Course Intruction
The SSI OPEN WATER DIVER course is the definitive entry-level program and the most popular certification for those starting their diving journey. With our small-class teaching model, instructors can dedicate their full attention to each beginner, ensuring everyone receives comprehensive care and support. Through repetitive skill practice, we empower beginners to become independent and safe divers. Upon completion, you will earn the SSI OWD International Certification, allowing you to explore stunning underwater landscapes all around the world.
Course Plan
| Session | Duration | Course Content | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knowledge Development | Session 1 : 3~3.5 Hours | Risk awareness, physical changes & the underwater environment, diving equipment introduction. | Dive Center Classroom |
| Session 2 : 3~3.5 Hours | Breathing gas & its effects on the body, the value of dive buddies, executing a dive, the underwater world, diving experience & future development. | ||
| Session 3 : 1~1.5 Hours | Final written exam, logbook entry tutorial, experience sharing. | ||
| Confined Water (Pool) | Session 1 : 4~4.5 Hours | Equipment assembly & adjustment, pre-dive safety check (BWRAF), snorkel clearing, fin kicking, regulator recovery & clearing, mask clearing, buoyancy control practice, entry techniques, descent & ascent, oral BC inflation. | Nangang Sports Center Diving Pool |
| Session 2 : 4~4.5 Hours | Equipment assembly & adjustment, pre-dive safety check, gear removal & replacement (underwater), weight removal & replacement, air sharing (out-of-air drills), emergency swimming ascent (ESA), cramp removal, tired diver tow, skin diving skills, hovering practice, SMB deployment. | ||
| Open Water (Ocean) | Session 1 : 5~6 Hours | Dive briefing, marine environment intro, entry & exit techniques, skill review, compass navigation, underwater sightseeing, marine life identification, equipment cleaning, logging dives. | Northeast Coast |
| Session 2 : 5~6 Hours | Dive briefing, skill assessment & evaluation, underwater sightseeing, hovering practice, SMB deployment practice, marine life identification, equipment cleaning, logging dives. |
Training Progression
1
Home Study: Online Materials
Complete your digital learning at home. Keep an eye on your progress - our instructors won't let you pass to the next stage until it's 100% finished!.
2
Knowledge Development: Sessions 1 & 2
Reinforce your fundamental diving knowledge, get hands-on with various equipment, and have all your questions answered in depth.
3
Confined Water Session 1
Get familiar with your gear and practice essential diving skills while adapting to the underwater environment for the first time.
4
Open Water Session 1
Apply what you've learned in the ocean, adapt to the marine environment, and practice fundamental skills in real-world conditions.
5
Confined Water Session 2
Learn advanced new skills, focus on mastering buoyancy control, and sharpen your overall technique for maximum comfort.
6
Open Water (Ocean) Session 2
Complete your final in-water skill assessments and enjoy a fun dive exploring the beautiful underwater scenery.
7
Knowledge Development: Session 3
Complete the final written exam, participate in experience sharing and discussions, and successfully earn your entry-level diving certification!
Course fee
NTD 14,600
Inclued
SSI OWD Digital Kit
SSI OWD Digital Certification Card (C-Card) Fee
Professional Instructor Tuition
Dive Center Classroom Facility Fee
Pool / Confined Water Facility Rental
Full Scuba Equipment Rental
Air Cylinders
Diving Insurance for Open Water Sessions
Excluded
Physical Certification Card Printing Fee
Transportation to Open Water Sites
Meals
Accommodation
Destination Training Travel & Accommodation Expenses
Registration Process
Please fill out the Online form carefully and honestly, especially the Diver Medical Questionnaire regarding your physical condition.
Upon receiving your registration form, the Dive Center will contact you to verify your information and ensure your health status is suitable for diving. A deposit of NTD 3,500 is required at this stage.
Upon receiving your payment notification, the Dive Center will register your SSI account and grant you access to the SSI OWD Digital Kit (Online Manual). An instructor will then contact you to schedule your training sessions.
You will receive an account activation email. Once you have confirmed access to your digital materials, the registration process is complete, and you will officially begin your training progression.
Pre-Course Instructions
Eligibility : Participants must be at least 15 years old. Those under 18 require signed consent from a legal guardian. You must be in good physical and mental health, comfortable in the water, and ready for a challenge.
Health Requirements : Before registering, please confirm you do not have the following conditions: sinusitis, severe allergic rhinitis, ear infections, ruptured eardrums, spinal issues/sciatica, diabetes, urinary diseases, claustrophobia, or history of surgery/fractures. No possibility of pregnancy during training. A Diver Medical Statement must be completed. If you are over 50, a full medical check-up and a physician's clearance for recreational diving are required.
Payment : The remaining balance of the course fee must be paid before the end of the first Knowledge Development session.
Evaluation & Re-training : Instructors will determine if skills are mastered. If not, review sessions or extended training may be required. There is no additional tuition fee for re-training; however, consumable costs (pool fees, tanks, insurance) must be paid by the student. Equipment rental during re-training is charged at 50% off.
Equipment Responsibility : We will provide well-fitted and functional scuba equipment. Participants are responsible for the care of the gear provided. All equipment must be returned after the experience. Any damage or loss will be charged at the original retail price.
Photography & Safety : Instructors/assistants will take photos/videos during training. To ensure safety and focus, please do not invite friends/family to observe underwater or bring your own camera.
Punctuality : Tardiness or leaving early severely impacts progress. Please be punctual.
Refund Policy : If a student withdraws or is medically unfit (with doctor's certificate), refunds are as follows:
- NTD 3,500 Deposit : Non-refundable (used for online materials).
- After Knowledge Development : Refund NTD 6,000.
- After Confined Water (Pool) : Refund NTD 4,000.
- After Open Water (Ocean) : Refund NTD 2,000.
Timeline & Rescheduling :
- Completion: Please complete sessions within 1 month. After 1 month, a NTD 3,000 surcharge applies.
- Rescheduling : 7-day advance notice is required. Changes within 7 days or no-shows incur a NTD 3,000 fee, waived only for medical reasons (receipt required) or force majeure.
- Validity : Student status is valid for one year from registration.
Transportation : Students handle their own transport. Carpooling to ocean sites can be arranged for a NTD 400 round-trip fee to the driver.
Training Locations : Training locations can be discussed with your instructor. Unless otherwise specified, the default locations are as follows :
- Knowledge Development (Classroom) : Awesome Diving Center (Zhonghe Dist., New Taipei).
- Confined Water (Pool Session) : Nangang Sports Center Diving Pool.
- Open Water (Ocean Session) : Northeast Coast, Meeting Point : Northeast Coast Diving Inn.
Certification Standards : Students must pass the Final Written Exam (min. score 80%) and demonstrate mastery of all required skills in Open Water as evaluated by the instructor.
Finalizing Certification : Before completing your training, please ensure you upload a profile photo or a portrait to your personal SSI account, as this image will be used for your diving certification. Once you graduate, the Dive Center will immediately process your SSI OWD certification, and you will receive your digital C-Card instantly. If you require a physical card, a printing fee of NTD 1,000 per card will be charged. The Training Center will receive the card within two weeks and notify you for pickup.