Open Water Diver
This globally recognized certification program is the best way to begin your lifelong adventures as a certified scuba diver. Personalized training is combined with in-water practice sessions to ensure you have the skills and experience required to become truly comfortable underwater. You will earn the SSI Open Water Diver certification.
Here’s what we’ll cover in your SSI Open Water Diver course
With this course, you’ll earn your first diving license, allowing you to dive independently. This means you can dive with a buddy who holds the same certification or higher.
It also certifies you to dive to a maximum depth of 18 meters.
Theory section
The theory part of the SSI Open Water Diver course offers you complete flexibility. You can study from the comfort of your home, or anywhere you prefer, at your own pace, using SSI’s digital learning kit through the MySSI app.
This resource includes everything you need to learn: manuals, videos, knowledge reviews, quizzes, and exams.
This setup allows you the option to reserve your time at the dive centre only for the practical aspects of the course, without sacrificing holiday time for studying.
Across six chapters, you’ll delve into the fundamental principles of diving:
- You’ll learn proper equipment use and safety protocols.
- You’ll understand how your body responds in an underwater environment
- You’ll master essential techniques such as pressure equalization and underwater control.
- You’ll grasp the importance of having a dive buddy, dive planning strategies, and emergency procedures.
With this solid groundwork, you’ll be well-prepared to explore the waters of Gran Canaria and beyond with confidence and self-assurance.
Confined water sessions
Get ready to dive into the confined water sessions of the SSI Open Water Diver course, directly in the ocean!
It will be a safe and controlled experience at the beach, at depths of less than 5 meters, ideal for relaxed and enjoyable learning.
Under the expert guidance of your instructor, you’ll focus on mastering essential diving skills:
- Setting up and adjusting dive equipment: You’ll learn to prepare your gear in a real environment, adapting from the start to sea conditions.
- Breathing techniques: Discover how to breathe underwater using the regulator, enjoying the marine environment and the feeling of freedom.
- Mastering buoyancy control: Refining buoyancy control: Master the art of moving gracefully underwater, fine-tuning your buoyancy for complete control.
- Mastery of problem-solving techniques: You’ll learn to calmly and effectively address challenges, equipping you to handle any unexpected situations that arise.
These sessions will not only boost your confidence and skills gradually, but also uniquely connect you with the marine environment.
Learning in the sea from the beginning allows better adaptation to real conditions and enjoyment of underwater life in its natural habitat.
Have fun learning right from the start.
Open water dives
Get ready to dive into the open waters and the wonderful ocean of Gran Canaria during the 4 dives of the SSI Open Water course!
You’ll apply everything you’ve learned in confined waters and develop essential skills to become a confident and capable diver.
Throughout these dives, you’ll refine your buoyancy control and master crucial techniques. You’ll learn to adapt to the marine environment while discovering the breathtaking underwater landscapes of Gran Canaria.
Each dive is carefully crafted to enhance your confidence and independence as a diver. From emergency procedures to navigation and guided explorations, each moment underwater prepares you for the next step on your diver life.
During these dives, you’ll venture deeper to truly immerse yourself in the sensation of diving and become one with the marine environment. You’ll dive to depths of up to 12 meters in the initial two dives and a maximum of 18 meters in the final two.
Each dive session is divided into two segments: one for practicing skills and exercises learned in confined waters, and another for enjoying a relaxing underwater excursion. This combination allows you to consolidate what you’ve learned while enjoying the beauty of the ocean in the company of your instructor.
How long does the Open Water Course take?
You can complete the theoretical portion of the course online before arriving in Gran Canaria for the practical segment. This allows you to maximize your holiday time without the concern of studying while here.
However, we’re always available to assist should you require any help or have questions.
To complete the practical water sessions, you’ll need three sessions scheduled on separate mornings:
- The first session runs from 8:00 to 14:30 hours.
- The second session runs from 8:00 to 13:30 hours.
- The third session also runs from 8:00 to 13:30 hours.
These sessions do not need to be consecutive. You can select your preferred start date and discuss subsequent days, or book all three days directly. We recommend scheduling early in your vacation to allow for additional dives afterward and ample time before your return flight.