Safe Zone · 0-18m · SSI Certification

SSI Open
Water Diver

Your first scuba certification. Four days of theory, pool, and real ocean dives in Malta's clear Mediterranean waters. Zero experience required.

Enrol Now See What's Involved

Certified by SSI

Course Price from

^€520

€340 course fee + €180 SSI eLearning · All equipment included

✓SSI eLearning licence: €180

✓Course fee inc. full equipment: €340

✓2 confined water sessions

✓4 open water dives in Malta

✓SSI certification card (worldwide)

✓Max 5 students per instructor

Reserve Your Place

Questions? WhatsApp us first

Course Overview

Go from zero to certified diver in three days.

The SSI Open Water Diver course is the world's most recognised entry-level scuba certification. Complete it in Malta and you'll learn in some of the clearest, calmest water in the Mediterranean, with visibility regularly exceeding 25 metres.

You'll start with self-paced digital theory through the SSI eLearning platform, move into confined water (pool or sheltered shallows) to practise core skills, then complete four open water dives at real Malta dive sites. Once certified, your SSI Open Water card is valid worldwide with no expiry.

Dive independently to 18m anywhere in the world
Understand dive planning, the dive tables and your computer
Manage your buoyancy, mask, and regulator with confidence
Handle common underwater situations calmly and safely
Navigate underwater using natural references and compass
Dive as part of a buddy team with shared responsibility

SSI Open Water Diver

Internationally recognised entry-level certification. Accepted by all major dive operators worldwide.

Depth Limit 18m Safe Zone

Min. Age 10 years (all candidates certified to 18m)

Prerequisites None. Able to swim 200m unassisted.

Card issued Digital card via SSI app within 24hrs of completion. Physical card available on request.

Valid Lifetime. No renewal required.

Next Step SSI Advanced Open Water: dive to 30m, explore wrecks and night diving.

Course Structure

Three phases to certification

Phase 01

SSI Digital Learning

Self-paced theory on the SSI eLearning platform. Complete before or between water sessions at your own pace on any device.

Scuba equipment and how it works
The underwater environment
Dive planning and dive tables
Physiology and pressure effects
Buoyancy, ascents and safety stops
Knowledge reviews after each module

Phase 02

Confined Water

Two sessions in the pool or sheltered shallows. Practise every essential scuba skill in a controlled environment before heading to the ocean.

Equipment assembly and pre-dive checks
Regulator and mask clearing
Neutral buoyancy and hovering
Out-of-air procedures and buddy breathing
Controlled emergency ascent
Basic underwater navigation

Phase 03

Open Water Dives

Four real ocean dives at Malta sites including Cirkewwa and St. Paul's Bay. Apply everything learned with your instructor in Mediterranean conditions.

Dive 1: Skills review and orientation (5-8m)
Dive 2: Navigation and buoyancy (8-12m)
Dive 3: Deep skills and problem solving (12-16m)
Dive 4: Final certification dive with instructor (to 18m)
Boat and shore entry techniques
Logbook completed and signed off

Typical Schedule

What to expect each day

Day 1

Theory, Equipment & First Pool Session

Meet your instructor, collect your eLearning code and complete Modules 1-4. Equipment briefing: try on gear, size your BCD and wetsuit. First confined water session: breathe underwater, clear your mask and regulator, achieve neutral buoyancy and practise buddy procedures.

Theory Pool

Day 2

Pool Session 2 + OW Dives 1 & 2

Second pool session to consolidate skills. Afternoon: head to the ocean for your first two open water dives at a sheltered Malta site. A day you'll remember.

Pool Open Water

Day 3

OW Dives 3 & 4 + Certification

Final two open water dives, both under direct instructor supervision to 18m. Debrief, logbook sign-off, and your digital SSI certification card issued on the same day.

Open Water Certified

What's Included

Everything you need to learn

SSI eLearning

Lifetime access to the SSI digital training materials. Learn on your phone, tablet or laptop. Available in 30+ languages.

Full Equipment

BCD, regulator set, wetsuit, mask, fins, tank, and weight belt for every session. No need to own or hire anything separately.

Boat Dives

Open water dives conducted from our dedicated dive boat. Shore entry at sheltered sites for early dives, boat for later dives.

SSI Certification

Digital SSI Open Water Diver card issued on completion. Recognised at dive centres worldwide. No expiry, no renewal fees.

Not included: Underwater photography equipment, nitrox fills (available separately), dive tables booklet (optional purchase), travel insurance. DAN dive insurance recommended.

Requirements

Who can take this course?

The Open Water Diver course is designed for complete beginners. If you can swim and you're comfortable in the water, you're ready.

RequiredAble to swim 200m unassisted (any stroke)
RequiredMinimum age 10. All candidates certified to 18m independent depth.
RequiredMedical fitness declaration (form provided on booking)
NotePre-existing medical conditions may require a doctor's sign-off before the course
NoteStudents with asthma, ear or sinus conditions should contact us before booking

Already a certified diver?

If you hold an OWD or equivalent from another agency (PADI, CMAS, BSAC) and want to continue with SSI, ask us about an SSI Crossover. No repeat diving required in most cases.

Medical Declaration

Health & Fitness

All students complete an SSI medical statement before the course begins. Most healthy adults are cleared immediately. Conditions that may require a physician's sign-off include:

→Asthma or chronic respiratory conditions
→Heart conditions or cardiac surgery
→Diabetes (insulin-dependent)
→Ear, nose or sinus surgery within 6 months
→Pregnancy

If you have any concerns, contact us before booking and we'll advise whether a medical is needed. Most conditions are manageable with the right advice.

Pricing

Choose your package

Full Course

^€520

€340 course fee + €180 SSI eLearning. All equipment and dives included.

✓SSI eLearning licence (€180)
✓Full equipment hire (€340)
✓2 pool sessions
✓4 open water dives
✓SSI certification card
×Nitrox fills
×Underwater camera

Book This

Malta's SSI Diamond Instructor Training Centre

1992

Diving in Malta since

2400+

Divers certified

Max students per instructor

4.9★

Average student rating

SSI
DIAMOND
ITC

SSI Diamond Instructor Training Centre

The highest SSI facility rating. Awarded to centres that consistently meet the highest standards of instruction, safety and student satisfaction.

REG
DIVE
0022

Malta Tourism Authority Registered

Fully registered dive operator with the MTA. All instructors hold current SSI ratings and valid first aid certifications.

DAN
DIVE
SAFE

DAN Partner Dive Centre

We recommend DAN Europe insurance for all students. Emergency oxygen and first aid equipment on site and on every dive boat.

FAQ

Common questions

Do I need to be a strong swimmer?▾

You need to be able to swim 200m without stopping: the stroke doesn't matter. You'll also do a 10-minute water tread or float. You don't need to be fast, just comfortable in the water. If you're unsure, contact us and we'll help you assess your readiness.

Can I do the course over a weekend?▾

Yes. We offer weekend and extended-weekend courses for those with limited time. The eLearning is completed in your own time before the water sessions begin. A standard schedule runs Thursday-Sunday or Friday-Monday. Contact us to discuss your available dates.

Is the SSI certification the same as PADI?▾

SSI and PADI are the two largest scuba certification agencies in the world. Both are internationally recognised and accepted by dive centres globally. If you hold an SSI Open Water card, you can dive with any PADI operator and vice versa. The standards are equivalent.

What if I'm nervous about diving?▾

Being nervous before your first dive is completely normal. Our instructors are experienced at working with nervous beginners. The pool sessions exist precisely so you can build confidence in a controlled environment before the ocean. We move at your pace: there is no pressure to rush. Most nervous students are completely relaxed by the end of Day 2.

What is the cancellation policy?▾

Cancellations made more than 7 days before the course start date receive a full refund of the deposit. Cancellations within 7 days forfeit the €100 deposit but the balance is not charged. If we cancel due to weather or operational reasons, you receive a full refund or complimentary rebooking.

Can I use my own equipment?▾

Yes. If you own a mask, fins or wetsuit you're welcome to bring them. All critical life support equipment (BCD, regulator, tank) must be in current service. If you own a regulator that hasn't been serviced in the past 12 months, we recommend using ours for the course. Bring your gear along and we'll check it over on Day 1.

What happens after I'm certified?▾

Your SSI Open Water certification allows you to dive to 18m with a buddy worldwide. The logical next step is the SSI Advanced Open Water course, which takes you to 30m and introduces specialties including wreck diving, deep diving, and night diving. Many students book the OWD + AOW bundle and complete both back-to-back in 7 days.

Book or enquire

Ready to dive?

Fill in the form and we will get back to you with availability, pricing confirmation, and everything you need to know before arrival.

Usually within a few hours. We confirm your dates, answer questions, and send full joining instructions.

Prefer to talk first?
+356 9999 3483 · WhatsApp

Enquiring about

First name * Please enter your first name.

Last name * Please enter your last name.

Email * Please enter a valid email address.

Phone / WhatsApp

Preferred start date * Please select a start date.

Preferred end date End date must be after start date.

Number of people * Please select number of people.

Dive experience

Message or questions

Enquiry sent

Thank you, . We will get back to you at within a few hours.

A copy has been sent to your inbox

SSI Open
Water Diver

Go from zero to certified diver in three days.

SSI Open Water Diver

What You Might See

Three phases to certification

SSI Digital Learning

Confined Water

Open Water Dives

What to expect each day

Theory, Equipment & First Pool Session

Pool Session 2 + OW Dives 1 & 2

OW Dives 3 & 4 + Certification

Everything you need to learn

SSI eLearning

Full Equipment

Boat Dives

SSI Certification

Who can take this course?

Already a certified diver?

Health & Fitness

Choose your package

Malta's SSI Diamond Instructor Training Centre

SSI Diamond Instructor Training Centre

Malta Tourism Authority Registered

DAN Partner Dive Centre

Common questions

Continue your diving education

Ready to dive?

Enquiry sent

SSI OpenWater Diver

Go from zero to certified diver in three days.

SSI Open Water Diver

What You Might See

Three phases to certification

SSI Digital Learning

Confined Water

Open Water Dives

What to expect each day

Theory, Equipment & First Pool Session

Pool Session 2 + OW Dives 1 & 2

OW Dives 3 & 4 + Certification

Everything you need to learn

SSI eLearning

Full Equipment

Boat Dives

SSI Certification

Who can take this course?

Already a certified diver?

Health & Fitness

Choose your package

Malta's SSI Diamond Instructor Training Centre

SSI Diamond Instructor Training Centre

Malta Tourism Authority Registered

DAN Partner Dive Centre

Common questions

Continue your diving education

SSI Advanced Open Water

SSI Nitrox Diver

SSI Deep Diver

Ready to dive?

Enquiry sent

SSI Open
Water Diver