Course overview

The SSI Open Water Diver course is a globally recognised certification that qualifies you to dive independently with a buddy to 18m. Zanzibar's warm, calm water and the shallow reefs of Mnemba Atoll make a good classroom, and SSI's flexible digital academics let you start the theory before you arrive.

What you’ll learn

• Set up, use and care for scuba equipment
• Master the core scuba skills SSI requires
• Clear and remove the mask and recover the regulator
• Control buoyancy and perform safe ascents
• Plan dives using a computer or tables
• Dive to a maximum of 18m with a buddy

Prerequisites

• Minimum age 10 (junior)
• Comfortable in water and able to swim
• No prior diving experience required
• Medical questionnaire (physician sign-off if any condition applies)

What's included · What's not

Not included? Sort the rest of your trip

Flights and accommodation aren’t part of the course price, here’s how to book them around your dates.

Probability of sightings · month-by-month

What you're likely to see each month, based on historic operator logs.

Day-by-day itinerary

1. Day1
   Academics & confined water

   Complete the SSI digital academics and confined-water sessions, mastering core skills in shallow water.
2. Day2
   First open-water dives

   Two training dives near Mnemba Atoll to around 12m, applying skills on the reef.
3. Day3
   Final dives & certification

   Two more dives to a maximum of 18m on Mnemba or Tumbatu to complete the SSI Open Water Diver rating.

Verified through iDive

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Frequently asked questions