Course overview

The SSI Open Water Diver course is a globally recognised certification that qualifies you to dive independently with a buddy to 18m. Zanzibar's warm, calm water and the shallow reefs of Mnemba Atoll make an excellent classroom, with SSI's flexible digital academics letting you start the theory before you arrive.

What you’ll learn

• Set up, use and care for scuba equipment
• Master the core scuba skills SSI requires
• Clear and remove the mask and recover the regulator
• Control buoyancy and perform safe ascents
• Plan dives using a computer or tables
• Dive to a maximum of 18m with a buddy

Prerequisites

• Minimum age 10 (junior)
• Comfortable in water and able to swim
• No prior diving experience required
• Medical questionnaire (physician sign-off if any condition 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
   Academics & confined water

   Complete the SSI digital academics and confined-water sessions, mastering core skills in shallow water.
2. Day2
   First open-water dives

   Two training dives near Mnemba Atoll to around 12m, applying skills on the reef.
3. Day3
   Final dives & certification

   Two more dives to a maximum of 18m on Mnemba or Tumbatu to complete the SSI Open Water Diver rating.

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Frequently asked questions