SSI Ice Diving eLearning

SSI Ice Diving — eLearning & Certification Credit Only

Experience one of diving’s most extraordinary adventures — exploring the world beneath the ice. The SSI Ice Diving specialty teaches you the unique theory and safety procedures required for this demanding environment. This product includes the academic training and certification credit only, which you can complete entirely online before booking your practical sessions.

What you’ll learn online

• The physics and physiology of diving in cold environments
• Specialised ice diving equipment and configuration
• Ice site selection, cutting and securing an ice hole
• Use of safety lines, harness systems, and tender procedures
• Roles and communication between surface team and diver
• Emergency procedures, lost diver recovery, and line management
• Environmental awareness and minimal impact practices

Optional practical training (booked separately)

Once you’ve completed the online learning, you can join an SSI Professional for the in-water training dives. These sessions typically include:

• Pre-dive site setup and team safety briefings
• Line-tending, harness use, and diver–surface communication drills
• Controlled descents and ascents beneath the ice
• Navigation, equipment management, and low-visibility procedures
• Post-dive safety and equipment de-icing

The practical sessions are not included with this eLearning product and must be booked separately with Dorset Diving or any SSI Dive Centre that offers the Ice Diving specialty.

Important

• Before booking, confirm that the dive centre you plan to use offers the SSI Ice Diving programme and has appropriate conditions and equipment to run the practical dives safely.
• You’ll typically need to be an Advanced Open Water Diver (or equivalent) and have prior experience in cold-water or drysuit diving.
• Divers may need to complete a medical questionnaire or provide a valid medical statement before participation.

Free registration

You can register for free and affiliate with our dive centre here:
Register with Dorset Diving.

What’s next?

After completing Ice Diving, many divers go on to enhance their cold-water skills with specialties such as Drysuit Diving, Perfect Buoyancy, or Deep Diving.