Sunken Dreams' - SSI Manta & Ray Ecology Specialty Diver

Discover the breathtaking underwater world of Malta and Gozo, a diver’s paradise filled with crystal-clear waters, stunning reefs, and historic wrecks. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced diver, explore dramatic underwater caves, vibrant marine life, and sunken ships teeming with history. With year-round diving conditions and top-rated dive sites, Malta and Gozo offer an unforgettable adventure for every diver.

 Captivating Crystal blue sea amidst ancient origins await. Steep mountains plunge straight down to marine canyons filled with lush reefs animated by benthic life along this stretch of the Italy's boot-shaped peninsula. The area is claim to some of the best diving in the Mediterranean as the Calabrian seabed is littered with wrecks of various kinds, both on the lonian coast and in the Strait of Messina. Discover an oasis of biodiversity, where history is preserved. Divers can also partake in studies of marine archaeology and visit the critter sanctuary including interactions with both long and short-snouted seahorse.

Dive into ocean conservation from anywhere in the world with our Virtual SSI Blue Oceans Lecture & Workshop! This engaging online session is perfect for divers, ocean lovers, and curious minds who want to learn more about marine ecosystems, the threats they face, and how we can protect them. Led by experienced SSI professionals, the workshop combines interactive presentations, real-world examples, and practical tips on how to become an eco-conscious diver and ocean advocate. You'll explore topics like marine biodiversity, plastic pollution, sustainable diving practices, and the impact of climate change on our oceans. ✅ Free to attend ✅ Open to divers and non-divers ✅ Counts toward your Blue Oceans certification By the end of the session, you'll feel empowered to make positive changes — both underwater and in your daily life — and become part of the global movement to protect our blue planet.

DOSSIER: THE WORLD'S BEST SHORE DIVING ISLAND ON EARTH... Ranked as one of the Caribbean’s top dive destinations, marine life abounds in this scuba diving paradise with more than 470 fish species found in Bonaire’s water. Great boat dives only complement accessible dive sites right from shore. Underwater photography is a favorite activity due to Bonaire’s incredibly clear water and unspoiled ecosystem.Underwater, Curaçao is home to one of the most biodiverse coral reef systems in the entire Caribbean. It is estimated that up to 70 per cent of all Caribbean coral species are found around the island, together with around 400 different species of fish. Curaçao’s shape and location mean that almost the entirety of the southern coast is sheltered from the storms that form in the Caribbean Sea to the north. The water is mostly calm at the surface, and if there is any current at all, it is usually less than moderate.

DOSSIER: THE ATLANTIC'S GREAT OCEAN HIGHWAY FOR THE WONDERS OF THE SEA...The farthest-flung outpost of Western Europe comprises nine volcanic fragments peeking out of the North Atlantic. The Azores offer a wealth of wonders: from some of the oldest "New World" cities on the planet, to rich forests and dazzling lakes. For in-the-know travellers, the Azores have long represented a beckoning blip on the radar of possible destinations. Recognition from UNESCO and other organisations has helped that blip to pulse more brightly over the years.

Visit the Open Day and come to see the Sunken Dreams Scuba Diving Academy activities stand. Young, aspiring marine ecologists can learn more about the underwater world and even try their first ever SCUBA diving experience! The Senior Dive Team will also perform photography and coral propagation demonstrations for those in attendance, showcasing their developing skills as they move forward to complete their diver specialty programmes. Sunken Dreams Scuba Diving Academy provides unique, extra curricular activities by offering prospective and current pupils the opportunity to attain their SSI Dive Certifications and join on worldwide marine ecology expeditions. For more information contact the Sunken Dreams Scuba Diving Academy.

DOSSIER: THE WORLD'S GREATEST INDOOR DIVE EXPERIENCES... A unique concept, but the world of indoor diving has arrived! Europe has now opened its aquatic, architectural masterpieces to scuba divers. Blessed with four unique environments in Belgium and Germany divers can now develop their dive skills year round whilst soaking up the culture of two of Europe's most spectacular cities.

Underwater photography has some challenges not found on land, but with the SSI Photo & Video specialty program, you will soon learn how to capture your amazing underwater experiences. This program provides the in-depth knowledge you need to dive with an underwater camera and properly use, maintain and store your equipment. You will develop your skills and learn techniques to take underwater images and video safely and easily, plus perfect your diving abilities while using your underwater camera system. Learn how to take high quality images that you can share with everyone and earn your SSI Photo & Video specialty certification. Get started today!

The Divemaster program is the first step on an exciting journey. Earn the respect of your dive buddies and become an ambassador for diving by taking the Divemaster program. All you need to get started are 40 verified/logged dives and certifications in Deep Diving, Navigation, Night & Limited Visibility or at least 5 logged/verified dives experience in each area plus Diver Stress & Rescue. You will be certified as a Dive Guide after successfully completing the Divemaster program. When your interest is to turn your passion into a profession by guiding certified divers, teaching Ecology programs, assisting instructors or even becoming an instructor yourself, your next step is the Divemaster Upgrade with a minimum of 60 logged/verified. Upgrade to Divemaster right away or any time after by self-studying the Science of Diving materials, passing the Digital Final Exam which makes you an SSI Professional.

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!

If you cannot decide which specialty programs are the best choice for you, join the SSI Advanced Open Water Diver program! With this program, you can try a variety of specialties before committing to full specialty programs. It is a great way to experience what advanced diver training is all about and how valuable it can be to your diving adventures. During the Advanced Open Water Diver Program, you will try out 5 different specialties. You will complete one open water training dive per specialty after a comprehensive briefing with your SSI Instructor. With this trial program in specialty diving, you will have total freedom to explore. You can complete the full specialty programs any time in the future and credit your Advanced Open Water Diver training towards them.

Choose Your Coral Identification Specialty Training PathwayThis programme offers two pathways depending on your experience and goals. Please select the pathway that applies to you when booking.Recreational Diver — SSI Coral Identification Specialty DiverDesigned for certified divers who want to expand their knowledge of corals, marine ecosystems, and conservation. You will complete the SSI Coral Identification Specialty programme and earn your SSI Coral Identification Specialty Diver certification.This specialty can also contribute towards your SSI Master Diver progression, expanding your knowledge and experience while preparing you for future expeditions, marine-life encounters, and a deeper connection with the underwater world.Professional Diver — SSI Coral Identification Specialty InstructorThe SSI Coral Identification Specialty Instructor pathway is designed for eligible SSI professionals who want to develop their knowledge, teaching skills and ability to conduct the Coral Identification Specialty programme.The professional pathway includes the applicable SSI Coral Identification Specialty Diver programme and professional materials, allowing you to develop your knowledge of coral identification, behaviour, ecology and conservation before progressing through the applicable Specialty Instructor certification method.Depending on the applicable certification method and SSI requirements, you may complete a Specialty Instructor Seminar or undertake the co-teaching pathway alongside an appropriately qualified, active-status SSI Specialty Instructor.Professional applicants must meet all applicable SSI prerequisites. For the co-teaching pathway, this includes the required logged dives and completion of the applicable Training Completion Record, with final certification subject to SSI requirements and QMS approval.Safeguarding: Where a professional candidate participates in co-teaching a programme attended by under-18s, Sunken Dreams will assess the safeguarding requirements applicable to the candidate's role before approval.Alternative Dates & Times: If you require an alternative training date or time, please contact Sunken Dreams Scuba Diving Academy before booking. We may be able to arrange an alternative session subject to instructor availability and minimum participant requirements.

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.

The SSI Basic Freediver course is your first step into the peaceful, exhilarating world of freediving. During this entry-level program, you will learn how to freedive safely with a buddy in a pool/confined water up to a depth of five meters. Online training is combined with in-water practice sessions to give you all the skills and knowledge you need to be a confident freediver. Upon completing this program, you will earn your SSI Basic Freediver certification.

Choose Your Fish Identification Specialty Training PathwayThis programme offers two pathways depending on your experience and goals. Please select the pathway that applies to you when booking.Recreational Diver — SSI Fish Identification Specialty DiverDesigned for certified divers who want to expand their knowledge of fish, marine ecosystems, and conservation. You will complete the SSI Fish Identification Specialty programme and earn your SSI Fish Identification Specialty Diver certification.This specialty can also contribute towards your SSI Master Diver progression, expanding your knowledge and experience while preparing you for future expeditions, marine-life encounters, and a deeper connection with the underwater world.Professional Diver — SSI Fish Identification Specialty InstructorThe SSI Fish Identification Specialty Instructor pathway is designed for eligible SSI professionals who want to develop their knowledge, teaching skills and ability to conduct the Fish Identification Specialty programme.The professional pathway includes the applicable SSI Fish Identification Specialty Diver programme and professional materials, allowing you to develop your knowledge of fish identification, behaviour, ecology and conservation before progressing through the applicable Specialty Instructor certification method.Depending on the applicable certification method and SSI requirements, you may complete a Specialty Instructor Seminar or undertake the co-teaching pathway alongside an appropriately qualified, active-status SSI Specialty Instructor.Professional applicants must meet all applicable SSI prerequisites. For the co-teaching pathway, this includes the required logged dives and completion of the applicable Training Completion Record, with final certification subject to SSI requirements and QMS approval.Safeguarding: Where a professional candidate participates in co-teaching a programme attended by under-18s, Sunken Dreams will assess the safeguarding requirements applicable to the candidate's role before approval.Alternative Dates & Times: If you require an alternative training date or time, please contact Sunken Dreams Scuba Diving Academy before booking. We may be able to arrange an alternative session subject to instructor availability and minimum participant requirements.