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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.
Leading a dive doesn’t stop once you hit the surface. The dive debrief is where real growth happens. If you’re wondering how to give a dive debrief, this guide will show you how to do it like a pro.
A debrief gives divers the chance to reflect on their performance, correct mistakes, and reinforce what went well. It improves safety, strengthens team communication, and builds diver confidence. Whether you’re working with beginners or seasoned divers, a well-structured debrief turns every dive into a learning experience. It also shows professionalism, creates trust, and encourages divers to stay curious and motivated.
When done properly, a debrief transforms a dive from a one-off experience into a stepping stone for long-term improvement. Here’s how to deliver it clearly, positively, and with purpose.
Ask how the buddy checks went. Did anyone find a problem? Did everyone take it seriously or rush through it? This sets the tone and reinforces the importance of doing it right every time.
Was the entry controlled and calm? Did everyone enter at the right time with the correct spacing? Highlight anything that went wrong and how to correct it before the next dive.
Was the descent smooth? Did everyone equalize without issues? If someone struggled, find out why. Fixing equalization or descent problems builds confidence and comfort for the next dive.
How was buoyancy control? Was trim stable and horizontal? Did everyone use efficient propulsion techniques? Was breathing slow and controlled? These are the core skills every diver needs to master.
Did all gear function correctly? Any issues with masks, regulators, or hoses? If something didn’t work properly, fix it now—not mid-dive tomorrow.
Ask the group honestly—did they manage the environment or feel overwhelmed? Whether it was surge, current, or low visibility, help them reflect and improve their response.
Did the group stay together and follow the plan? Were signals clear? Did everyone stay aware of their position, their buddy, and their surroundings? These skills keep dives smooth and safe.
Did the team surface according to the plan, or did something force an early exit? Review air limits, time limits, and comfort levels. Ending strong is part of good dive leadership.
Was the ascent slow and controlled? Did everyone complete a full safety stop? Reinforce why this is essential—even on easy dives.
How was the exit from the water? Was it smooth, or did someone need help? Practice and planning make this final step safer and more efficient.
Ask each diver for their Surface Air Consumption rate. Review how buoyancy, trim, and breathing control affect it. Tracking SAC helps divers improve efficiency over time.
Finish strong. Ask every diver what they’ll focus on next time. This helps them apply what they learned and take ownership of their growth.
A good debrief isn’t a lecture. It’s a two-way conversation that makes every diver better. Knowing how to give a dive debrief is one of the most powerful tools in a dive pro’s toolkit. Use it well, and your divers will improve after every single dive.
Interested in learning more? Check out this information from The Human Factor for more in depth analysis and ideas.
Can You Ask to See the Scuba Training Standards Before Your Dive Course?. Yes, you can—and you absolutely should. When you sign up for a scuba course, you’re not just paying for fun. You’re paying to learn critical safety skills that could one day save your life. That’s why it’s so important to know exactly what your scuba course training standards require—before you even get in the water.
Every dive course has a defined list of skills, dives, and theory you must complete before you’re certified. These minimum standards ensure you can dive safely and confidently. Unfortunately, not every instructor follows them properly. Some might rush you through, skip skills, or even issue certifications they aren’t qualified to give. While it’s not common. You should protect against it anyway to avoid any issues.
Knowing the scuba course training standards helps you protect yourself. It also allows you to hold your instructor accountable and ensure you’re getting the full training you deserve.
Unlike some other agencies, SSI (Scuba Schools International) makes its course standards fully available to students.
Here’s how to find them:
This gives you full visibility of the required dives, skills, and knowledge for your certification.
You can also check if your instructor is active and authorised to teach your course:
More info on what to look for here:
👉 Why You Should Always Ask to See a Scuba Instructor’s Card
At the end of your course, your instructor should go through your performance and complete your paperwork. This checklist confirms that you’ve met all the required standards. If anything is missing, you must complete it before certification.
No shortcuts. No skipped skills.
Scuba course training standards represent the bare minimum. You should feel confident and competent in every skill—not just pass because it’s “good enough.” If you need more time, more practice, or more support, that’s okay. A good instructor will guide you, not rush you.
So yes—ask to see the scuba course training standards. Check your instructor. Read the course requirements. And make sure your certification is earned properly, with safety and confidence built in.
Completing your Open Water Diver course is just the beginning of your underwater journey. While your certification is valid worldwide, it doesn’t prepare you for every diving condition or situation. That’s why further dive training after Open Water—and consistently logging your dives—is absolutely essential.
At Ocean Tribe, we train divers in the warm, calm waters of Kenya’s coral reefs. You learn to manage mild currents, occasional surge, and entry from a small dive boat using a back roll. These are good conditions for beginners—but the ocean doesn’t always stay this gentle.
Travel somewhere new, or even dive back home and you might encounter strong currents, low visibility, cold water, or unfamiliar equipment. These aren’t just variations—they’re challenges that demand new skills. Dry suit use, drift diving techniques, new equipment orientation. It could be anything.
Think of your logbook as your diving resume. It doesn’t just prove experience—it shows how you’ve progressed, what conditions you’ve dived in, and which equipment you’ve used. Dive operators around the world will ask for your logged experience, especially before allowing you on advanced or technical dives.
More importantly, logging dives helps you. You build confidence by recording what went well, what didn’t, and what you learned. Over time, you see patterns, gain insights, and grow as a diver.
Passing your driving test doesn’t mean you’re ready to handle icy roads or off-road tracks. Diving is the same. Want to use a dry suit? You’ll need actual training in a controlled setting. Never skip straight to the “event.” Further dive training and practice will help. Practise first, log your dives, and gain proficiency.
Even if you dive again in warm waters, procedures can change. Different boats, dive sites, or currents require briefings and adaptation. Never assume everything will work like it did during your course. Ask questions, get an orientation, and always log the dive to reflect new conditions or techniques you encountered.
The more you practise, the more skilled and confident you become. The more dives you do refining your technique the better a diver you will become. Logging each dive lets you track that progress. Skip this step, and you lose valuable learning opportunities. Worse still, if something goes wrong, you won’t have a clear record of your dive habits or gear use.
The best way to improve as a diver is to combine consistent dive logging with certain continuing education courses. Every new course teaches you skills that expand your comfort zone and prepare you for different environments. When you’re heading into new conditions or using unfamiliar equipment, this combination isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. You need both the training and the practice to build true competence.
So don’t stop at Open Water. Keep training, keep practising—and always log your dives. It’s the key to staying safe, gaining confidence, and becoming a truly capable diver, no matter where you dive next.
Many divers ask, how long does a scuba dive last? At Ocean Tribe in Diani Beach, Kenya, we keep every dive safe, fun, and well-managed with clear limits and professional planning. At Ocean Tribe in Diani Beach, Kenya, we follow strict safety protocols to ensure every dive is both enjoyable and responsible.
For our daily reef dives, each scuba dive typically lasts up to 50 minutes or until a diver reaches 50 bar of air pressure—whichever comes first. Once one diver hits this limit, the whole group begins their ascent. This way, everyone surfaces together, staying safe and within the no-decompression zone.
If your group has experience and wants to stay underwater longer, you can arrange a 60-minute dive in advance. Just speak with the dive leader and boat crew before the trip.
On deeper sites like the MV Alpha Funguo wreck, the rules are slightly different. This dive goes beyond 20 metres, so we begin our ascent at 70 bar. This ensures we have time for a proper safety stop and remain well within the no-decompression limits.
All divers must use a dive computer. We always follow the most conservative profile in the group. If a diver doesn’t use a computer, the group follows standard dive tables—but we rarely approach NDLs on our reef dives.
So, if you’re asking how long does a scuba dive last with Ocean Tribe, the answer is always rooted in safety. Whether it’s a relaxed coral dive or an exciting wreck adventure, we make sure your experience is both thrilling and secure.
Looking for a tropical escape that blends luxury and underwater adventure? This Diani Beach dive and stay package offers it all. Spend three nights at the stunning Leopard Beach Resort & Spa. Dive with Ocean Tribe, Diani’s award-winning dive centre, on two guided morning dive trips.
Perfect for certified divers seeking reef exploration and resort comfort in one unforgettable trip.
Set in 28 acres of lush gardens, Leopard Beach Resort offers peace and luxury. You’ll stay in a Superior Balcony Room.
Expect comfort and style. Rooms include air conditioning, a satellite flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, a mini-bar, and tea/coffee facilities. The eco-friendly rain shower in the en-suite bathroom is perfect after a dive.
Explore the Indian Ocean with two morning dive trips. Each includes two guided boat dives at vibrant coral reefs and wrecks teeming with marine life.
Spot turtles, moray eels, clownfish, and, in season, manta rays and whale sharks. Ocean Tribe provides expert guides, snacks, refreshments, and return transfers from the resort.
Arrive at Ukunda Airport or Mombasa. Transfer to Leopard Beach Resort. Check in and relax—swim, sunbathe, or book a spa session. Enjoy dinner at one of the resort’s restaurants.
Enjoy breakfast, then meet Ocean Tribe at 7:45 AM. Head out for your first two dives on Diani’s famous reefs. Return by 1:00 PM. Spend the afternoon at leisure. Have dinner at a different restaurant or try a themed buffet.
After breakfast, go for two more dives at new sites. Expect different scenery and marine life. Return in the afternoon. Optional: Visit Colobus Conservation or take a sunset dhow cruise. End the day with dinner and cocktails.
Enjoy a final beachside breakfast. Check out and transfer to the airport. Leave with lasting memories of your Diani Beach diving holiday.
This 4-day escape offers the best scuba diving in Diani Beach with all the comforts of a luxury resort. Whether you’re an experienced diver or returning to the water after a break, this trip is designed for relaxation, adventure, and unforgettable marine moments.
Note: Dives depend on weather and certification level. Rentals and additional training are available at extra cost.
Experience the best of Kenya with Ocean Tribe’s 10-Day Dive Safari Package. Start with world-class diving in Diani Beach. Then finish with a classic African safari in the heart of wildlife country. It’s the perfect mix of underwater discovery and big game excitement.
Begin your journey on the white sand beaches of Diani, where turquoise waters and colourful reefs are just minutes away. Spend six full mornings diving with Ocean Tribe. With two dives each day, you’ll explore everything from vibrant coral gardens and turtle cleaning stations to deeper drop-offs teeming with life.
We customise the dive plan to match your certification level. Whether you’re building experience or a seasoned diver chasing rare sightings, we’ve got you covered. Optional extras like night dives or the famous Alpha Funguo wreck can be added to your itinerary.
You’ll stay at the award-winning Leopard Beach Resort & Spa, one of Diani Beach’s most iconic properties. Your Superior Balcony Room offers comfort, privacy, and lush garden views from a private upper-floor balcony. The resort sits right on the beach, just a few minutes from the Ocean Tribe dive centre. After your dives, relax in the pool, stroll through the tropical grounds, or enjoy a cocktail with an ocean view. With modern amenities, excellent dining, and a peaceful setting, Leopard Beach is the perfect place to recharge between adventures.
Afternoons are free for relaxation. Enjoy your resort pool, sip cocktails on the beach, or ask us to arrange local excursions and cultural tours.
After your final dives, head inland for an unforgettable 3-day safari in Ngutuni Conservancy, located on the edge of Tsavo East National Park. Your base is Ngutuni Lodge, set within a private game sanctuary. The lodge overlooks a waterhole that attracts wildlife day and night—you can often spot elephants, giraffes, zebras, and antelope right from your balcony.
Enjoy two thrilling game drives each day in open-roof safari vehicles, guided by expert local trackers. Lions, buffalo, cheetahs, and even leopards roam the conservancy and nearby park. As the sun sets over the savannah, relax in the lodge’s peaceful setting, surrounded by nature.
The conservancy offers a quieter, more intimate experience than busy national parks. Because it’s private, you’ll enjoy longer drive times, fewer vehicles, and better photo opportunities.
The 10-Day Dive Safari Package takes you from coral reefs to wild savannahs in a single adventure. Explore Kenya’s rich marine life and then track the Big Five through open plains. It’s more than a holiday—it’s an experience you’ll never forget.
Book your spot now and get ready to dive, drive, and discover Kenya like never before.
Scuba diving is an incredible journey. From your first breath underwater to exploring deep reefs and wrecks, there’s always something new to discover. But many new divers rush from one course to the next, chasing certification after certification. If you truly want to grow as a diver, the best thing you can do is get scuba dive experience, not just collect cards.
There’s no doubt that scuba courses are important. They introduce you to new skills and expand your diving knowledge. But those skills only become second nature through repetition. A course can teach you how to navigate or manage buoyancy—but unless you apply that knowledge in real-world dives, it won’t stick.
The more you dive, the more confident and capable you become. Experience helps you fine-tune your weight, improve air consumption, and stay calm in unfamiliar situations.
Dive logs aren’t just paperwork. They show your progress, track your skills, and prove your experience. Many advanced dive sites and excursions require a minimum number of logged dives. Without proof of your experience, you could miss out on wreck dives, deep dives, or strong current adventures.
Operators and instructors often review your logbook before taking you on more challenging dives. A diver with 50+ real-world dives in different environments is often far more prepared than someone with multiple certifications but little actual time underwater.
When you get scuba dive experience, you become a better dive buddy. You learn how to spot problems before they escalate. You know how to react calmly if something goes wrong. You become more aware of your surroundings and your team.
Good dive buddies make every dive safer and more enjoyable—for themselves and everyone around them.
There’s nothing wrong with taking new courses. But each one should be backed by solid diving experience. Take time between certifications to practice your skills, explore different dive sites, and enjoy diving for fun.
Dive clubs, local trips, and shore dives are great ways to build your log. The more dives you log, the more meaningful each future certification will be.
Scuba diving isn’t a race. It’s not about how many cards you hold. It’s about how comfortable and capable you feel underwater. To get there, you need to get scuba dive experience, not just pass exams.
Take your time. Log your dives. Learn by doing. You’ll grow into a safer, more confident diver—and you’ll enjoy the underwater world even more.
Why you should be CPR and first aid qualified is simple—being prepared can save lives. Whether you’re at home, travelling, or diving, knowing how to respond in an emergency makes all the difference. These aren’t just helpful skills. They’re essential for everyone.
React Right is an internationally recognised course that teaches you how to handle real-life emergencies. It’s clear, practical, and hands-on. You’ll learn how to assess a scene, perform CPR, use an AED, and deliver first aid. You’ll also cover how to stay calm, make smart decisions, and act quickly when every second counts.
This course is for everyone. You don’t need to be a diver to take it. But if you are, the benefits go even further.
Diving accidents can happen fast. Panic, equipment failure, or a sudden illness underwater requires a quick and confident response. React Right prepares you to handle those moments. It also includes oxygen administration—a critical skill for treating diving-related injuries.
If you’re planning to take the SSI Diver Stress & Rescue course, CPR and first aid training is a must. It’s a required prerequisite. Without it, you can’t begin the rescue course. By completing React Right, you check that box and gain real skills that could save a diver’s life.
These skills don’t just apply on dive boats. They travel with you. At work, at home, or in the street, you might be the first person able to help. You could save a friend, a family member, or even a stranger. That confidence is priceless.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Emergencies can happen without warning. But with the right training, you can act, help, and even save a life. Join the React Right course with Ocean Tribe and become someone who makes a difference when it matters most.
Ocean Tribe proudly introduces Indidiver Jones, the latest addition to our fleet of dive boats.Twin 90hp Mercury SeaPro 4-stroke engines power this 9.3-meter vessel, allowing it to reach Diani Beach’s dive sites swiftly and reliably.
Indidiver Jones comfortably accommodates up to 12 divers, ensuring ample space for gear and movement. Onboard amenities include secure storage lockers for personal belongings, emergency oxygen and a comprehensive first aid kit for safety, a dedicated camera table for underwater photographers, and dual ladders at the stern for easy water entry and exit.
Thanks to her enhanced capabilities, our dive boat now reaches further dive sites more efficiently than ever. As a result, you get more time in the water—exploring vibrant coral reefs and encountering the diverse marine life that makes Diani Beach so special.
Whether you’re starting a fun dive, working toward a certification course, or joining one of our dive safaris, Indidiver Jones provides a smooth, reliable, and comfortable platform from start to finish. Moreover, her spacious layout and well-thought-out features clearly reflect Ocean Tribe’s ongoing commitment to safety, quality, and unforgettable diving experiences.
Join us aboard Indidiver Jones and explore the vibrant marine life and stunning coral reefs that Diani Beach has to offer. We look forward to sharing this exciting new chapter with our diving community.
Your digital dive club membership card is your gateway to exclusive benefits, including discounts on dive trips, equipment, courses, and even food and beverages at select local establishments like the Funky Monkey Bar & Restaurant. Here’s how you can access your Ocean Tribe Dive Club membership card through the MySSI app:
If you haven’t already, start by creating your MySSI profile.
The MySSI app is your comprehensive digital diving companion, offering features like digital certification cards, dive logs, and access to training materials.
Once the app is installed:
To view your Ocean Tribe Club Membership Card:
This card serves as proof of your membership and can be presented during club events, dive trips, and other affiliated activities.
Should you encounter any challenges or have questions about accessing your membership card, feel free to reach out to us or visit our dive center in Diani. We’re here to assist you every step of the way.
Happy Diving! 🐬🌴
For a visual walkthrough on accessing your SSI certification and recognition cards using the MySSI App, you might find the following video helpful:
Ocean Tribe Dive Team
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