- Advanced Wreck Diving Course
- Boat Diving Course
- Classified Dive Buddy (Disabled Diving) Course
- Computer Diving Course
- Deep Diving Course
- Enriched Air Nitrox Course
- Equipment Techniques Course
- Independent Diving Course
- Navigation Diving Course
- Night & Limited Visibility Diving Course
- Perfect Buoyancy Course
- Photo & Video Diver Course
- Science of Diving Course
- Search & Recovery Diving Course
- Sidemount Diver Course
- Wreck Diving Course
OPEN WATER DIVER COURSE OVERVIEW
The SSI Open Water Diver course is one of the most popular entry-level scuba diving courses in the world.
More people become scuba divers in this way than any other. Once you have the Open Water Certification you can use the diving license to go diving with a buddy anywhere in the world.
At the end of the course, you will be qualified to dive with a buddy to a depth of 18m. Your first scuba diving certification card.
And what better place to learn than Kenya? From the dive base in Diani, we have sheltered dive sites that are perfect for allowing beginners to get comfortable in the water and complete the skill training as well as a chance to take in the wonders of the thousands of different marine species on the coral reefs and exciting local dive sites such as wrecks.
The course is broken down into three segments, knowledge development, confined water (in a swimming pool) training, and open water dives.
DURATION
The SSI Open Water Diver Course can be done over 3 days. This incorporates both pool training and 4 open-water dives. There is also some digital learning to be completed in your own time in the MySSI app.
WHO IS IT FOR?
The SSI Open Water Diver course is open to anyone from age 10 who has basic swimming skills and wants to get their first diving certification. This will qualify them to dive all over the world in conditions similar or better, with a buddy up to 18m deep.
INCLUDED
- SSI Open Water Diver Digital Learning
- All dive and snorkel equipment, including air fills and weights
- Pool Training with an SSI Instructor
- Fruit, water and snacks on the boat
- 4 ocean dives with an SSI Instructor
- Transfers within Diani
ITINERARY
DIGITAL LEARNING
diving, explains essential safety concepts, and builds the background knowledge you’ll need for each session. In addition, it includes your theory briefings, ensuring you feel well-prepared and confident before starting any in-water activities.
As the course progresses, your SSI Instructor will build on that foundation during each dive. This way, you’ll connect what you’ve learned online with practical, hands-on experience underwater. By completing most of the SSI Open Water Diver Digital Learning before you arrive, you’ll already have a solid understanding. As a result, you can focus entirely on developing your diving skills—both in the pool and out on the reef.
Furthermore, SSI’s cutting-edge digital learning system is one of the best in the world. It lets you study in the comfort of your home, at your own pace. You can even take notes directly in the app to review later with your instructor. After each section, you’ll complete short quizzes. You’ll need to answer correctly to move forward, which helps ensure you truly understand the material before you continue.
POOL TRAINING
Now it’s time to get wet—this is what you came for! We conduct confined water training for the Open Water Diver course in the swimming pool right at our dive base, making it easy and convenient to learn essential skills in a safe, controlled environment.
The pool session teaches you to use SCUBA safely and procedures to troubleshoot any problems you potentially might have. The swimming pool environment allows you a safe area to practice with no outside factors to worry about such as poor visibility, surge, or current.
This is about making sure you are comfortable using the scuba unit so our Instructors will make sure you have ample time to practice skills and perform them with ease before moving on to the next section of the course
OCEAN DIVES
Day 2: Your first two open water dives take you to a maximum depth of 12 metres. You’ll head out at 8:00am and return by around 12:30pm, exploring vibrant coral gardens and practicing key skills in a real ocean setting.
Day 3: Build confidence and complete your training with dives 3 and 4, reaching a maximum depth of 18 metres. Another 8:00am departure ensures calm conditions and clear visibility, with plenty of time to enjoy the incredible marine life before returning by early afternoon.
FAQS
What is the SSI Open Water Diver Course?
The SSI Open Water Diver Course is your first full certification as an independent diver. It teaches you everything you need to dive safely to 18 meters with a buddy. At Ocean Tribe, you’ll complete online learning, pool training, and four exciting dives in the Indian Ocean.
How long does the course take?
Typically, the course takes three days. On day one, you focus on theory and pool skills. On day two and three, you’ll complete your ocean dives. However, you can start studying at home before you arrive. That way, you’ll have more time to enjoy the sea and sun.
Is the Open Water certification valid worldwide?
Absolutely. Once certified, you’ll be able to dive at destinations around the world. SSI is accepted globally, and your card never expires. So, whether you’re diving in Kenya or the Maldives, you’ll be ready.
What are the requirements to join?
To enroll, you must be at least 10 years old and comfortable in the water. You should also be in good health and able to swim. No prior diving experience is required. From the very first session, our instructors guide you step by step
Do I Need to Be Able to Swim to Scuba Dive?
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.
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What will I learn?
You’ll learn how to use scuba equipment, control your buoyancy, plan dives, and handle simple emergencies. First, you complete online academic modules. Then, you’ll practice in shallow water before diving on real coral reefs. By the end, you’ll be confident and capable in the water.
Is it safe?
Yes, very safe. Ocean Tribe follows strict SSI standards. Every dive is supervised by experienced instructors, and all equipment is carefully maintained. Plus, you’ll train in calm, clear waters that are perfect for beginners.
What’s included in the course fee?
Everything is included. That means your SSI digital learning, certification fees, scuba equipment, and expert instruction. We don’t add surprise charges. You just bring swimwear, and we’ll take care of the rest.
Can I start online before I travel?
Yes, and we highly recommend it. You can begin the digital learning now using the MySSI app. This saves you time and allows you to focus on the practical skills once you’re in Diani Beach. It also means fewer classroom hours and more diving fun.
Can I upgrade from the Scuba Diver certification?
Yes, upgrading is easy. If you already have the SSI Scuba Diver certification, you can complete the remaining two dives and theory modules to become a fully certified Open Water Diver. It’s a great way to continue your training without repeating anything.
What will I see during the dives?
Diani Beach is famous for its vibrant coral reefs and warm, clear water. Expect colourful reef fish, sea turtles, rays, and maybe even dolphins. Every dive is unique.Diani Beach is home to healthy coral reefs and a wide variety of marine life. You’ll likely spot clownfish, parrotfish, butterflyfish, and maybe even sea turtles or rays. Every dive site has something different to offer, which makes each day underwater even more exciting.
How do I book the course?
Booking is simple. BOOK NOW
