Categories: Recreational diving beginner courses

Open Water Diver

Become a certified diver, explore Koh Lanta’s stunning coral reefs, and unlock a lifelong passport to underwater exploration down to 18 meters worldwide.

1. Why Take The Open Water Diver Course?

Take a fresh look at life below the surface Learning to dive is one of the most transformative adventures you can experience. The SSI Open Water Diver course is your globally recognized entry ticket into the underwater world. Combining interactive digital theory, hands-on pool training, and four incredible ocean dives in the warm waters of Koh Lanta, this course equips you with the fundamental skills, safety knowledge, and buoyancy control needed to dive independently with a buddy anywhere on the planet.

Globally Recognized Certification: Earn an international license allowing you to dive down to 18 meters (60 feet) with a certified buddy.
Comprehensive Training: Master dive theory, safety protocols, equipment management, and core underwater skills at a comfortable pace.
Unforgettable Ocean Dives: Complete four open water training dives at world-class sites like Koh Haa or Koh Bida, surrounded by tropical marine life.
Open to Beginners: Designed specifically for first-time divers with no prior experience required.

2. Course Curriculum (3 Days - 4 dives)

The course combines flexible online learning on the MySSI app, practical skill development in confined water, and 4 dedicated open water dives from our boat:

🔹 Key Topics Covered:

Digital Academics & Briefings: Understanding dive physics, physiology, equipment functions, and dive planning principles.
Confined Water Skill Workshops: Practicing mask clearing, regulator recovery, buoyancy control, hovering, and emergency air-sharing procedures.
Open Water Ocean Dives: Applying your skills in the real ocean, building underwater confidence, navigating, and exploring coral reefs.

3. Prerequisites

Prerequisites: Able to swim 200 meters (or 300 meters with mask, fins, and snorkel) and float/tread water for 10 minutes. No prior diving experience required.
Minimum Age: 10 years old (Junior Open Water Diver certification for ages 10–14).

4. Your International Certification

At the end of the course, you will earn your SSI Open Water Diver Certification.

Digital SSI Open Water Diver certification card recognized worldwide.
Valid for life, allowing you to rent scuba gear, book dive trips, and enroll in advanced specialty courses.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long does the Open Water Diver course take?

The course is typically completed over 3 full days, which includes 1 day of pool/confined water training followed by 2 days on our boat completing your 4 ocean dives.

What if I struggle with a specific skill during training?

Our experienced instructors teach with patience and flexibility. You will work through skills step-by-step until you feel completely comfortable and confident before moving on to the open ocean.