SSI Waves, Tides & Currents Course

SSI Waves, Tides & Currents — eLearning & Certification Credit Only

Master the art of diving in moving water with the SSI Waves, Tides & Currents specialty. This course teaches you how to safely plan and conduct dives in environments affected by water movement — whether it’s gentle coastal tides or powerful ocean currents. It provides your academic training and certification credit only, which you can complete online before arranging optional in-water training with an SSI Dive Centre.

What you’ll learn online

• The causes and effects of waves, tides, and currents on divers
• How to read tide tables and predict water movement
• Entry and exit techniques in surf zones and from boats
• Drift diving procedures and buddy communication
• Buoyancy and positioning control in moving water
• Surface signalling and safety equipment for current dives
• Environmental considerations and marine life awareness

Required practical training (booked separately)

To earn your full SSI Waves, Tides & Currents certification, you’ll need to complete in-water training dives with an SSI Instructor. These sessions allow you to apply what you’ve learned online in real-world conditions and typically include:

• Two to four open water dives in areas with current or tidal flow
• Practising safe entries, exits, and drift diving techniques
• Using natural navigation and visual references in moving water
• Deploying a surface marker buoy (SMB) and managing ascents safely
• Team coordination, communication, and current management drills

These practical sessions are not included with this eLearning product and must be booked separately with Dorset Diving or another SSI Dive Centre offering the Waves, Tides & Currents specialty.

Important

• Always confirm that your chosen dive centre offers SSI Waves, Tides & Currents training and has suitable local sites for current or tidal diving.
• You must hold an Open Water Diver certification or equivalent to participate in the in-water sessions.
• This course is an excellent preparation for drift diving, boat diving, and advanced navigation experiences.

Free registration

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

What’s next?

After completing Waves, Tides & Currents, continue building your diving confidence with related SSI specialties such as Navigation, Deep Diving, or Perfect Buoyancy — all designed to improve your comfort and control in a variety of conditions.