Coral Identification Explorer

1. Why Take This Basic Diver Program?Take a fresh look at exploring the open ocean If you want to experience the sensation of scuba diving in the ocean without committing to a full multi-day certification course, the SSI Basic Diver program is the ideal entry point. Starting with essential safety theory and shallow water skill practice, you will quickly transition onto our dive boat for two guided open water dives. You will explore Koh Lanta’s vibrant coral reefs down to 12 meters, gaining real diving experience that can be directly credited toward your full Scuba Diver or Open Water Diver certification.Real Ocean Dives: Complete 2 full ocean dives at world-class dive sites like Koh Haa or Koh Bida under direct professional supervision.Fast & Accessible: Requires only 1 full day, making it perfect for holidaymakers looking for a quick yet thorough diving experience.Full Upgrade Credit: Your training counts directly toward the SSI Scuba Diver or Open Water Diver courses if you decide to continue within 6 months.Open to Absolute Beginners: No prior scuba experience necessary.2. Schedule of the DayA personalized experience tailored to your paceWondering what it feels like to breathe underwater for the first time?The SSI Introductory Dive (Try Scuba / Basic Diver) is the ideal activity to discover the underwater world without committing to a full training course.Guided by our experienced team, you will dive in a safe, reassuring, and supportive environment.How does your day unfold?Briefing & Preparation: Introduction to the equipment, essential safety guidelines, and underwater communication signals.Gentle Introduction: An adaptation session in shallow water to get comfortable and take your first breaths without stress.Reef Exploration: Discover tropical fish and colorful coral reefs in Koh Lanta up to a maximum depth of 12 meters (or 5 meters for the discovery option).3. Why Choose Apo Dhatu Divers?Safety & Personal Supervision: A maximum of 2 participants per instructor for dedicated, individual attention at all times.Stress-Free & Relaxed: A patient, passionate instructor to ensure your comfort every step of the way.Learning Materials in Your Language: Smooth online theory accessible via the MySSI app prior to your trip.Transfers Included: Hotel pickup and drop-off included (additional fees may apply depending on your hotel location).All-Inclusive Onboard: Breakfast, hot lunch (dietary options available), snacks, drinks, and fresh fruit.Full Equipment Provided: Regularly maintained dive gear for maximum safety.Insurance: Complementary coverage for the duration of your activity.4. PrerequisitesMust be at least 10 years old and in good overall health (simple medical questionnaire to complete).No prior experience required.5. Your International CertificationAt the end of the course, you will earn yourSSI Basic Diver CertificationDigital SSI Basic Diver recognition card logged directly in your MySSI profile.Valid credit toward your SSI Scuba Diver or SSI Open Water Diver course for 6 months.6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)Do I need to be a strong swimmer?You don’t need to be a strong swimmer, and a reasonable level of physical fitness is enough. Your instructor stays right by your side at all times to manage your buoyancy and ensure your comfort underwater.What is the minimum age for an introductory dive?Our boat-based ocean program is open to children aged 10 and above. (A dedicated program limited to a maximum depth of 5 meters is available for younger children aged 8 and 9, in a pool only).What if I want to continue after my introductory dive?If you love the experience and want to take it further, your SSI introductory dive can be directly credited toward the first step of your SSI Open Water Diver certification!

Using online learning, confined and open water dives, the SSI Scuba Diver program is a perfect foundation to become a confident and safe diver. You will learn all you need to scuba dive in open water up to 12 meters deep with an SSI Professional. In this program, you will complete almost half of the Open Water Diver course training and can upgrade your certification easily. You just need to complete the remaining academic and confined water sessions, plus two open water training dives.

Push your limits, explore depths of up to 30 meters, and discover five new aspects of scuba diving in complete safety.Gain confidence, feel more at ease, and discover new sensations.Are you Open Water certified (or equivalent) and looking to take your diving to the next level? The SSI Advanced Open Water Diver program is the ideal next step to refine your technique without getting bogged down in lengthy theory classes.This course is hands-on: you’ll complete 5 themed adventure dives to try out different specialties and expand your diving capabilities to a depth of 30 meters.Access to the most beautiful sites: The 30m certification opens the doors to iconic deep sites such as Hin Daeng & Hin Muang or the caves of Koh Haa.Maximum of 2 students per instructor: Personalized attention and tailored advice to help you perfect your buoyancy.100% Hands-On: No lengthy written exams—just briefings and fun in the water.Counts toward your future specialties: Each dive you complete counts as the first dive of the corresponding SSI Specialty course!100% French- and English-speaking instruction: Clear explanations and a stress-free learning experience.

1. Why Take This Specialty Course?Take a fresh look at the big picture of ocean life. Beyond individual species lies a complex web of life where every plant, animal, and microorganism plays a vital role. The SSI Marine Ecology specialty bridges the gap between simple organism identification and true ecological understanding. By exploring how energy flows through food webs, how different ocean zones interact, and how abiotic factors like currents and temperature shape marine life, you will gain a profound appreciation for the fragile balance of Koh Lanta’s marine ecosystems.Ecosystem Dynamics: Learn how marine communities interact with their physical environment and adapt to changing ocean conditions.Food Webs & Energy Flow: Discover the vital connections from microscopic phytoplankton up to apex predators like sharks and whales.Habitat Diversity: Explore various marine environments, including coral reefs, mangrove forests, seagrass beds, and open ocean ecosystems.Open to Everyone: Academic course accessible to scuba divers, freedivers, and snorkelers.2. Course Curriculum (1 day in ocean with two local dives)The course combines interactive online learning on the MySSI app and a topic presentation at the center with your instructor (with an optional practical application during your ocean dives).Key Topics Covered:Fundamentals of Marine Science: Oceanography basics, energy cycles, food webs, and ecological niches in marine environments.Tropical Marine Ecosystems: The vital connections between coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds in the Andaman Sea.Human Impact & Ocean Conservation: Climate change, overfishing, marine pollution, and how eco-conscious divers can contribute to ocean protection.3. PrerequisitesNo diving prerequisites required (also accessible to non-divers, freedivers, and snorkelers).Minimum Age: 10 years old for divers.4. Your International CertificationAt the end of the course, you will earn your SSI Marine Ecology Specialty Certification.Recognized worldwide.Counts toward your Master Scuba Diver rating and can count as one of the 5 adventure dives for your SSI Advanced Open Water Diver certification (when combined with ocean dives).5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)How does Marine Ecology differ from specific ecology courses like Shark or Turtle Ecology?While species-specific courses focus on individual animal groups, Marine Ecology takes a broader view of the entire ocean ecosystem, exploring how all marine life forms interact together.Is this course very academic or technical?Not at all! The material is presented in an engaging, easy-to-understand way, using real-world examples from Koh Lanta’s dive sites to bring ocean science to life.

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. PrerequisitesPrerequisites: 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 CertificationAt 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.

Demystify the lords of the ocean, understand their vital role in the marine ecosystem, and learn how to observe them safely during your dives.Why Take the Shark Ecology Specialty?Change Your Perspective on One of the Planet's Most Fascinating and Threatened PredatorsSharks often suffer from an unfair reputation. Yet, they are vital players in the balance and health of our oceans. The SSI Shark Ecology Specialty dives deep into the captivating world of these great apex predators, helping you understand their anatomy, evolution, and behaviors.By mastering shark biology and eco-friendly interaction rules, you'll experience your upcoming dives with an informed, passionate perspective.Biology & Sensory Receptors Discover their highly evolved senses (Ampullae of Lorenzini, lateral line, and unmatched sense of smell).Species Identification Learn to recognize Thailand's iconic species (whale sharks, leopard sharks, and blacktip reef sharks).Behavior & Interactions Decode shark body language and adopt best practices for respectful underwater observation.Ecological Role & Conservation Understand the critical impact of their decline and discover how to advocate for their global protection.PrerequisitesMinimum Age 10 years old.Requirements No prior diving experience required (open to non-divers, freedivers, and snorkelers as well).

1. Why Take This Specialty Course?Take a fresh look at mastering weightlessness underwater. Perfect buoyancy is the secret skill that separates beginner divers from truly skilled and relaxed ocean explorers. The SSI Perfect Buoyancy specialty is designed to fine-tune your positioning in the water, optimize your weight distribution, and teach you how to hover effortlessly using only your breath. Mastering these techniques will dramatically lower your fatigue, extend your dive times by conserving air, and ensure you never accidentally damage Koh Lanta’s delicate coral reefs.Weight & Trim Optimization: Learn how to determine your exact required ballast and position weights for ideal horizontal body alignment.Fine-Tuned Lung Control: Master using your breathing as a primary buoyancy tool for precise depth control without touching your BCD.Efficient Propulsion Techniques: Practice relaxed finning techniques (like the frog kick) to glide smoothly without kicking up sand or disturbing marine life.Open to Certified Divers: Includes practical buoyancy workshops and dedicated ocean training dives.2. Course Curriculum (1 day, 2 Local Dives)The course combines interactive online learning on the MySSI app with practical weight checks and 2 dedicated open water buoyancy dives around Koh Lanta’s reef sites (such as Koh Haa or Koh Bida).???? Key Topics Covered:Buoyancy Physics & Physiology: Understanding buoyancy forces, lung volume dynamics, and equipment trim principles.Proper Weighting & Gear Streamlining: Customizing your weight system, cylinder positioning, and hose routing for minimum drag.Advanced Buoyancy & Hovering Skills: Inverted hovering, breath control exercises, and obstacle navigation around fragile marine structures.3. PrerequisitesOpen Water Diver certification (SSI, PADI, or equivalent).Minimum Age: 10 years old.4. Your International CertificationAt the end of the course, you will earn your SSI Perfect Buoyancy Specialty Certification.Digital SSI Perfect Buoyancy certification recognized worldwide.Counts directly toward your Master Scuba Diver rating or the SSI Advanced Open Water / Specialty Diver levels SSI.5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)Will this course really help me reduce my air consumption?Yes! Poor buoyancy control causes constant physical effort and irregular breathing, which drains your tank fast. Once you achieve neutral buoyancy and streamlined trim, your air consumption will naturally decrease.Is this specialty suitable if I struggle with buoyancy during my dives?It is specifically designed for you! This course provides a calm, supportive environment with tailored instructor coaching to resolve weighting issues and build your confidence.

1. Why Take This Specialty Course?Take a fresh look at the underwater world by naming what you see. Have you ever returned from a dive or snorkeling trip wondering, “What was that colorful fish?” The SSI Fish Identification specialty gives you the tools and knowledge to recognize fish families, identify specific species, and understand their behaviors. Instead of seeing a wall of random fish, you will start recognizing habitats, feeding habits, and unique relationships, making every aquatic outing far more engaging and rewarding.Family Classification: Learn to group fish by body shape, fins, and markings rather than trying to memorize hundreds of individual species.Habitat & Behavior Observation: Discover where different species hide, how they feed, and how to spot camouflaged fish.Fish Survey Techniques: Practice counting and recording marine life, skills used by marine biologists and citizen scientists worldwide.Open to Everyone: Academic course accessible to scuba divers, freedivers, and snorkelers.2. Course Curriculum (1 day in ocean or theory only)The course combines interactive online learning on the MySSI app and a topic presentation at the center with your instructor (with an optional practical application during your ocean dives).???? Key Topics Covered:Fish Families & Anatomy: Key physical features, fin structures, and body shapes used to classify reef fish.Reef Fish of the Andaman Sea: Focus on emblematic families of Koh Lanta, including Butterflyfish, Angelfish, Parrotfish, Damselfish, Snappers, and Groupers.Observational & Recording Skills: How to use underwater slate slates and fish ID guides to log your sightings accurately.3. PrerequisitesNo diving prerequisites required (also accessible to non-divers, freedivers, and snorkelers).Minimum Age: 10 years old for divers and 6 years old for non-divers.4. Your International CertificationAt the end of the course, you will earn your SSI Fish Identification Specialty Certification.Recognized worldwide.Counts toward your Master Scuba Diver rating and can count as one of the 5 adventure dives for your SSI Advanced Open Water Diver certification (when combined with ocean dives).5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)Do I need to scuba dive or snorkel for this specialty?No, it is not mandatory! The Fish Identification specialty can be completed entirely as a 100% dry course.If you are a non-diver or prefer to stay out of the water, you can earn your certification by completing the interactive classroom or online sessions.However, if you are a diver or snorkeler, adding in-water sessions is highly recommended: it’s the perfect opportunity to apply your new knowledge to real fish and practice identifying families!Do I need to memorize all the fish species in the ocean?Not at all! The course teaches you a system based on fish families and physical characteristics. Once you know the family, finding the exact species in an identification guide becomes quick and easy.Is this specialty useful for photography or video?Yes! Knowing fish behavior and habitats allows you to anticipate their movements, approach them without scaring them, and capture much better photos and videos.

1. Why Take This Specialty Course?Take a fresh look at reading the underwater landscape. Have you ever wondered how dive guides always manage to find their way back to the boat anchor without ascending? Underwater navigation is one of the most essential skills for becoming a self-sufficient and relaxed diver. The SSI Navigation specialty teaches you how to combine precise magnetic compass techniques with natural clues like sand ripples, current patterns, and reef topography. You will gain spatial awareness, reduce air consumption, and eliminate the stress of getting lost.Compass Navigation Skills: Master heading holds, reciprocals, square patterns, and multi-leg underwater navigation routes.Natural Observation: Learn to read reef structures, depth profiles, light directions, and marine life indicators to navigate naturally.Distance Estimation: Practice estimating underwater distance using kick cycles, time elapsed, and tank pressure consumption.Open to Certified Divers: Includes practical compass workshops and dedicated ocean navigation dives.2. Course Curriculum (1 day, 2 Local Dives)The course combines interactive online learning on the MySSI app with dry land compass practice and 2 open water navigation dives around Koh Lanta’s reef sites (such as Koh Haa or Koh Bida)Key Topics Covered:Compass Mechanics & Techniques: How underwater compasses function, tilt angles, setting bearings, and executing multi-point courses.Natural Navigation Clues: Identifying fixed landmarks, depth changes, wave ripples in sand, and sun position for orientation.Underwater Mapping & Search Patterns: Combining compass precision and natural clues to map out dive sites and return accurately.3. PrerequisitesOpen Water Diver certification or equivalent.Minimum Age: 10 years old.4. Your International CertificationAt the end of the course, you will earn your SSI Navigation Specialty Certification.Digital SSI Navigation certification recognized worldwide.counts toward your SSI Advanced Open Water Diver or Master Scuba Diver rating5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)I always struggled with compass orientation during my beginner course. Is this specialty hard?Not at all! Beginner courses only touch on the basics. This specialty breaks navigation down into simple, step-by-step techniques starting on dry land before applying them underwater in clear water.Does good navigation help reduce my air consumption?Yes! When you navigate confidently, you avoid unnecessary swimming, reduce stress, and maintain better buoyancy control, which directly leads to longer, more relaxed dives.

Course Curriculum (1 day in ocean)The course combines interactive online learning on the MySSI app and a topic presentation at the center with your instructor (with an optional practical application during your ocean dives).Key Topics Covered:Coral Biology & Anatomy: Polyp structure, zooxanthellae symbiosis, and how coral colonies construct massive reef formations.Key Families of the Andaman Sea: Focus on emblematic species around Koh Lanta, including Staghorn, Table, Brain, Mushroom, and Leather corals.Reef Ecology & Conservation: Threats facing coral reefs worldwide and practical actions eco-conscious divers and snorkelers can take to protect them.PrerequisitesMinimum Age: 10 years old for diversYour International CertificationAt the end of the course, you will earn your SSI Coral Identification Specialty Certification.Recognized worldwide.Counts toward your Master Scuba Diver rating and can count as one of the 5 adventure dives for your SSI Advanced Open Water Diver certification (when combined with ocean dives).Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)Do I need to scuba dive or snorkel for this specialty?No, it is not mandatory! The Coral Identification specialty can be completed entirely as a 100% dry course.If you are a non-diver or prefer to stay out of the water, you can earn your certification by completing the interactive classroom or online sessions.However, if you are a diver or snorkeler, adding in-water sessions is highly recommended: it’s the perfect opportunity to apply your new knowledge on the coral reef and practice identifying them!Is it difficult to distinguish different coral types?Not at all! Rather than memorizing scientific names right away, the course teaches you to categorize corals by their growth shapes and polyp structures, making identification simple and fun.Why is coral identification important for divers and snorkelers?Understanding corals helps you recognize healthy reef habitats, avoid accidental contact with fragile or stinging species, and appreciate the foundation that supports all marine life.

1. Why Take This Specialty Course?Take a fresh look at the mysterious depths of the ocean. There is something undeniably exhilarating about exploring the deeper parts of the reef. Unique marine life, stunning topographies, and famous dive sites like Hin Daeng and Hin Muang await in deeper waters. The SSI Deep Diving specialty provides you with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience to plan and execute dives safely down to a maximum depth of 40 meters (130 feet). Learn to manage your gas supply, recognize narcosis, and dive with complete confidence.Advanced Depth Limits: Expand your diving horizon safely from 18m up to a maximum limit of 40 meters.Gas & Narcosis Management: Understand the physical effects of depth, nitrogen narcosis recognition, and gas consumption planning.Specialized Deep Equipment: Learn to select and use specialized gear such as dive computers, drop tanks, and surface marker buoys (SMB).Open to Certified Divers: Requires prior open water diving certification and includes dedicated ocean training dives.2. Course Curriculum (1 or 2 days)The course combines interactive online learning on the MySSI app with pre-dive briefings and 3 dedicated open water deep dives at Koh Lanta’s premier deep sites.Key Topics Covered:Deep Dive Planning & Risk Management: Calculating surface intervals, gas consumption rates, and emergency procedures for deep profiles.Deep Water Physiology: Recognizing and responding to nitrogen narcosis, decompression sickness risks, and buoyancy control under high pressure.Navigation & Specialized Gear: Using SMBs, safety stops, specialized lighting, and computers for multi-level deep dive profiles.3. PrerequisitesOpen Water Diver certification (SSI or equivalent).Minimum Age: 15 years old.4. Your International CertificationAt the end of the course, you will earn your SSI Deep Diving Specialty Certification.Recognized worldwide.Counts directly toward your Master Scuba Diver rating or Advanced Open Water / Specialty Diver levels SSI.5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)What is the maximum depth I will reach during this course?During the specialty training, you will safely build up your experience and maximum depth to 40 meters (130 feet), which is the absolute limit for recreational diving.Can I combine the Deep Diving specialty with Enriched Air Nitrox?Absolutely! Combining Nitrox with Deep Diving is ideal, as Nitrox provides significantly more allowable bottom time at deeper depths like 20m to 30m.

React Right is SSI’s emergency first response course and provides you with the training and knowledge you need to act as a first responder in a medical emergency. In this flexible dive program, you can choose which subjects you want to learn about, including primary assessment, first aid, CPR and primary stabilization techniques. You can also learn about oxygen administration in diving emergencies and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) basics. Using a combination of academic sessions and practical training scenarios, this program will give you the tools and confidence you need for emergency response. By the time you are certified, you will be able to act as an emergency first responder, provide first aid and CPR, administer oxygen and provide AED support in a medical emergency. Earn your SSI React Right specialty certification. Get started today!

Push your limits, explore depths of up to 30 meters, and discover 5 new aspects of scuba diving in complete safety.Are you Open Water certified (or equivalent) and looking to take your diving to the next level? The SSI Advanced Open Water Diver program is the ideal next step to refine your technique without getting bogged down in lengthy theory classes.This course is hands-on: you’ll complete 5 themed adventure dives to try out different specialties and expand your diving capabilities to a depth of 30 meters.Access to the most beautiful sites: The 30m certification opens the doors to iconic deep sites such as Hin Daeng & Hin Muang or the caves of Koh Haa.Maximum of 2 students per instructor: Personalized attention and tailored advice to help you perfect your buoyancy.100% Hands-On: No lengthy written exams—just briefings and fun in the water.Counts toward your future specialties: Each dive completed counts as the first dive of the corresponding SSI Specialty course 100% French-speaking instruction: Clear explanations and a stress-free learning experience.

Demystify the lords of the ocean, understand their vital role in the marine ecosystem, and learn how to observe them safely during your dives.Why Take the Shark Ecology Specialty?Change Your Perspective on One of the Planet's Most Fascinating and Threatened PredatorsSharks often suffer from an unfair reputation. Yet, they are vital players in the balance and health of our oceans. The SSI Shark Ecology Specialty dives deep into the captivating world of these great apex predators, helping you understand their anatomy, evolution, and behaviors.By mastering shark biology and eco-friendly interaction rules, you'll experience your upcoming dives with an informed, passionate perspective.Biology & Sensory Receptors Discover their highly evolved senses (Ampullae of Lorenzini, lateral line, and unmatched sense of smell).Species Identification Learn to recognize Thailand's iconic species (whale sharks, leopard sharks, and blacktip reef sharks).Behavior & Interactions Decode shark body language and adopt best practices for respectful underwater observation.Ecological Role & Conservation Understand the critical impact of their decline and discover how to advocate for their global protection.PrerequisitesMinimum Age 10 years old.Requirements No prior diving experience required (open to non-divers, freedivers, and snorkelers as well).

Demystify the lords of the oceans, understand their vital role in the marine ecosystem, and learn how to observe them safely during your dives.Why take the Shark Ecology specialty course?Change the way you look at one of the most fascinating and endangered predators on the planet: Sharks often suffer from an unfair reputation. Yet they play an essential role in the balance and health of our oceans. The SSI Shark Ecology Specialty immerses you in the captivating world of these magnificent creatures to help you understand their anatomy, evolution, and behavior. By mastering shark biology and the rules of eco-responsible interaction, you’ll experience your next dives with a knowledgeable and passionate perspective.Biology & Sensory Receptors: Discover their highly developed senses (Lorenzini ampullae, lateral line, exceptional sense of smell).Species Identification: Learn to recognize Thailand’s iconic species (whale shark, leopard shark, blacktip reef shark).Behavior & Interactions: Decoding shark body language and adopting best practices for underwater observation.Ecological Role & Conservation: Understand the impact of their disappearance and commit to their global protection.PrerequisitesMinimum age: 10 years old.Prerequisites: No diving experience required (also accessible to non-divers, freedivers, and snorkelers).