Safe Zone · 0-18m · SSI Certification

SSI Open Water
Diver Course Malta

The full entry certification. Four ocean dives to 18m, six pool sessions, and the freedom to dive independently anywhere in the world. No experience needed.

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Certified by SSI

Course Fee From

^€340+^€180SSI eLearning

Total all-inclusive: €520

✓SSI eLearning licence (€180)

✓Instructor-led training (€340)

✓Full equipment included

✓2 confined water + 4 open water dives

✓SSI certification card (worldwide)

✓Max 5 students per instructor

Reserve Your Place

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

Course Overview

Go from zero to certified diver in four 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 to practise core skills at maximum 5m, 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 (divers under 15 certified as Junior Open Water Diver: 12m max, must dive under supervision of a dive professional or certified adult)

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.

Starting Out SSI Scuba Diver is a shorter stepping stone if you have limited time.

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

Course Structure

Three phases to certification

Phase 01

Knowledge Development

Six academic sections on the SSI eLearning platform, each followed by a knowledge review. Work through them at your own pace before or between water sessions. The Open Water Diver final exam requires 80% to pass.

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

Six confined water sessions at maximum 5m. Each builds on the last: equipment handling, buoyancy, emergency procedures, and underwater communication. Water Fitness Evaluation (200m swim and 10-minute float) required before open water dives.

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 ocean dives at Malta sites including Cirkewwa and St. Paul's Bay. Dive 1 may precede full academic completion; Dive 2 requires Academic Sections 1-3 done; Dives 3 and 4 require all six sections complete. Minimum 80 minutes total bottom time.

Dive 1: Skills review and orientation (to 12m)
Dive 2: Navigation and buoyancy (to 12m)
Dive 3: Deep skills and problem solving (to 18m)
Dive 4: Independent buddy dive (to 18m)
Boat and shore entry techniques
Logbook completed and signed off

Typical Schedule

What to expect each day

Day 1

Academic Sections 1-3 + Pool Sessions 1-2

Meet your instructor. Collect eLearning access and work through Academic Sections 1-3. Two pool sessions follow: first breaths underwater, equipment assembly, mask and regulator clearing at max 5m. Water Fitness Evaluation (200m swim, 10-min float).

TheoryPool

Day 2

Academic Sections 4-6 + Pool Sessions 3-6

Complete remaining academic sections. Four pool sessions to consolidate neutral buoyancy, out-of-air procedures, controlled emergency ascent, and underwater navigation. All confined water skills signed off before entering the ocean.

TheoryPool

Day 3

OW Dives 1 & 2 (max 12m)

First two ocean dives at a sheltered Malta site. Dive 1: skills review and site orientation. Dive 2: navigation and buoyancy to 12m. Both supervised by your instructor.

Open Water

Day 4

OW Dives 3 & 4 + Final Exam + Certification

Dive 3 to 18m, Dive 4 to 18m: your independent buddy dive. Open Water Diver final exam (80% pass). Debrief, logbook sign-off, and your SSI Open Water Diver digital card issued the same day.

Open WaterCertified

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.

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. Divers aged 10-14 qualify as Junior Open Water Diver: 12m max, must dive with a qualified adult.
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 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

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?▾

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.

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.

Enrol

Start your diving journey

Location diveshack, Sliema, Malta

Duration 4 days

Group Size Max 5 per instructor

Price from €340 course + €180 eLearning

Deposit 50% to book your place

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SSI Open WaterDiver Course Malta