Every dive counts. Every skill builds.
The SSI recognition system rewards both continued training and real diving experience—from Open Water Diver to Specialty Diver, Advanced Specialty Diver and Master Diver.
Training gives you tools. Diving turns them into experience.
SSI recognition ratings combine formal specialty training with verified open-water experience. You progress by learning new skills, applying them during real dives and recording those dives in MySSI.
Training
Dives
Recognition
From first certification to Master Diver
Each stage adds training and experience. The higher recognitions are not single courses—they are earned by completing the requirements.
Open Water Diver
Earn your entry-level scuba certification and begin building independent diving experience with a buddy.
Specialty Diver
Build experience while developing skills in two specialist areas that interest you.
Advanced Specialty Diver
Demonstrate wider specialty training backed by a minimum of 24 logged open-water dives.
Master Diver
Combine broad specialty training, rescue ability, deep-diving knowledge and substantial experience.
Advanced Specialty Diver
Advanced Specialty Diver is the SSI recognition earned by completing four qualifying specialty programs and logging at least 24 open-water dives.
What does Master Diver require?
Master Diver recognises a diver who has built a broad range of specialist skills, developed rescue ability, completed dedicated deep-diving training and gained significant experience.
Additional Specialty Programs
Choose three qualifying recreational or Extended Range specialties.
Diver Stress & Rescue
Develop prevention, awareness and response skills.
Deep Diving
Complete dedicated training for dives beyond 30 metres.
Logged Open-Water Dives
Build and verify meaningful real-world diving experience.
Which specialties could you choose?
Your ideal combination depends on where and how you want to dive. These programs create a strong and practical core pathway.
Navigation
Improve compass work, natural navigation and route planning.
Deep Diving
Plan and conduct deeper dives with greater awareness and control.
Night & Limited Visibility
Build confidence when natural light and visibility are reduced.
Enriched Air Nitrox
Understand oxygen exposure, analysing gas and planning nitrox dives.
Perfect Buoyancy
Improve trim, control, air consumption and environmental awareness.
Diver Stress & Rescue
Learn to prevent problems and assist yourself and other divers.
Recognised
Your recognition card should not require another course.
SSI recognition cards are awarded when the required training and verified dives are correctly shown in your MySSI profile. There is no separate recognition course to complete.
Keep diving. Keep reaching milestones.
SSI also awards experience recognition cards based on verified logged open-water dives.
Four simple steps
Check Your Profile
Review your current certifications and logged dives in MySSI.
Choose Your Goal
Decide whether you are working towards Specialty, Advanced Specialty or Master Diver.
Select Your Training
Choose specialties that match the environments and diving you enjoy.
Go Diving
Apply your skills, gain experience and keep every dive properly logged.
SSI recognition FAQs
Is Advanced Specialty Diver a single course?
Has Advanced Open Water Diver been renamed?
What are the current Master Diver requirements?
Do certifications from another training agency count?
Do I have to pay for an SSI recognition card?
Do all logged dives count?
Where are you on the pathway?
Send Ocean Tribe your current certifications and logged-dive total, and we will help you identify the best route towards Specialty Diver, Advanced Specialty Diver or Master Diver.
