SSI Open Water Diving Course
FROM $749
Your first step into the world of recreational diving! Whether you want to dive with us in the beautiful Bay of Islands, or in any of the world’s other amazing dive locations, your Open Water certification is the ticket you need.
Our SSI Open Water Courses run over 3 days. We are very flexible and can normally tailor a course to fit your time constraints. Before starting the course with us, you will be able to begin your online study for free through the SSI app, which provides lifetime access to your digital learning materials.
Day 1. We head to the pool to complete the confined water sessions. All the confined water sessions are done in a heated swimming pool
Day 2. Is the first of the dive days. We head up to the beach at Matauri Bay and complete 2 shore dives. This gives you the skill set to shore dive and teaches you a different skills from boat diving.
Day 3. We are on the boat out to the reserve at Deep Water Cove to complete the last 2 dives of the course. Boat diving is an awesome way to finish the course, and Deep Water Cove is spectacular.
With SSI’s flexible, instructor-led training philosophy, our instructors can adapt the course to your learning style, ensuring you are comfortable and confident with each skill before moving on. Upon completion, you will be qualified to dive to 18 metres/60 feet, and you will receive your digital certification card instantly through the MySSI app. We offer two different options to complete the theory. You work on the theory component with an instructor, or you can complete it online.
Upon certification you will be qualified to dive to 18 metres/60 feet. A Junior Open Water Certification is available for children aged between 10 and 15 years, though we do recommend a minimum age of 12 due to the conditions that we teach in. Please contact Paihia Dive for information on Jnr certification.
To start your Open Water theory with us online please contact us!
Common questions
How long does the Open Water course take?
Three days: a day in the heated pool in Kawakawa (around 28°C), a day of two shore dives at Matauri Bay, and a day on the boat for two dives in Deep Water Cove. We can usually fit the course around your plans.
Can I do the theory before I arrive?
Yes. You can start your online study for free through the SSI app before you get here, and keep lifetime access to the materials. If you’d rather, you can do the theory with an instructor instead.
How deep can I dive once I’m certified?
To 18 metres, anywhere in the world. You’ll get your digital certification card through the MySSI app as soon as you finish.
Is gear included?
The course is from $749. If you need to hire gear, it’s an extra $100 for the course.
Do I need to be a strong swimmer?
You need to be comfortable in the water. Before the course you’ll swim 200 metres (or 300 metres with mask, fins and snorkel) and float or tread water for 10 minutes. There’s no time limit on the swim.
Can children do the course?
Yes, from 10 as a Junior Open Water Diver, but we recommend 12 because of our water temperature and conditions. Get in touch and we’ll talk it through.
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$1800 - $2800
Take the first step in your dive career and become a Divemaster. Working closely with an Instructor, you’ll expand your dive knowledge and hone your skills as you become a dive professional.
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From $549
Freediving opens up a whole new underwater world. The Freediver course takes 2 days to complete, the first day starts in the class reviewing the theory completed online and then we head to the pool for the confined water session. The 2nd day is out on our boat Sentinel in Deep Water Cove putting to practice the skills learned in the pool and depth training.
important information
Before diving with Paihia Dive please have a look at our Understanding The Risks form, as this will need to be completed before joining any of our trips. If you are doing any dive training including Intro Dives or refreshers, please have a look at our Medical Form, if required you may need to get your doctor to sign you off as fit to dive, before completing the activity.