Science of Diving

Become a Science of Diving Specialty diver. Join the SSI Science of Diving specialty and you will develop a complete understanding of the underwater world and its effects on the human body. This specialty is required training for most SSI Professional programs, as well as some Extended Range programs, and is an essential way to expand your dive knowledge. Available online, you can earn your SSI Science of Diving specialty certification from home and get ready to begin your dive professional career. Upon completion, you will be halfway to earning the coveted SSI Divemaster rating and earn the SSI Science of Diving specialty certification.

What You'll Learn

• Diving Physics: In-depth study of gas laws, pressure, buoyancy, and how energy changes underwater.
• Diving Physiology: How the human cardiovascular, respiratory, and nervous systems adapt to increased atmospheric pressure.
• Decompression Theory: Understanding inert gas absorption, elimination, and how decompression models are calculated.
• The Aquatic Environment: Exploring water movement, weather patterns, oceans, lakes, and the life that inhabits them.
• The Total Diving System: Detailed insights into specialized equipment, delivery systems, and how components interact.

Learn to Dive with SSI

SSI started in 1970 with a vision of making it possible for anyone to learn to dive. With more than 3,500 Training Centers in over 150 countries and 100,000+ Professionals, it is easy to go diving with SSI wherever you choose. SSI’s Digital Learning platform makes training easy, fun, and possible to study anytime, anywhere either on your mobile device or computer in more than 30 languages.

A progressive approach to personalized training and a close cooperation of all SSI affiliated Professionals, Training Centers, and Resorts around the world ensures you will have access to global career opportunities and get the best training possible!

How the Training Works

• Digital Learning & Academics: SSI has mastered the use of digital technology to make your learning experience easy. You can start by studying the academics anytime, anywhere at your own convenience, and your selected Training Center will schedule your review and exam sessions.
• In-Water Sessions: (Note: Science of Diving is a theory-heavy specialty; all required metrics can be completed online or in the classroom, though training standards outline general baseline limits for combined course bundles).
• Certification: Once you have completed all required academic sessions and the final exam, your SSI Training Center will issue your digital certification card, which will show up instantly on your MySSI App.

Facts and Training Standards

• Minimum Age: 10
• Amount of Academic Sessions: 5
• Maximum Training Depth: 30 meters / 100 feet (Classroom/online theory-based)
• Suggested Duration: 8 to 12 hours
• Certification Prerequisites: Open Water Diver certification (or can be taken in combination with an Open Water Diver course)