SSI Perfect Buoyancy Course

SSI Perfect Buoyancy — eLearning or Full Course

Take control of your diving and move through the water effortlessly with the SSI Perfect Buoyancy specialty. This course helps you master trim, balance, and breathing techniques so you can dive longer, move smoother, and protect the underwater environment.

Choose your course option

• eLearning & Certification Credit Only – Complete the academic portion online and earn your certification credit. You can then add optional in-water training later with Dorset Diving or another SSI Dive Centre.
• Full Course (with Dives) – Includes the online theory, certification, and practical in-water training sessions with an SSI Instructor. You’ll put your buoyancy knowledge into action and develop real control and confidence underwater.

What you’ll learn online

• The physics of buoyancy and how to apply it underwater
• Breathing control and body positioning for stability and trim
• Equipment configuration to improve balance and streamlining
• Weight distribution, weighting checks, and fine-tuning for efficiency
• Hovering and movement techniques for precise control
• Environmental awareness and low-impact diving practices

Full Course — Practical Training

The Full Course option includes in-water sessions with a Dorset Diving Instructor, where you’ll develop precision and confidence through:

• Pool or confined water buoyancy and trim exercises
• Hovering in multiple positions (horizontal, vertical, and neutral)
• Finning and breathing techniques for smooth, controlled movement
• Weighting and streamlining adjustments for safety and comfort
• Environmental awareness — diving without disturbing the seabed or marine life

Equipment & Costs

• All full courses include full kit hire, except for your mask, snorkel, and boots, which every diver should own personally.
• These can be purchased at Dorset Diving Services before or during your training.
• Entry fees to open water sites (such as Vobster Quay) and boat dives, if applicable, are not included.

Prerequisites

• You must hold an Open Water Diver certification (or equivalent) before taking the in-water sessions.
• Please confirm that your chosen dive centre offers SSI Perfect Buoyancy training if completing practical dives elsewhere.

Free Registration

Start your buoyancy mastery journey today by creating a free SSI account and affiliating with our dive centre here:
Register with Dorset Diving

What’s Next?

After mastering Perfect Buoyancy, you’ll be perfectly placed to continue your training with other SSI specialties such as Navigation, Photo & Video, or Waves, Tides & Currents — all of which benefit from precise buoyancy control.