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diveshack/ Courses/ Wreck Diver
Advanced Zone · Specialty · 2 Days

SSI Wreck Diver
Malta's Greatest Wreck Diving

Malta has more diver-accessible wrecks per square mile than almost anywhere in the Mediterranean. HMS Maori at 14m. Um El Faroud at 36m. MV Rozi at 34m off Cirkewwa. The SSI Wreck Diver specialty gives you the skills to enter these structures safely: navigation, buoyancy, line work, and the discipline that keeps you alive inside them.

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Certified by SSI
Course Fee From
€184 + €94 SSI eLearning
Total all-inclusive: €278
✓SSI eLearning licence: €94
✓Course fee inc. full equipment: €184
✓2 open water dives on Malta wrecks
✓SSI Wreck Diver certification
✓Max 5 students per instructor
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Questions? WhatsApp us first

10
Min Age
OW Diver
Prerequisite
2
Open Water Dives
2
Course Days
30m
Max Depth
5
Max Students
Course Overview

Wreck diving done right.

The SSI Wreck Diver specialty is not about getting inside a wreck. It is about understanding what you are getting into: how the structure sits, how visibility changes with depth and silt, and how to navigate out if conditions shift. The course builds progressively, from reading the wreck exterior to close-up survey navigation with reel and tether on some of Malta's most accessible wrecks.

Malta's wreck inventory is exceptional. You will train on sites that other dive centres use as flagship dives. Mediterranean clarity gives you 15 to 30m of horizontal visibility on most days, which means you can see structure, read the environment, and build skills faster than in low-vis conditions.

  • Survey and assess a wreck before any penetration attempt
  • Deploy and follow a navigation reel safely around wreck structures
  • Maintain buoyancy to avoid disturbing silt
  • Manage torch use and air consumption on wreck dives
  • Understand the specific risks of wreck environments and how to manage them
  • Communicate effectively with a buddy in confined spaces
Malta's Training Wrecks
HMS Maori
14m · Valletta Harbour
MV Rozi
34m · Cirkewwa
Um El Faroud
36m · Wied iz-Zurrieq
MV Karwela
42m · Xatt l'Ahmar, Gozo
X127 Lighter
5–22m · Marsamxett
MV Scotscraig
12–26m · Northern Malta
SSI

SSI Wreck Diver

Specialty certification. Non-penetration wreck survey and navigation. Globally recognised, counts toward SSI Master Diver.

Cert type SSI Specialty certification
Depth limit 30m Advanced Zone
Min. Age 10 years
Prerequisite SSI Open Water Diver or equivalent (PADI, CMAS, BSAC, RAID accepted)
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 Wreck Diver, or SSI Extended Range Wreck Diving for XR-level penetration.
Wreck Diver Curriculum

What you cover

The course combines eLearning theory with 2 open water dives over 2 days. Training starts on shallower, accessible wrecks and builds your skills in wreck survey and safe navigation.

Module 01

Wreck Diving Theory

eLearning covers wreck types, environmental hazards, entanglement risks, and the principles of penetration planning. Completed before water sessions begin.

Module 02

External Survey Skills

Your first dives focus on the wreck exterior. You read the structure, identify entry and exit points, and assess visibility and conditions before approaching the structure.

Module 03

Buoyancy and Finning

Disturbed silt inside a wreck reduces visibility to zero within seconds. You practise modified finning techniques and neutral hover to keep the environment clean.

Module 04

Navigation and Line Techniques

You learn to deploy and follow a navigation reel, maintain guidelines for orientation, and use natural light as a reference. Compass bearings support your navigation.

Module 05

Torch Use and Air Management

Lighting plans, primary and backup torch protocols, and turn-pressure calculation. You practise buddy signalling in low-light conditions around the wreck.

Module 06

Guided Wreck Survey Dives

The final dives combine all skills on a supervised wreck survey. Your instructor guides your navigation, buoyancy, and reel work as you apply modules 01 through 05.

Pricing

SSI Wreck Diver options

All options include the €94 SSI eLearning licence and full equipment.

All Inclusive
Wreck Diver Course
€184 + €94SSI eLearning

Total all-inclusive: €278

  • ✓SSI eLearning licence (€94)
  • ✓Full equipment included
  • ✓Reel and line equipment
  • ✓2 open water wreck dives
  • ✓SSI certification card
  • ✓diveshack instructor
Book This
Private Instruction
€368 + €94SSI eLearning

Total all-inclusive: €462

  • ✓SSI eLearning licence (€94)
  • ✓Everything in standard course
  • ✓Dedicated one-on-one instructor
  • ✓Flexible scheduling
  • ✓Priority site selection
  • ✓Personalised debrief
Enquire
Group Booking
POA

Discounts available for 3 or more divers

  • ✓SSI eLearning included for all
  • ✓Full equipment for every diver
  • ✓Dedicated group instructor
  • ✓Flexible group scheduling
  • ✓Group rates confirmed on enquiry
  • ✓Private debrief session
Enquire for Rates

All prices include VAT · 50% deposit required to book your place · Balance due on Day 1 · See cancellation policy

Continue Your Training

SSI Advanced Wreck Diver

Light-zone penetration. Your own reel. Malta's biggest wrecks.

The SSI Advanced Wreck Diver course is the next step after your Wreck Diver certification. Where the Wreck Diver course covers non-penetration wreck survey, the Advanced course moves into guided light-zone penetration: your own reel work, guideline deployment, and navigation inside wreck structures in the daylight zone. Malta's larger wrecks, Um El Faroud off the southern coast and MV Karwela off Xatt l'Ahmar in Gozo, provide the training environment. Four open water dives over two days, building toward supervised light-zone penetration of Malta’s most accessible wreck interiors.

Advanced Wreck Diver Curriculum

What you cover in 4 dives

Module 01

Advanced Planning and Risk Assessment

Gas management for complex interiors, site-specific hazard assessment, and contingency planning with your buddy before each dive.

Module 02

Full Penetration Line Work

Your own reel from entry. Continuous guideline to the surface reference. Penetration extends to the full light zone limit.

Module 03

Primary and Backup Lighting

Primary and backup torch management, silt-out contingency, and buddy communication in reduced visibility inside the wreck.

Module 04

Complex Navigation and Emergency Procedures

Multi-level interiors, vertical deck hatches, out-of-air protocols, and controlled ascent from depth through a confined exit.

SSI

SSI Advanced Wreck Diver

Guided light-zone penetration cert. Max 30m depth, 40m linear distance, daylight visible throughout. The highest recreational wreck qualification before crossing into Extended Range.

Dives 4 open water dives with progressive penetration
Depth limit 30m Advanced Zone
Prerequisites SSI Wreck Diver certification + minimum 12 logged dives
Duration 2 days
Next step SSI Extended Range Wreck Diving at 40m with decompression stops.
Pricing

SSI Advanced Wreck Diver options

The same €94 SSI eLearning fee applies. If you completed the Wreck Diver course with us recently, ask about eLearning carry-forward options.

Full Equipment Included
Advanced Wreck Course
€368 + €94SSI eLearning

Total all-inclusive: €462

  • ✓SSI eLearning licence (€94)
  • ✓Full equipment included
  • ✓4 open water dives on Malta wrecks
  • ✓Reel and line equipment provided
  • ✓SSI Advanced Wreck Diver certification
  • ✓Max 5 students per instructor
Book This
Private Instruction
€736 + €94SSI eLearning

Total all-inclusive: €830

  • ✓SSI eLearning licence (€94)
  • ✓Everything in standard course
  • ✓Dedicated one-on-one instructor
  • ✓Flexible scheduling to suit you
  • ✓Faster progression through the syllabus
Enquire
Group Booking
POA

Discounts available for 3 or more divers

  • ✓SSI eLearning included for all
  • ✓Full equipment for every diver
  • ✓Dedicated group instructor
  • ✓Flexible group scheduling
  • ✓Group rates confirmed on enquiry
  • ✓Private debrief session
Enquire for Rates

All prices include VAT · Prerequisite: SSI Wreck Diver certification + 12 logged dives

Why diveshack

Malta's SSI Diamond Instructor Training Centre

1992
Diving in Malta since
2400+
Divers certified
5
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 outcomes.

REG
DIVE
0022

Malta Tourism Authority Registered

Fully registered dive operator with the MTA under licence DIVE/0022. All instructors hold current SSI ratings and valid first aid certifications.

DAN
DIVE
SAFE

DAN Partner Dive Centre

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

FAQ

Common questions

No. The SSI Wreck Diver course starts from scratch. Your first dives are external surveys of the wreck before any penetration is attempted. You need an Open Water Diver certification or equivalent.
It depends on conditions and your entry level. HMS Maori in Valletta harbour at 14m is typically used for initial training dives because of its accessible depth and clear structure. As you progress, MV Rozi at Cirkewwa or sections of Um El Faroud may feature. Your instructor briefs you on the sites each morning.
The SSI Wreck Diver specialty includes 2 open water dives alongside the eLearning academic sessions. The course runs over 2 days. The Advanced Wreck Diver course is 4 open water dives in total over 2 days. The first 2 dives cover the Basic Wreck content, so if you progress directly to Advanced, you do not repeat them.
Yes. Many students complete both courses in a single Malta trip. The Advanced Wreck Diver course covers 4 open water dives in total. The first 2 build on Basic Wreck skills, so there is no repetition. Let us know when you book so we can sequence dive sites for the best progression.
You must hold the SSI Wreck Diver certification and have a minimum of 12 logged dives. No additional certifications are required before starting.
Wreck penetration carries real risks that open water diving does not: entanglement, disorientation, silt-out, and blocked exits. The course exists to give you the knowledge and practical skills to manage those risks before you encounter them independently. All training dives are supervised by an SSI instructor. The techniques you learn, guideline deployment, torch protocols, turn pressure, are the same ones used by experienced wreck divers on every penetration dive.
Cancellations made more than 72 hours before the course start receive a full refund. Cancellations within 72 hours are subject to a 50% cancellation fee. If poor weather or sea conditions prevent diving on your scheduled day, we will rearrange the session at no additional charge. The SSI eLearning fee is non-refundable once access has been granted.
Continue Your Training

What comes next

40m · Deep Rec Limit

SSI Deep Diver

Push your cert to 40m. Essential for full access to the keel sections of Um El Faroud and MV Karwela.

View Course →
40m · XR Wreck

SSI Extended Range Wreck Diving

XR-level overhead environment training with decompression stops. The next progression beyond Advanced Wreck Diver.

View Course →
Nitrox · Longer Dives

SSI Enriched Air Nitrox

Extend your no-decompression limits on Malta's wrecks. The most useful add-on for anyone diving sites above 30m repeatedly.

View Course →
After your course
Guided dive packages
Single dives from €60, multi-dive packs available
Explore Malta
Browse dive sites
57 sites across Malta, Gozo and Comino
Enrol

Book Wreck Diver

Locationdiveshack, Sliema, Malta
Duration2 days, 2 open water dives
Group SizeMax 5 per instructor
Price from€184 course + €94 eLearning
Deposit50% to book your place
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