Every wreck has a story.
Learn to plan and conduct responsible non-penetration wreck dives. Explore the history, structure and marine life of the MV Alpha Funguo while developing stronger awareness and dive-planning skills.
Learn to explore wrecks safely and responsibly.
Shipwrecks attract marine life, preserve fascinating pieces of history and create some of the most memorable dive sites in the world. They also introduce hazards that ordinary reef dives may not.
The SSI Wreck Diving Course teaches you how to assess a wreck, identify potential hazards, plan your route and explore the outside of the structure while maintaining safe limits.
- Plan safer and more organised wreck dives
- Recognise entanglement, sharp-edge and structural hazards
- Map important wreck features and possible routes
- Improve buoyancy and awareness around fragile structures
What you’ll learn
Build the planning, awareness and control needed to explore the exterior of wrecks with confidence.
Hazard awareness
Identify sharp metal, fishing line, unstable structures, restricted areas and other wreck-specific hazards.
Wreck orientation
Observe the wreck’s layout, identify recognisable features and build a mental map of the dive site.
Dive planning
Plan depth, time, gas, buddy positioning and an appropriate route around the wreck.
Buoyancy and trim
Maintain control close to the wreck without making contact or disturbing sediment and marine life.
Navigation techniques
Use the wreck’s structure, natural references and navigational tools to remain oriented.
Responsible exploration
Observe and photograph wrecks without removing artefacts, damaging growth or disturbing wildlife.
Wreck Diver or Advanced Wreck?
These programmes teach different levels of wreck exploration. Understanding the distinction is essential for safe diving.
SSI Wreck Diving
Teaches you to plan and conduct dives around the exterior of a wreck. You learn wreck orientation, mapping, hazard awareness and responsible non-penetration exploration.
You remain in open water with direct access to the surface rather than entering enclosed wreck passageways.
SSI Advanced Wreck Diving
Adds specialised training for wreck penetration and overhead environments, including guideline use, line-laying techniques, gas planning and emergency procedures.
Divers must complete the required experience and prerequisite certifications before taking part.
How the course works
Prepare online, review the dive plan with your instructor and complete two training dives on a real wreck.
SSI digital learning
Complete the Wreck Diving theory and knowledge reviews in the MySSI app before your practical training.
Wreck briefing and planning
Review wreck hazards, environmental conditions, gas planning, buddy procedures, communication and the planned route.
Training dive one: orientation
Become familiar with the wreck, practise controlled descent and ascent procedures and identify its major external features.
Training dive two: exploration
Build on your first dive with improved route planning, navigation, mapping and responsible exterior exploration.
Certification
Complete the required knowledge and performance standards to earn your SSI Wreck Diving specialty certification.
What’s included
Meet the MV Alpha Funguo
Your training dives take place on Diani’s signature wreck, the MV Alpha Funguo. Now covered in marine growth, the wreck provides a dramatic environment for learning exterior wreck-diving techniques.
Course requirements
Diving experience
You must be at least 15 years old and hold an Open Water Diver certification or an equivalent recognised qualification.
Because the MV Alpha Funguo lies deeper than the standard Open Water depth limit, you must also hold an Advanced Open Water/Advanced Adventurer or Deep Diving qualification, or take the required Deep training alongside the Wreck course.
Medical requirements
All participants must complete the required diver paperwork and meet the medical questionnaire requirements.
Certain medical conditions or medications may require clearance from a doctor before taking part in the course.
Continue to Advanced Wreck Diving
Complete exterior wreck training and then develop the specialist skills needed for carefully planned wreck-penetration dives.
Advanced Wreck training introduces guideline use, line laying, lost-line procedures, overhead-environment gas planning and specialised emergency techniques.
Wreck Diving FAQs
Will I enter the wreck during this course?
No. The SSI Wreck Diving Course focuses on exploring and mapping the exterior of the wreck. Penetration requires additional Advanced Wreck training and the appropriate prerequisites.
Why do I need advanced or deep-diving experience?
The MV Alpha Funguo lies at approximately 28 metres. This is deeper than the normal 18-metre depth limit of an entry-level Open Water Diver certification.
What makes wreck diving different from reef diving?
Wrecks may have sharp metal, entanglement hazards, unstable structures, fishing lines and confusing layouts. The course teaches you to identify and manage these additional risks.
Do I need my own scuba equipment?
Standard scuba equipment, air fills and weights are included. Contact Ocean Tribe if you intend to use your own equipment or need advice about specialist wreck-diving equipment.
Can I take Deep Diving and Wreck Diving together?
Yes. Divers who do not yet hold the required depth qualification may be able to combine Deep Diving training with their wreck programme. Contact Ocean Tribe to confirm the appropriate route.
Can I take underwater photographs on the wreck?
Photography may be possible, but training requirements, conditions and safety take priority. Strong buoyancy control is important before adding a camera to a wreck dive.
Does Wreck Diving count towards SSI recognition levels?
Wreck Diving is an SSI specialty certification and can contribute towards SSI diver recognition levels when combined with the required certifications and logged dives.
Explore what the ocean remembers.
Learn to approach wrecks with the planning, control and respect these extraordinary dive sites deserve.
