemaster Career Internship or Dive Instructor Career Internship receive a complete equipment package included in their program. Already have your own gear? No problem! You can opt-out if needed.
This special pricing is available to all professional course participants, including:
Train with top-quality dive gear and gain the skills to become a confident, well-equipped dive professional.
BCD- Oceanic- Biolite or Ocean Pro
Regulator- 1st Stage/2nd Stage/Octo Oceanic- Alpha 8
Gauges, Compass, and Dive Computer– Oceanic- Veo 4.0 Navcon
Mask- Oceanic- Shadow
Snorkel– Oceanic-Ultra SD
Fins- Oceanic- Viper 2 Full foot
Reel- Beaver – 30m Finger
SMB- Beaver – with Valve
Slate- Beaver
Wetsuit- Ocean Tribe Deep Blue 3mm Shorty
This is the basic package included with dive internship packages
For purchase as an SSI Divemaster Course or SSI ITC Candidate, special price is $1399
BCD- Scubapro- Hydros Pro
Regulator- Scubapro- MK11/C370
Gauges– Scubapro- Compact 2
Compass– Beaver Sports- Wrist Compass
Dive Computer– Shearwater Peregrine
Mask- Scubapro – Solo
Snorkel– Scubapro – Spectra
Fins- Scubapro- Go Travel
Reel- Beaver – 30m Finger
SMB- Beaver – with Valve
Slate- Beaver
Wetsuit- Ocean Tribe Deep Blue 3mm Shorty
Boots- Deep Blue
To upgrade the internship package the cost is $500
For purchase as an SSI Divemaster Course or SSI ITC Candidate, special price is $1899
Contact us when booking and we can design your perfect equipment package based on your requirements. This can include: Wings, air integrated computers, different exposure options, and more.
Kenya delivers unforgettable experiences, from thrilling wildlife encounters to breathtaking landscapes. Home to world-renowned African wildlife, its national parks teem with iconic species, while the Great Rift Valley, Mt. Kenya, and Mt. Kilimanjaro create stunning backdrops. Along the Indian Ocean, pristine beaches and vibrant coral reefs await.
At Ocean Tribe, we offer exclusive dive and safari packages, combining the best of Kenya’s land and sea. Embark on a thrilling safari across the African savannah, unwind on the spectacular shores of Diani Beach, and dive into the crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life.
Looking for a personalized adventure? We tailor custom dive and safari experiences to match your dream itinerary. Let us craft the perfect Kenya getaway just for you!
Our exclusive dive and safari packages take you on an incredible journey across Kenya’s most breathtaking destinations. Depending on your chosen package, your adventure may include:
Travel in comfort in a spacious 4×4 Land Cruiser, guided by an experienced safari expert. Your guide will help you track Africa’s most famous wildlife, including the Big Five—lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo, and rhinos—ensuring an unforgettable safari experience.
Diani Beach, Kenya’s top coastal destination, is famous for its white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and endless adventure opportunities. Are you planning a relaxing getaway or an action-packed trip? Here are the most frequently asked questions about Diani Beach (FAQs)to help you plan your perfect vacation.
Diani Beach is on Kenya’s south coast, about 30 km (18 miles) south of Mombasa in Kwale County. It stretches along the Indian Ocean and is known for its stunning coastline, vibrant marine life, and laid-back atmosphere.
There are several ways to reach Diani Beach:
Yes, Diani Beach is considered one of Kenya’s safest destinations. However, always take basic precautions:
Absolutely! Diani Beach has warm, clear waters perfect for swimming. It is ideal for families due to the shallow shoreline and gentle waves make. But always be cautious of the tides.
Diani Beach is a watersports paradise! Popular activities include:
The best time to visit is during the dry seasons:
Avoid the rainy season from April – June when heavy rains can disrupt activities.
Diani offers accommodations ranging from luxury resorts to budget-friendly stays:
🏝️ Luxury: The Sands at Nomad, Almanara Villas, Swahili Beach Resort
🏝️ Mid-Range: Leopard Beach Resort, Baobab Beach Resort, The Zubeida
🏝️ Budget: Diani Backpackers, Pendo Villas, Soul Breeze Beach Resort
Diani has fantastic Swahili and seafood cuisine. Must-try dishes include:
🍛 Swahili Biriani – A rich, spiced rice and meat dish.
🐟 Grilled Seafood – Fresh fish, lobster, and calamari.
🥥 Coconut Beans & Chapati – A delicious vegetarian option.
🍢 Mishkaki – Spiced meat skewers.
Top restaurants to visit:
Yes! Diani Beach is close to several safari destinations:
Check out our Dive and Safari Packages
Visit Colobus Conservation, a rescue center dedicated to protecting endangered colobus monkeys. You’ll also spot vervet monkeys and Sykes monkeys around hotels and beachside areas.
The Kenyan Shilling (KES) is the local currency. Many places readily accept USD, EUR, and GBP; however, to ensure a smoother experience, it’s best to carry Kenyan Shillings (KES) for local purchases. Since smaller shops and markets may only take cash, having local currency on hand will make transactions easier and more convenient.
Most visitors need an eVisa, which can be applied for online at evisa.go.ke. Some nationalities qualify for visa-on-arrival services.
Diani Beach has good mobile coverage with Safaricom and Airtel. Most hotels, cafes, and restaurants offer free WiFi.
Shop for handcrafted Kenyan souvenirs such as:
🖼️ Maasai jewelry – Beaded necklaces and bracelets.
🦁 Wood carvings – Handmade sculptures of African wildlife.
👜 Kikoy & Kitenge fabrics – Traditional Swahili clothing.
🐚 Seashell crafts – Unique ocean-inspired décor.
Visit the Diani Beach Art Gallery or the local markets for authentic gifts.
Diani Beach is a tropical paradise offering relaxation, adventure, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re looking for thrilling activities or a peaceful escape, you’ll find it all here.
The dive agency equivalent certifications chart below is useful when enrolling on a new scuba diving course with Ocean Tribe. If you have been certified through SSI, NAUI or CMAS, then you will need to know which PADI course your diving certification allows you to enrol on. While there are other diver training organizations we have listed the ones that meet the ISO safety standards and are recognized as the largest.
Ratings are shown as to what the direct equivalent is and therefore you can enter the next course below on the scale. So for example a SSI Open Water Diver is equivalent to an PADI Open Water Diver and therefore able to enroll on the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver program.
If you have any questions about entry requirements for any of the scuba diving courses in Kenya, held at Ocean Tribe then please contact us
Here’s a comprehensive certification equivalency chart that starts with SSI levels and includes major WRSTC/ISO-aligned agencies—PADI, SDI, NAUI, RAID, plus CMAS and BSAC, using ISO standards for reference:
| SSI Level | PADI | SDI | NAUI | RAID | CMAS | BSAC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Try Scuba / Basic Diver | Discover Scuba | Try Scuba / Shallow Water Diver | Scuba Diver (intro) | Recreational Diver (entry) | — | Discover Diver |
| Scuba Diver (Supervised, ISO 24801‑1) | PADI Scuba Diver | Supervised Diver | NAUI Scuba Diver | Recreational Diver | CMAS 1★ Diver¹ | Ocean Diver |
| Open Water Diver (Autonomous, ISO 24801‑2) | Open Water Diver | Open Water Scuba Diver | NAUI Scuba Diver | Open Water 20 | CMAS 1★ Diver¹ | Ocean Diver / Autonomous Diver¹ |
| Advanced Adventurer / AOWD | Advanced Open Water Diver | SDI Advanced Adventure | NAUI Advanced Scuba Diver | Advanced Open Water Diver | CMAS 2★ Diver² | Sports Diver |
| Diver Stress & Rescue (ISO 24801‑3) | Rescue Diver | Rescue Diver | Rescue Scuba Diver | Rescue Diver | CMAS 2★ Diver² | Sports Diver |
| Dive Control Specialist / Divemaster | Divemaster | Divemaster | Divemaster | Divemaster | CMAS 3★ Diver³ | Dive Leader |
| Assistant Instructor (ISO 24802‑1) | Assistant Instructor | Assistant Instructor | Assistant Instructor | Assistant Instructor | CMAS 1★ Instructor³ | Club Instructor |
| Open Water Instructor (ISO 24802‑2) | Open Water Instructor | OW Scuba Dive Instructor | Scuba Instructor | Open Circuit Instructor | CMAS 2★ Instructor³ | Open Water Instructor |
| Master Diver (non‑leadership) | Master Scuba Diver | Master Scuba Diver | Master Scuba Diver | Master Diver | CMAS 3★ Diver³ | Advanced Diver |
Supervised Diver (e.g., SSI Scuba Diver, PADI Scuba Diver, CMAS 1★) aligns with ISO 24801‑1 .
Autonomous Diver (e.g., SSI Open Water Diver, PADI OWD, SDI OWD, CMAS 1★) aligns with ISO 24801‑2 .
Diver Stress & Rescue and leadership certifications (e.g., SSI Rescue, PADI Rescue, CMAS 2★, BSAC Sports Diver) align with ISO 24801‑3 Dive Leader standards .
Instructor levels (Assistant & Open Water Instructor) are standardized under ISO 24802 across agencies .
CMAS star system equivalencies summarized from multiple sources:
Clear Progression: SSI’s structure guides you through from beginner to instructor, and nearly every level maps directly to PADI, SDI, NAUI, RAID, CMAS, BSAC equivalents.
Global Compatibility: Your SSI certification is recognized by agencies worldwide—making it easy to crossover or continue with another organization.
Leadership & Teaching Routes: Climbing SSI ranks opens doors to equivalent professional roles like Divemaster or Instructor in other systems.
If you’ve fallen in love with scuba diving, turning it into a career might feel like the next big step. Becoming a dive instructor is exciting, rewarding, and full of opportunities. But how long does it actually take?
The answer depends on your current certification level. If you’re brand new to diving, the full path takes longer. You’ll need to move through each course step by step. That means starting with Open Water Diver, progressing to Advanced, then Rescue Diver, and finally reaching Divemaster.
Each of these certifications takes time and experience. You also need to log a certain number of dives. For SSI, that number is 100 before you can begin your Instructor Training Course (ITC).
If you’re diving regularly and focused on your training, you could become an instructor in about six months to a year. Some people complete the journey faster by joining full-time internships or dedicated professional programs. Others take longer, especially if they’re diving part-time or only on holidays. The beauty of scuba is that it fits around your lifestyle.
Once you’re ready, the Instructor Training Course typically lasts around two weeks. During that time, you’ll learn how to teach, manage student divers, and follow international standards. You’ll be evaluated on both classroom knowledge and in-water performance. It’s intensive, but incredibly rewarding.
After passing the final instructor exam/evaluation, you’re qualified to teach new divers and issue certifications. This opens doors to working in dive resorts, liveaboards, training centers, and more. You’ll be part of a global community, sharing your passion and helping others experience the underwater world.
For most people, the journey to instructor level takes several months to a year. It depends on how often you dive, how quickly you progress, and how much time you can dedicate to training. But if you’re committed and enthusiastic, you’ll get there—and it’s absolutely worth the effort.
Set up your SSI digital learning account to start your scuba diving journey with SSI? The first step is creating the account. It’s fast, easy, and gives you instant access to SSI’s eLearning platform. Whether you’re signing up for your first course or continuing your diving education, everything begins with registration.
To get started, visit the official SSI registration page to set up your SSI digital learning account, using this direct affiliation link: https://my.divessi.com/register/ref/772107
This link ensures you’re registered with Ocean Tribe, an SSI-affiliated dive center that can assign your courses, track your progress, and certify you when you’re ready. It also gives you local support from experienced dive professionals. If you are registering with another dive centre then leave off the number on the end.
Once on the registration page, fill in your personal details. Use your full legal name, as it will appear on your certifications. Choose a strong password and remember your login details—you’ll use them throughout your training.
You’ll also be asked for your email and phone number. Make sure they’re accurate, as this is how your dive center will contact you about course updates and scheduling.
This step is important. You must upload a clear photo of yourself, similar to a passport photo. This image will appear on your digital certification card, so make sure it’s a good one. No sunglasses, hats, or distractions in the background.
Next, enter your complete home address. SSI requires this information to complete your profile and match your records across systems. Double-check everything before submitting.
Once your profile is complete and linked to Ocean Tribe, your instructor can register you for the right SSI course. You’ll then receive access to the digital learning materials through the MySSI app or website. You can start studying right away—at your own pace, from anywhere in the world.
Download the MySSI App for iPhone or iPad
Download the MySSI App for Android
Setting up your SSI digital learning is quick and simple, but it’s also the start of something exciting. With Ocean Tribe as your training partner, you’ll get expert guidance, world-class materials, and a seamless path to becoming a certified diver. So don’t wait—sign up, dive in, and explore a whole new world beneath the surface.
“Do I need to be able to swim to scuba dive? The answer isn’t a straightforward yes or no. It depends on the type of scuba diving experience you’re looking for.
If you want an Open Water Diver license or scuba certification, the answer is yes. Entry-level courses require swim and floating tests to earn certification. On the Open Water Diver course this is a 200m swim and a 10 minute tread or float.
The swim requirement isn’t about swimming while scuba diving. This ensures your safety and your group’s by helping you stay afloat if you need to remove your equipment, including your BCD.
However if you are looking at doing a Try Scuba experience. It is not 100% necessary to be able to swim. You will be under the direct supervision within arm’s reach of an SSI Instructor. Your Instructor will teach you to kick properly using fins in the water. The rest of the time you will be neutrally buoyant underwater. We still recommend being able to swim prior to trying or learning to scuba dive. This will enhance your confidence and the experience for you.
Ocean Tribe generally will do the scuba diving experience for non-swimmers. In a swimming pool or an other shallow water area. If you then decide you really want to continue with scuba diving. We have professional swimming instructors on staff who can run programs to aid you to learn to swim.
The exception to this rule is. Those people with disabilities taking part on one of our SSI Classified Diver level 3 diver programs. These divers will be taken through the water by 3 SSI dive professionals. The pros are experienced in working with divers with disabilities. Therefore, swimming for these participants is not required due to the added safety measures.
For people with disabilities who are wishing to scuba dive or try diving. Contact our SSI Instructor Trainer Mark who is a specialist in this field. You will be surprised how many “disabled”conditions are able to get in the water and experience the wonders of scuba diving.
Contact us at Ocean Tribe in Diani Beach today. For more information regarding swimming lessons. Or to book your Try Scuba Diving experience or Open Water or Scuba Diver course.
Ocean Tribe Dive Team
I will be back soon
