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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.
“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.
Scuba diving is an exciting and rewarding adventure, but it can be physically demanding. To stay safe, consider key factors before diving. Learn about the health and medical requirements for scuba diving here.
As a general rule it is a good idea to be able to swim before undertaking scuba diving activities. Find out more about swimming requirements for dive programs here.
Before scuba diving, you must complete a dive medical to determine if further assessment is needed. Below, you’ll find self-assessment questionnaires and physician forms to get started.
Complete the Try Diver Medical Statement & Questionnaire or Physician’s Approval to Dive to determine if you need a medical evaluation before scuba diving. Failing to complete this may prevent you from participating. If required, download and bring the Diver Medical Examiner’s Evaluation Form to your physician.
Review the Diver Medical Examiner’s Evaluation Form carefully. If you answer ‘yes’ to any health questions, you must take the completed form to your physician for medical clearance before starting your scuba diving course.
All participants training for an entry-level recreational diving certificate must be at least 10 years old. Divers under 18 require parental or guardian consent to begin training.
For divers under 12, please inform us before the course starts, as a private instructor will be required.
Certified divers are not required to take a medical again prior to diving in Kenya. But we do advise that you only dive in good physical health. Abstain from alcohol and drugs before diving. Check if you are on any medication that is a contradiction to diving.
A medical evaluation is required for continuing scuba education. Print and bring the Diver Medical Examiner’s Evaluation Form to your physician. Without this, you may not be allowed to participate in your scuba diving course.
All students on Dive Guide, Divemaster, Instructor Training Course, Specialty Instructor Course or Assistant Instructor Trainer course. Must get a Diver Medical Examiner’s Evaluation Form filled out by a physician and bring it to their course. Failure to do so will mean you cannot participate in the program. SSI Pros are also required to have an annual dive medical to prove they are still fit to dive.
Completing the medical questionnaire accurately and honestly is essential for your safety while scuba diving. Many people underestimate the impact of medical conditions on diving or are unaware of potential risks. Failing to disclose health issues or providing false information can lead to serious injury or even death during a dive. Thoroughly completing the medical form is vital to protect both the diver and their group.
If it becomes clear during the activity that the medical form was completed incorrectly, either by omission or false statements, we reserve the right to prohibit participation in any scuba diving or snorkeling activities. The trip leader aboard the boat will have full discretion in these decisions.
All medical forms and information sheets are available in PDF format. If you don’t have Adobe Acrobat Reader, you can download it for free from Adobe.
For more details, check out our Frequently Asked Questions page or learn more about the process of starting your scuba diving journey.
We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect against trip cancellations due to illness, poor weather, travel delays, itinerary changes, lost luggage, or legal costs. However, most travel insurance policies do not cover diving accidents or related treatment and evacuation. For comprehensive scuba diving coverage, we suggest a dedicated policy like those offered by Dive Assure.
Dive Assure provides insurance specifically designed for divers, including coverage for overnight experiences. Their rider covers incidents such as flight delays or cancellations leading to missed departures, vessel mechanical issues, medical inability to dive, inclement weather, and named storms or cyclones. If you’re traveling during cyclone season (December to April), we strongly advise purchasing insurance well in advance that includes force majeure coverage for natural disasters.
Not all travel insurance policies cover scuba diving or water activities, so it’s essential to review policy details carefully. In the event of a medical emergency, evacuation, medical expenses, and vessel relocation costs are the financial responsibility of the customer.
For peace of mind, ensure your insurance covers all aspects of your diving adventure before your trip.
Scuba diving regulations recommend waiting at least 12 hours before flying or going to altitude after a single no-decompression dive. For multiple dives, the recommended wait time is at least 24 hours to ensure safety.
The SSI ITC schedule in Kenya. We try to arrange an ITC every couple of months and if demand is high enough then we can also run extra SSI ITCs on request. The SSI ITC schedule can also include an African safari on specific ITCs. For those of you who would like a shorter ITC in Kenya, or would like to enhance your IDC experience by completing the dry sections of the ITC in advance of arriving in Kenya then we also have the option of scuba dive online workshops and presentations.
| May | Jul | Sep | Oct | Nov/Dec | |
| Prep | 1-3 | 14-15 | 1-3 | 17-19 | 25-27 |
| Assistant Instructor | 4-8 | 15-19 | 4-8 | 20-24 | 28-1 |
| ITC | 4-13 | 15-24 | 4-13 | 20-29 | 28-7 |
| IE | 14-15 | 25-26 | 14-15 | 30-31 | 8-9 |
| React Right Instructor | 17 | 28 | 17 | 2 | 11 |
| Specialty Instructor Training | 18-19 | 29-30 | 18-19 | 3-4 | 12-13 |
| Assistant Instructor Trainer | 4-13 | 15-24 | 4-13 | 20-29 | 28-7 |
You are considering becoming a certified scuba diver. Obviously you are looking for the best place to learn. Under the guidance of a highly trained professional backed up by standards and regulations.
The two largest diver training agencies in the world are: PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) and SSI (Scuba Schools International).
We get asked the question a lot at Ocean Tribe: “What are the differences between PADI and SSI diving courses? Which is better for certification?” So let’s compare the two organisations to help pick the best choice for you.
Certifications from PADI and SSI are both internationally recognised. Both PADI and SSI are members of the World Recreational Scuba Training Council (WRSTC). The WRSTC regulates and audits both agencies and agrees on minimum standards a dive training agency must meet to be an approved agency.
SSI certifications and PADI certifications are recognised all over the world and accepted as approved certifications. So you don’t have to worry about being turned away with either card.
Here is where there are some slight differences between the agencies.
Both SSI and PADI allow you to complete the dive knowledges sections of the course online through SSI Digital Learning and PADI eLearning. This means you get more time on your holiday without having to sit in a classroom, which used to be the case.
However when it comes to the practical training PADI requires that dive students complete the training skills in a specific order in order to pass and proceed to the next section.
SSI on the other hand. Is a lot more flexible and if a your are having trouble mastering a skill, allows for rearranging the skills in order to build your confidence by completing the other skills first and not wasting time. This ensures that the program is student focused. And everyone can progress at their own pace. SSI Instructors are also permitted to add information and/or skills if that improves the quality of the scuba diving student.
In a broad sense both the training agencies include all the skills you need to become a safe diver. The online learning, backed up by instructor knowledge and workshops ensures you know the theory. This is true of both SSI and PADI.
But as mentioned above there are some differences in how the courses can be taught.
Are these considerations important to you as a diving student? Well imagine that you are having problems with a skill on the course. With PADI you must complete it before you can progress to the next skill set. This can affect your confidence and occasionally for some students can be a little embarrassing. Especially if other students are waiting for you and not encountered the same issues.
On an SSI course the instructor can move the show on and perform a few “easier” skills to boost your confidence and then come back to the problematic area later. When you are more comfortable. This generally results in a much lower “drop-off” rate when students who can’t master a skill just give up.
Both SSI and PADI require you to master all of the performance requirements for certification. Neither allows short cuts if you can’t do a skill or haven’t completed a section.
Once you are certified both SSI and PADI will issue you with a digital certification as soon as you are processed. This will show up on the dive agency’s app as proof of certification. No waiting around for a card to be delivered.
If you wish to have a physical card then SSI allows either the dive centre or regional office to print one for you for a small fee. PADI allows you to apply for your physical card online which is then mailed out to you. SSI is normally cheaper than PADI in this regard but not by much.
In this category there is a clear winner. Both agencies have their own apps for divers to access: Training materials, certifications, digital dive logs, creature and safety information, dive centre locators and a lot more.
But SSI keeps all of the information in a single app, with a very clean and easy-to-use interface. PADI in contrast have three different apps for accessing their content. PADI app, PADI Training App and PADI Adventures App.
All apps rely on the internet but the SSI one has been reported to be more reliable for offline work than its PADI counterparts.
But for ease of accessing everything you need as a scuba diver digitally the SSI app is better. Hands Down.
The only difference in this section is the relative cost to the diver for the digital learning. SSI provides some of their programs free of charge. Almost of their digital courses are cheaper than their PADI equivalents.
The fact is that SSI membership and pro renewal are much cheaper for the dive schools and instructors. This coupled with lower material cost, enables the dive businesses to charge less for SSI courses as their overheads have slightly gone down.
The equivalents of the core PADI and SSI courses are shown below.
Entry Level- PADI Open Water = SSI Open Water
Getting Advanced- PADI Advanced Open Water = SSI Advanced Adventurer
Rescue Diver Training- PADI Rescue Diver = SSI Diver Stress & Rescue
Go Pro- PADI Divemaster = SSI Divemaster
Teach Diving- PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor (IDC) = SSI Open Water Instructor (ITC)
There are some huge differences though in the makeup and requirements of the system.
SSI offers a lot more recognition for diver accomplishments than their PADI rival. Divers can constantly earn new levels once they achieve certifications and log dives. You will earn more cards and move up the diver levels in the app. This puts receiving dive centres more at ease when you can show your experience in addition to your logged dives.
SSI also doesn’t charge for recognition levels and they are awarded on merit.
PADI on the other hand does give substantial charges for getting recognition ratings such as PADI Master Scuba Diver.
So in upshot there are no real differences between PADI and SSI core courses but SSI does give you more recognition.
This is a major difference in training standards between PADI and SSI.
SSI requires all dive professionals to be affiliated with, and teaching SSI courses at a recognised, renewed SSI dive centre. This means that an SSI course will always have to be taught at a dive centre who have met the requirements for materials, safety standards and presentation.
PADI allows their pros to teach unaffiliated with a dive centre. While this is not a bad thing per se. It does mean that PADI professionals are not as regulated with what equipment they are using to teach and they generally have to charge more for materials as they don’t get dive centre rates from the organisation.
Absolutely not. Both SSI and PADI are at the peak of the diver training industry offering approved programs and meeting all safety ratings. Whichever you choose is up to you. You are really choosing the instructor rather than the training agency. They after all are going to be the ones who are guiding you on your certification journey.
Say you did an SSI Open Water certification and you have travelled to an area that only offers PADI. Would this hinder you from being able to say get your advanced certification? Absolutely not. Dive agencies will simply look at what the equivalent of your certification is in comparison to theirs and you can take the next level. So yes you can move freely between PADI and SSI and vice versa.
In the past it used to be much easier to become a PADI Instructor on an IDC and then crossover to SSI as it simply required a short course and the crossover was achieved in a matter of days.
In 2025 though this has changed with SSI, like PADI requiring instructor training and an instructor exam to crossover to them.
So absolutely identical in terms of requirements for crossover now.
The end result is that it is up to you. There is no right or wrong answer. Based on all of the considerations we show above. We believe that you will get more value for money, better materials and flexible training if you choose SSI. And as mentioned you are able to move between the two if you so wish. We are able to offer both agencies at some levels and that’s our opinion.
Like we said. It is not the training agency but the instructor you pick. In reality we want our instructors to be able to utilise the training agency materials and standards the best, so that you get the best and safest diving experience possible.
What does the SSI ITC Instructor Training Course cost? This is the question that is often at the front of concerns about the ITC and dive instructor training courses. So, we would like to explain how it all works.
We have tried to make it as simple as possible for your budgeting purposes so we have included all extra fees such as the required materials and the instructor evaluation in the course price.
You also have the option to include as part of the training price. Some specialty instructor courses. These can be specialties you would like to teach and also ones that are required for Divemaster Instructor rating such as Deep, Night and Navigation Diving.
We do also have packages from the various diver levels to try and reduce the costs for divers wanting to purchase multiple courses, combining them into an internship package, which includes the courses and dives and even full sets of dive equipment. A breakdown of the ITC costs is below.
COST- $1999
Meeting the prerequisites for the SSI ITC is very important to avoid problems when it comes to getting certified. Making sure you have everything ready eases your mind and you can concentrate on learning to become a great diving instructor. The PADI IDC prerequisites are listed below. If you have any questions about the prerequisites for the SSI ITS please contact us via email or using the WhatsApp button on the page.
If you are crossing over from another training organisation to do your SSI ITC then you will need to make sure that your qualifications meet the minimums below. From major training organisations such as PADI, NAUI, SDI, CMAS and RAID this should not be an issue but you might need to undergo and orientation or crossover program.
When you haven’t dived in a while, it can be easy for your dive skills to get rusty. The SSI Scuba Skills update, gets you back in the water and refreshes your dive skills with ease. It is a full refresher program that goes over the skills that you learned on the SSI Open Water Diver course. All under the guidance of an SSI pro diver. We fully recommend taking this course if you haven’t dived in over a year. That way you will spend less time worrying about your dive skills and have more time to concentrate on the awesome diving of Diani.
If you are a non-certified Open Water Diver student, a Scuba Skills Update is ideal for practicing your dive skills before your open water training dives. With no fixed course duration, you can take your time and focus on the skills you need help with.
The Scuba Skills update course lasts 2 to 3 hours and has a short Digital Learning section
The SSI Scuba Skills Update is available to any certified diver and even those who took a break during the Open Water Diver course and would like to resume their training.
The SSI Scuba Skills Update is offered daily at Ocean Tribe. Live availability can be found via contacting us via WhatsApp / Phone or by checking the online booking calendar to book online.
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. This will be elaborated on by your SSI Instructor during the SSI Scuba Skills Update.
Completing the knowledge development section starts before you begin the course and requires you to complete most of the Digital Learning for the SSI Scuba Skills Update.
SSI’s cutting-edge digital learning leads the world in diver education and 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. Assessment of learning is done via quick reviews at the end of every section in the online learning, which you must get correct to proceed so it is clear you understand
Your SSI Instructor will work with you through all of the skills you learned in the Open Water Diver course. These will be in a natural progression from basic to complex. Following on from this you can practice in the pool making sure your skills are fine-tuned before going on open water dives again.
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.
Ocean Tribe’s Dive Instructor internship in Kenya is perfect for all levels. Whether you’re a beginner or a Rescue Diver starting Pro Training, we have the right program for you.
Our internships cover a wide range of SSI courses, including:
Not only will you train as a dive professional, but you’ll also gain valuable work experience in some of Kenya’s best dive spots. Dive into the stunning waters of Diani Beach and other breathtaking locations.
With the React Right Instructor certification, you can teach first aid courses worldwide, opening up even more career opportunities.
This internship gives you everything you need to succeed. With expert training and hands-on experience, you’ll graduate as a highly qualified SSI dive professional, ready to work anywhere in the world!
You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take- Wayne Gretzky
Depending on what your starting certification level is. The duration of the SSI Dive Instructor internship at Ocean Tribe can range. From 3 months for beginner levels to just 1 month for a more advanced diver.
Ocean Tribe’s Go Pro internships are designed for diving enthusiasts ready to turn their passion into a career. These programs cater to:
Our internships cover the full range of SSI courses, shaping interns into highly skilled, well-rounded dive professionals. Take your skills anywhere in the world and dive into a new career today!
many of our dreams first seem impossible, then they seem improbable and when we summon the will they soon become inevitable – Christopher Reeve
The SSI Dive Instructor internship includes all core SSI courses based on your starting level. These may include Open Water Diver, React Right First Aid & CPR, Diver Stress & Rescue, SSI Divemaster, the SSI Instructor Training Course, and Specialty Instructor Training
Earn specialties like Enriched Air, Deep Diving, Night & Limited Visibility, Navigation, Computer Diving, and Science of Diving. Want more? Add extras like Sidemount Diving or Wreck Diving.
Expect plenty of diving! Many interns leave with 100+ dives, gaining real-world experience in stunning Kenyan waters.
All participants must meet the SSI Diver Medical Questionnaire requirements. Some medical conditions or medications may prevent you from diving.
Before you make a booking. You should check the SSI Diver Medical: Participant Questionnaire to ensure you meet the health standards. This step helps guarantee a safe and enjoyable diving experience.
TOTAL COST – $6399 (this can be reduced to $4999 if you already have your scuba equipment)
TOTAL COST – $5999 ($4599 if you already have your scuba equipment)
Join Ocean Tribe’s SSI Divemaster Internship in Diani Beach, Kenya, and kickstart your career as a professional scuba diver. Our program is open to everyone—from complete beginners to certified Diver Stress & Rescue Divers ready to go pro. No matter your level, we’ll help you take the next big step.
You can begin your internship at any certification level, and we’ll guide you all the way to SSI Divemaster. If you’re starting from scratch, the full internship typically takes up to 3 months. Already an experienced diver? You can complete the course in as little as 4–6 weeks.
Train and dive in some of Kenya’s best dive locations. Base yourself at our beautiful Diani Beach dive center. You will be gaining real-world experience on vibrant coral reefs, protected marine parks, and warm tropical waters. With dive sites just 5 to 30 minutes away by boat, you’ll spend less time in transit and more time doing what matters most — diving.
Throughout the program: You will complete a full list of SSI core and specialty certifications, including:
Open Water Diver, Enriched Air Nitrox, Navigation, Deep Diving, Night & Limited Visibility, React Right First Aid & CPR, Diver Stress & Rescue, Computer Diving, Science of Diving, and the full Dive Guide / Divemaster program.
Along the way, you’ll progress through non-professional recognition levels, earning titles such as Specialty Diver, Advanced Open Water Diver, Master Diver, and eventually, Century Diver.
Plus, you can even add the SSI React Right Instructor course, allowing you to teach CPR and first aid globally—a great addition to your professional credentials.
This isn’t just a certification—it’s an immersive experience. You’ll assist with real courses, lead dive trips, and complete extra workshops that go beyond SSI’s minimum standards. We’ll train you in gear handling, customer service, and professional-level dive logistics—everything a top dive centre looks for when hiring staff. Check out extra skills you will gain as a Divemaster trained at Ocean Tribe.
Most interns finish their program with 100+ dives logged. You’ll get unlimited diving throughout your internship and a 1-year Ocean Tribe Dive Club membership, which includes ongoing dive discounts, gear benefits, and exclusive events.
As a dive professional, owning your own equipment is essential. It’s not just recommended—it’s expected. While rental gear is available, it comes at a charge of $700 for the duration of the internship, and is better suited as a backup.
We offer two discounted equipment packages to set you up properly:
Professional-grade performance and durability:
Reliable and affordable professional starter kit:
Essential personal items every Divemaster should own:
Our Go Pro internship is perfect for:
Your starting level determines the length.
Beginners typically train over 2–3 months, while advanced divers can qualify as Divemasters in just 1 month.
Before starting, all interns must meet the SSI Diver Medical Questionnaire standards. Certain medical conditions or medications may affect your ability to dive. We recommend reviewing the form in advance to ensure you’re ready for safe training.
“If today was the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?”
– Steve Jobs
“All your dreams can come true if you have the courage to pursue them.”
– Walt Disney
At Ocean Tribe, we live those words every day—and we want you to as well.
No. You can start the internship as a complete beginner. We’ll take you through Open Water, Rescue, and all specialty courses before you begin Divemaster-level training. If you’re already certified, you can skip the earlier steps and focus on professional development.
It depends on your starting level. If you’re beginning from scratch, expect around 2 to 3 months. If you already hold advanced certifications, the full internship can take as little as 4 to 6 weeks.
You’ll log over 100 dives during your internship. These include training dives, assisting instructors, fun dives, and workshops. You’ll gain the kind of real-world experience that makes you confident and job-ready.
Accommodation is not included in the base internship fee, but we’re happy to assist you with affordable housing options in Diani Beach. We work with trusted local partners to make sure you have a safe, comfortable place to stay near the dive centre.
Yes. As a dive professional, owning your own equipment is essential. We offer two discounted gear packages (Gold and Silver) designed specifically for pro-level use. You can also rent gear for the full internship for $700, but owning your gear is highly recommended for long-term success.
You’ll graduate with the SSI Divemaster certification, plus a full suite of other ratings. These include Open Water Diver, Rescue Diver, React Right First Aid, multiple specialty courses, and recognition levels like Master Diver and Century Diver. You can also become a React Right Instructor if you choose to add that option.
The internship is intensive and hands-on, so we recommend focusing fully on training and diving. However, you’ll be assisting with real courses and guiding dives as part of your learning, giving you a true feel for working in the dive industry.
Most of your dives will be right off Diani Beach, but we also visit other top dive sites along the Kenyan coast, including Kisite Marine Park. All locations are accessible by boat, usually within 30 minutes or less.
We can’t guarantee employment, but many of our interns go on to work in the dive industry—some with Ocean Tribe, others around the world. Your SSI Divemaster certification is globally recognized, and we provide job-seeking guidance, references, and networking support.
The SSI Explorers Program offers kids an unforgettable journey into the underwater world. Designed for children as young as six years old, this program introduces them to exciting aquatic adventures in a safe and fun environment. Young explorers will discover the ocean, learn about marine life, and experience different ways to dive beneath the surface.
The SSI Explorers program gives kids the chance to try four exciting aquatic activities. Each one builds curiosity, confidence, and comfort in the water.
They begin with snorkeling, learning how to float and observe marine life from the surface. Then they experience scuba diving using real equipment in shallow water. They also try freediving, holding their breath while gliding underwater. Finally, they get to swim with a monofin like a mermaid, mastering graceful movement and balance.
The SSI Explorers Program isn’t just about underwater fun—it’s about learning, growing, and gaining valuable life skills. Through these experiences, children will:
✔ Develop confidence and independence
✔ Learn about marine conservation and protecting the ocean
✔ Improve water safety and swimming skills
✔ Build teamwork and responsibility
For kids who want to explore even further, SSI offers exciting specialty courses to enhance their underwater knowledge. They can choose from over 20 unique courses, including:
🌊 Marine Mammal Ecology – Learn about dolphins, whales, and other incredible ocean creatures.
📸 Underwater Photography – Capture amazing moments beneath the surface.
🐠 Shark Ecology – Discover the truth about sharks and their role in the marine ecosystem.
The SSI Explorers Program is a perfect introduction to the aquatic world for young adventurers who aren’t yet old enough for full scuba certification. It’s a fun, safe, and educational experience that fosters a lifelong love for the ocean.
The SSI Explorers Program includes a comprehensive training manual that makes learning both interactive and enjoyable. This colorful guide is packed with cartoon illustrations and real ocean images, making it easy for kids to understand and stay engaged. With exciting characters like:
🌊 Emma & Nico – Fun-loving explorers who guide kids through underwater adventures.
🦈 Spike the Shark – The ultimate equipment expert who teaches kids about dive gear.
🐢 Shelly the Sea Turtle – A passionate ocean conservation advocate who inspires kids to protect marine life.
The SSI Explorers Program is more than just an introduction to underwater adventure. It’s a way to teach kids about ocean conservation while they explore the aquatic world. This program starts by helping young divers become Blue Oceans Explorers, where they learn about the importance of protecting and preserving our oceans. Kids will discover why the ocean matters, the role of the world’s five oceans, and simple ways they can help protect marine life.
After building a strong foundation in ocean conservation, young adventurers will dive into their first hands-on experience with the Snorkel Explorer rating. They will learn how to use snorkel equipment and safely explore a confined water environment, preparing them for more advanced underwater activities.
Once kids complete the Blue Oceans and Snorkel Explorer experiences, they can choose their next aquatic adventure:
🐠 Scuba Explorer – Experience the thrill of breathing underwater while learning the basics of scuba diving in a safe, controlled setting.
🧜 Mermaid Explorer – Swim gracefully with a monofin like a real mermaid while developing swimming skills and confidence.
🌊 Freediving Explorer – Master breath-holding techniques and explore the depths in a relaxed and fun environment.
The excitement doesn’t end with just one adventure! SSI Explorers can continue their underwater journey by earning up to 22 Specialty Explorer ratings. Each specialty adds new skills, knowledge, and confidence, making every dive even more thrilling.
Young explorers can choose from a wide variety of specialties to match their interests and challenges. Here are just a few of the exciting Specialty Explorer ratings available:
🦈 Shark Ecology Explorer – Learn about different shark species and their vital role in the ocean ecosystem.
🤿 Rescue Explorer – Develop essential rescue skills and learn how to assist fellow divers in the water.
📸 Underwater Model Explorer – Master the art of posing and photography techniques in an aquatic environment.
🔍 Search and Recovery Explorer – Practice searching for and retrieving lost objects underwater.
Each specialty is designed to keep young divers engaged, motivated, and eager to explore even more!
Every SSI Explorer specialty comes with an official Explorers Recognition Card. Kids can collect, share, and proudly show off their accomplishments to friends and family. These cards serve as a fun reminder of their underwater skills and inspire them to keep learning and growing in the world of diving.
Ocean Tribe Dive Team
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