Scuba Skills Update

The SSI Gas Blender program teaches the skills and concepts required to safely blend nitrox and/or helium-based trimix blends for mixed-gas diving. This is a non-diving program that is open to certified and uncertified divers, and teaches the mathematics, physics and techniques required to safely blend breathing gases. Upon completion you will earn the SSI Gas Blender certification.

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!

The SSI Diver Stress and Rescue specialty program teaches you the skills you need to protect yourself and other divers. You will learn how to identify stress, how to prevent accidents and be taught practical techniques to conduct rescues and provide emergency care. With a combination of pool and open water practice sessions, you will become well prepared and confident at handling emergency and rescue situations. Upon completion, you will earn the SSI Diver Stress and Rescue Specialty certification.

Do you have a passion to save the ocean and the marine animals that call it their home? Does the thought of diving with whales fascinate you? Do you want to learn more about the ecology, biology, and conservation of marine mammals? The SSI Marine Mammal Ecology program introduces you to the wonders of these amazing creatures. Dive into the world of whales, dolphins, and seals to explore this amazingly diverse group of marine animals. In this program, you will learn what makes marine mammals distinct from land mammals, discover where they live, explore their physiology, and how to identify various species. You will also learn about marine mammal conservation - a great way to help save the ocean. What are you waiting for? Start your SSI Marine Mammal Ecology training online today!

Dive into the wonders of marine invertebrates with our new SSI ecology specialty — Marine Invertebrate Ecology. This captivating series covers topics like invertebrate evolution and the ecology of simple and complex invertebrates like nematodes, sponges, jellyfish, sea stars, nudibranchs, and squids. You will explore the connections between humans and marine invertebrates and their impact on coral reefs. This program raises environmental awareness, especially within the underwater world. This program will increase your environmental awareness and help you appreciate the marine life you dive with even more! Start online today and earn your SSI Marine Invertebrate Ecology Specialty certification.

Coral reefs are prized among divers and rightly so; drifting over a healthy reef filled with bustling marine life is magical. These precious ecosystems are fascinating, and the SSI Coral Identification specialty program is the best way to learn more about coral reefs and get the most out of your reef dives. In this coral dive specialty program, you will learn how to identify different corals and earn your SSI Coral Identification specialty certification.

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.

The SSI Extended Range Sidemount program is an advanced technical diving course designed to teach you how to carry and manage multiple sidemount cylinders (including stage/decompression bottles), aligning with Extended Range (XR) standards. This program is aimed at divers who want to confidently transition from recreational sidemount to technical sidemount diving, also those aiming to dive in overhead environments (caves, wrecks) or conduct decompression dives using a sidemount setup

As a Nitrox diver, you can increase your bottom times and safety margins, plus shorten your surface intervals - so you can spend more time diving and less time waiting! In this program, you will learn new skills and increase your diving knowledge whilst learning how to safely plan and dive with enriched air mixtures of up to 40% oxygen. Upon completion, you will earn an SSI Enriched Air Nitrox 32% or 40% certification.

In the SSI Shark Ecology program, you will learn how to interpret shark behaviours, why they are often misunderstood and how dive with sharks. This is a perfect course for shark fans and for divers who are nervous about sharks but want to overcome their fear. Upon completion of this program, you will earn your SSI Shark Ecology Specialty certification and no doubt become an avid shark diver. Start today!

The SSI Classified Diving program provides students with limited mobility and/or sensory disorders with the adaptive training necessary to dive with one or more Classified Dive Buddies, and/or a Classified Dive Professionals depending on their abilities, in environments and to depths equivalent with their training. Through the SSI Classified Diving program, individuals with disabilities or limited mobility, who are medically cleared by a physician, can experience the thrill of scuba diving. First in a pool/confined water environment, then potentially in the open water. Aotearoa Dive will adapt the Open Water Diver program and training materials to meet the specific needs of our SSI Classified Diving students. Once certified we will provide ongoing support to keep you diving with our Classified Dive Buddy network.

Choosing and buying your dive equipment is one of the biggest and most important investments you will make as a diver, but it is easy to get it a bit wrong. We want you to choose the right dive kit for your needs and know how to look after it properly. With the right knowledge, you can get the most from your investment and enjoy safe and comfortable dives for years to come. The SSI Equipment Techniques specialty is the best way to learn how to choose and store your dive kit. Working with an experienced and trained SSI Professional, you will learn in-depth information about the components of your Total Diving System and develop a thorough understanding of your diving equipment. You will also practice basic preventative dive equipment maintenance to ensure you get maximum performance and longevity from your Total Diving System. Start this dive equipment specialty today!

The SSI Deep Diving Specialty will teach you all you need to dive to depths between 18 and 40 meters, through a mixture of academic sessions and open water dives. You will learn to plan and safely complete your deep diving adventures and use computers and gas consumption calculations to get the most from your deep dives. Upon completion, you will earn your SSI Deep Diving Specialty certification and be able to explore beautiful deep dive sites wherever you choose. This SSI Specialty is also a prerequisite for some advanced training, making it the next logical step to take in your dive education.

Sea turtles are some of the most wonderful animals to dive with. You will want to dive with them even more after completing the SSI Sea Turtle Ecology Specialty program! This specialty program provides the skills and concepts you need to recognize and identify common sea turtle species. It teaches you about the fascinating history of sea turtles, their role in marine ecosystems and threats to their survival. Upon completion, you will earn the SSI Sea Turtle Ecology Specialty certification.