Course overview

SSI Basic Diver (Scuba Skills Update / Basic Diver) is a short, guided entry into scuba in the calm lagoons of Baa Atoll in the Maldives, bridging a try-dive and full certification. You learn foundational skills and complete guided dives on the shallow house reefs near Dharavandhoo, with everything creditable toward the SSI Open Water Diver course.

What you’ll learn

• Set up and use basic scuba equipment
• Breathe, equalise and move comfortably underwater
• Clear your mask and recover your regulator
• Manage basic buoyancy and controlled ascents
• Dive with a guide on a shallow reef

Prerequisites

• Minimum age 10 (Junior) / 15
• No prior experience or swimming certification required
• Comfortable in the water
• Reasonable health - a short medical questionnaire applies

What's included · What's not

Probability of sightings · month-by-month

What you're likely to see each month, based on historic operator logs.

Day-by-day itinerary

1. Day1
   Skills & first dive

   Learn the basics in shallow water, then complete a guided reef dive near Dharavandhoo to a maximum of 12 metres.
2. Day2
   Guided reef diving

   Build confidence with a further guided dive, refining skills and applying credit toward Open Water if you continue.

Verified through iDive

Every partner school in the iDive network is vetted on safety, instructor credentials, equipment standards and student feedback. Talk to a iDive dive pro on WhatsApp for current availability and reviews specific to Baa Atoll.

Frequently asked questions