Safe Zone · 0-12m · SSI Certification

SSI Scuba Diver
Course Malta

Name: SSI Scuba Diver Course
Availability: InStock

Certified in three days. Two supervised ocean dives to 12m, an SSI card recognised worldwide, and a direct upgrade path to Open Water Diver. No prior experience required.

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Certified by SSI

Course Fee From

^€195+^€180SSI eLearning

Total all-inclusive: €375

✓SSI eLearning licence (€180)

✓Instructor-led training (€195)

✓Full equipment included

✓3 pool sessions + 2 ocean dives

✓SSI Scuba Diver certification card (worldwide)

✓Max 5 students per instructor

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Already have SSI eLearning? Ask us about course-only pricing

Course Overview

Get certified in two days. Dive deeper when you're ready.

The SSI Scuba Diver course is the most compact path to a recognised scuba certification. It covers the essential skills, theory and ocean experience you need to dive supervised to 12m at dive centres worldwide.

You complete Academic Sections 1-3 through the SSI eLearning platform, then move through three pool/confined water sessions to build core scuba skills before stepping into the Mediterranean for two supervised open water dives alongside your instructor. Once certified, your SSI Scuba Diver card is valid for life. The course is designed as a direct stepping stone to the SSI Open Water Diver certification: all training credits carry over when you decide to upgrade.

Dive supervised to 12m at certified dive centres worldwide
Understand scuba equipment, buoyancy and basic dive planning
Manage your mask, regulator and BCD with confidence
Handle the fundamentals of underwater safety and buddy procedures
Complete two real ocean dives in Malta's clear Mediterranean water
Receive a lifetime SSI Scuba Diver certification card on completion

SSI Scuba Diver

Internationally recognised entry-level certification. Accepted by dive centres worldwide. Upgradeable to Open Water Diver at any time.

Depth Limit 12m Safe Zone (supervised)

Dive Supervision Must dive with an SSI certified guide or instructor. Not an independent certification.

Min. Age 10 years (divers under 15 certified as Junior Scuba Diver)

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 Open Water Diver: complete Academic Sections 4-6, 3 more pool sessions, and 2 more ocean dives. All Scuba Diver training credits apply.

Course Structure

Three phases to certification

Phase 01

Knowledge Development

Academic Sections 1-3 from the SSI Open Water Diver manual, completed at your own pace through the SSI eLearning platform. Assessments after each section plus a Scuba Diver final exam.

Scuba equipment: function and assembly
The underwater environment and conditions
Dive planning and safe ascent procedures
Pressure effects and physiology fundamentals
Buoyancy, safety stops and buddy procedures
Section assessments + Scuba Diver final exam

Phase 02

Pool / Confined Water

Three confined water sessions in the pool or sheltered shallows to a maximum depth of 5m. Skill evaluations from Pool Sessions 1-3 of the Open Water Diver instructor manual, including a mandatory Water Fitness Evaluation before ocean training.

Equipment assembly and pre-dive safety checks
Breathing underwater and mask clearing
Regulator recovery and buddy breathing basics
Neutral buoyancy and controlled hovering
Emergency ascent and out-of-air procedures
Water Fitness Evaluation (200m swim + 10-min float)

Phase 03

Open Water Dives

Two supervised ocean dives in Malta's Mediterranean, both to a maximum depth of 12m. Ocean Dive 1 can begin after Pool Session 1. Ocean Dive 2 requires all academic and pool requirements to be complete first.

Dive 1: Skills introduction and orientation (to 12m)
Equipment checks and buddy procedures in open water
Regulator and mask skills applied in the ocean
Dive 2: Buoyancy practice and supervised descent to 12m
Controlled ascent and safety stop
Logbook completed and signed off by instructor

Typical Schedule

What to expect each day

Day1

Theory & Pool Session 1

Meet your instructor. Collect your SSI eLearning access code and work through Academic Sections 1-3 at your own pace. Pool Session 1 follows: first time breathing underwater, equipment assembly, mask and regulator clearing at a maximum depth of 5m.

TheoryPool

Day2

Pool Sessions 2-3 + Ocean Dive 1

Two further pool sessions to consolidate buoyancy, out-of-air procedures and emergency ascents. Water Fitness Evaluation (200m swim, 10-min float). Afternoon: first ocean dive at a sheltered Malta site to a maximum of 12m, supervised by your instructor.

PoolOpen Water

Day3

Ocean Dive 2 + Final Exam + Certification

Second ocean dive to 12m, supervised by your instructor. Full buoyancy skills, controlled ascent and safety stop. Scuba Diver final exam. Debrief, logbook sign-off, and your SSI Scuba Diver digital card issued the same day.

Open WaterCertified

What's Included

Everything you need to get certified

SSI eLearning

Lifetime access to the SSI digital training materials. Learn on your phone, tablet or laptop before arriving in Malta. 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.

Supervised Ocean Dives

Both open water dives conducted at a Malta site with your SSI instructor alongside you throughout. Shore or boat entry depending on conditions and site.

SSI Certification

Digital SSI Scuba Diver card issued on completion day. Recognised at dive centres worldwide. No expiry. Upgradeable to Open Water Diver at any time.

Requirements

Who can take this course?

The SSI Scuba 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
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 a Scuba Diver or equivalent certification from another agency and want to continue with SSI, ask us about an SSI Crossover. We can assess your existing training and map the fastest route to your next level.

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 guidance in advance.

Pricing

Choose your option

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

What is the difference between the Scuba Diver and Open Water Diver courses?▾

The Scuba Diver course covers Academic Sections 1-3, three pool sessions and two ocean dives, completed in three days. The Open Water Diver covers all six academic sections, six pool sessions and four ocean dives over four days. The certification scope also differs: an SSI Scuba Diver dives supervised with an SSI certified guide or instructor to 12m. An Open Water Diver is certified to dive independently with a buddy to 18m worldwide. All Scuba Diver training credits apply toward the Open Water Diver upgrade.

Can I upgrade my Scuba Diver certification to Open Water Diver?▾

Yes. The SSI Scuba Diver is specifically designed as a stepping stone to the Open Water Diver certification. All completed training counts. To upgrade you need to complete: Academic Sections 4-6 with assessments, an Open Water Diver final exam (80% pass required), three additional pool/confined water sessions (Pool Sessions 4-6), and two more open water training dives (Dives 3 and 4). Contact us to discuss scheduling your upgrade.

Where can I dive with the Scuba Diver certification?▾

Your SSI Scuba Diver card is internationally recognised. You can dive to 12m at any dive centre worldwide, provided you dive under the direct supervision of an SSI certified guide or instructor. diveshack offers guided dive packages from Sliema open to Scuba Diver certificate holders. Sites such as Cirkewwa, the X127 Lighter Wreck, and Ghar Lapsi are excellent options within your certification limits.

Do I need to be a strong swimmer?▾

You need to be able to swim 200m without stopping: the stroke does not matter. You will also do a 10-minute water tread or float. You do not need to be fast, just comfortable in the water. If you are unsure, contact us and we will help you assess your readiness before you commit to a booking.

What if I am nervous about diving?▾

Being nervous before your first dive is completely normal. Our instructors work with nervous beginners regularly. The Scuba Diver course starts shallow on Day 2, giving you time to build confidence before the second, deeper dive. We move at your pace: there is no pressure to rush. Most nervous students are calm and comfortable by the end of the first ocean session.

What is the cancellation policy?▾

A 50% deposit is required to confirm your booking. Cancellations 14 or more days before the start date receive a full refund of the course fee paid. Cancellations 6 to 13 days before receive a 50% refund. Cancellations within 5 days receive no refund. All cancellations must be submitted in writing to info@divemalta.com. SSI eLearning fees are non-refundable once accessed. If diveshack cancels due to weather or unsafe conditions, you receive a full refund or a complimentary reschedule.

Scuba Diver or Open Water Diver: which course should I book?▾

The Scuba Diver course suits divers who want a real internationally recognised certification but have limited time, or those who are not yet ready to commit to the full Open Water Diver programme. If you have two days and want a certification card you can use at dive centres worldwide, the Scuba Diver is the right starting point. If you are unsure whether diving is for you at all, consider the Try Scuba experience first: no certification, just an introduction in the water.

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Locationdiveshack, Sliema, Malta

Duration2 days

Group SizeMax 5 per instructor

Price from€195 course + €180 eLearning

Deposit50% to book your place

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SSI Scuba DiverCourse Malta