SSI Basic Diver eLearning

SSI Basic Diver — eLearning & Certification Credit Only

Take your first step into the underwater world with the SSI Basic Diver programme — the perfect introduction to scuba diving! This short course allows you to experience diving under the direct supervision of an SSI Professional, learning key skills and safety techniques in a safe, controlled environment. It provides your academic training and certification credit only, so you can complete all theory online before booking your in-water experience with an SSI Dive Centre.

What you’ll learn online

• The basics of scuba diving and how your equipment works
• Understanding pressure, equalisation, and breathing underwater
• Essential safety procedures and communication signals
• Buoyancy awareness and movement techniques
• How to protect the marine environment while diving

Required practical training (booked separately)

To earn your SSI Basic Diver experience recognition, you must complete in-water training sessions with an SSI Instructor. These typically include:

• A short theory review and equipment orientation
• Pool or confined water session to practise basic scuba skills
• An optional open water dive to a maximum depth of 12 metres
• Supervised experience focusing on comfort, control, and enjoyment

These in-water sessions are not included with this eLearning product and must be arranged separately with Dorset Diving or another SSI Dive Centre offering the Basic Diver programme.

Important

• Please confirm that your chosen dive centre offers SSI Basic Diver training before booking your in-water session.
• You must be at least 10 years old and comfortable in water to participate.
• Your Basic Diver experience can be credited toward the SSI Scuba Diver or Open Water Diver course if you continue your training within six months.

Free registration

Start your Basic Diver eLearning today by creating a free SSI account and affiliating with our dive centre here:
Register with Dorset Diving.

What’s next?

After completing the Basic Diver programme, take the next step toward full certification with the Scuba Diver or Open Water Diver course — and turn your first breaths underwater into a lifelong passion.