Course overview

Earn your globally recognised scuba licence with the SSI Open Water Diver course on Koh Tao, one of the most affordable places on earth to get certified. Through SSI's flexible digital learning and four open-water dives to 18 metres at calm reefs like Japanese Gardens, Twins and White Rock, you gain the freedom to dive independently with a buddy worldwide.

What you’ll learn

• Assemble, check and use all scuba equipment
• Master core skills including mask clearing and regulator recovery
• Control buoyancy and perform safe descents and ascents
• Plan dives with a computer or tables
• Manage out-of-air and emergency situations with a buddy
• Dive independently to 18 metres after certification

Prerequisites

• Minimum age 10 (Junior Open Water Diver)
• Able to swim and be comfortable in water
• No prior experience required
• Diver medical questionnaire / fitness to dive

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
   Theory & confined water

   Complete the SSI digital lessons and practise core skills in confined water in Koh Tao's calm shallows.
2. Day2
   Open-water dives 1-2

   Make the first two open-water dives to around 12 metres at a calm reef such as Japanese Gardens or Mango Bay.
3. Day3
   Open-water dives 3-4

   Complete the final two dives to 18 metres at Twins or White Rock to earn your certification.

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 Koh Tao.

Frequently asked questions