Welcome to the Ocean Tribe Diver Learning Centre. We have tried to put together information and videos from across the diving world to help you understand and study dive theory. Check out each category in the Learning Centre to find explanations, videos, and more. We hope it helps you to prepare for your dive instructor training course and look forward to seeing you on the program. Along that journey to Instructor.
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.
SSI DIVER LEVELS OF RECOGNITION SYSTEM: YOUR PATH TO MASTERY
Scuba Schools International (SSI) offers a unique Diver Levels of Recognition System that rewards divers for gaining experience and advancing their skills. Unlike other agencies that focus only on certifications, SSI recognizes both training and logged dives, encouraging divers to explore more and become better underwater.
HOW THE SSI RECOGNITION SYSTEM WORKS
SSI’s system is based on two key factors:
The number of logged dives
The number of completed SSI certifications
As you dive more and take additional courses, you progress through different levels. Each milestone represents greater experience, knowledge, and skill in scuba diving.
An SSI Specialty Diver is a certified scuba diver who has completed at least two SSI Specialty courses, such as Navigation, Deep Diving, or Underwater Photography, and logged a minimum of 12 dives. This certification marks the first step toward becoming a more advanced diver with specialized skills in a chosen area. It goes beyond the Open Water Diver certification, proving that the diver has additional training and experience in specific underwater activities.
3. SSI Level 3 – Advanced Open Water Diver
An SSI Advanced Open Water Diver is a certified diver who has completed four SSI Specialty courses and logged at least 24 dives. This certification goes beyond the Open Water Diver level, allowing you to explore different diving skills and environments. It proves you have advanced training and a broader range of underwater experience, making you a more skilled and confident diver.
4. SSI Level 4 – Master Diver
An SSI Master Diver is the highest recreational diver rating in the SSI system. To earn this certification, you must complete at least 50 dives, four specialty courses, and the Diver Stress & Rescue course. This achievement proves your advanced diving skills, experience, and safety knowledge. It’s equivalent to the PADI Master Scuba Diver but offers the advantage of automatic recognition once you meet the requirements.
No matter where you earned your certification—SSI or another agency—you can still receive official recognition for your diving achievements. Every time you reach a milestone in open water dives—100, 300, 500, 1,000, or even 5,000—you automatically receive a Digital Recognition Card.
These cards represent your commitment, experience, and passion for diving. The more you dive, the greater the recognition you earn. While continued education is always encouraged, no additional training is required beyond Open Water Diver. Just keep diving and celebrate your progress! 🌊🐠
