Open Water Diver

Participant Requirements & Obligations

To enroll in the SSI Open Water Diver Course, participants must meet the following requirements:

Prerequisites

• Minimum age: 10 years old (Junior Open Water Diver certification for ages 10–14).
• Be comfortable in the water and able to swim.
• Complete the required SSI digital learning materials before or during the course.
• Successfully complete all confined water and open water training sessions.
• Complete the SSI swimming and water comfort evaluation as required by SSI standards.
• Be medically fit for scuba diving. Participants must complete the SSI Medical Questionnaire before training begins. If any medical conditions are indicated, written clearance from a physician may be required prior to participation.

Mandatory Documentation

Participants must provide:

• Completed SSI Medical Questionnaire.
• Signed liability releases and course paperwork.
• Parent or guardian consent forms for participants under 18 years of age.
• Proof of identity if requested for certification processing.

What Participants Must Bring

Participants are responsible for bringing:

• Swimwear.
• Towel.
• Reusable water bottle.
• Appropriate sun protection for surface intervals (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses).
• Personal medications, if required.

Recommended Items

• Logbook (if already owned).
• Dive computer (if personally owned and approved for use during training).
• Mask, snorkel, and fins (if not included in the selected course package).

Equipment

Standard scuba equipment required for training is provided by Cabo Verde Diving unless otherwise specified in the booking confirmation. Participants are responsible for taking reasonable care of all rental equipment during the course.

Participant Responsibilities

• Follow all instructions provided by SSI Professionals and Cabo Verde Diving staff.
• Attend all scheduled training sessions on time.
• Maintain safe diving practices throughout the course.
• Inform instructors immediately of any medical conditions, injuries, discomfort, or concerns that may affect participation.
• Refrain from diving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any substance that may impair judgment or safety.

Certification Requirements

To receive SSI Open Water Diver certification, participants must:

• Complete all academic learning modules.
• Pass required knowledge assessments.
• Demonstrate all required confined water skills.
• Successfully complete the required open water training dives.
• Meet all SSI performance requirements and standards.

Failure to complete the required training, documentation, medical requirements, or performance standards may result in delayed or withheld certification.

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