Recreational Freediving Programs

Performance Freediver

Intent

The SSI Performance Freediver program provides students with the necessary skills and knowledge to safely freedive (breath-hold diving) autonomously with an equally- or more-qualified buddy, in environments and to a depth equivalent with their training.

Minimum Instructor Rating

An active status Performance Freediving Instructor may conduct this program.

Student Prerequisites

Minimum age: 18 years old.

Have logged at least 30 in-water freediving sessions.

Have the following SSI certifications or equivalent from a recognized training agency:

Advanced Freediver

Duration

Recommended hours for completion: 32-40.

Depth Limitations

Minimum open water depth limit: 30 meters as outlined in the instructor manual.

Maximum open water depth limit: 40 meters.

In-Water Ratios

Pool

The student-to-instructor ratio is 8:1.

The ratio may increase to 12:2 with one (1) certified assistant.

Confined Water

The student-to-Instructor ratio is 6:1.

The ratio may increase to 8:2 with one (1) certified assistant.

Open Water

The student-to-instructor ratio is 4:1.

The ratio may increase to 6:2 with one (1) certified assistant.

Minimum Supervision

An active status Performance Freediving Instructor must directly supervise all academic, pool/confined water, and open water sessions.

Proximity

Students must remain under the direct supervision of the instructor so that physical contact can be made within an appropriate time during any in-water training.

Requirements For Completion

Complete all academic sessions and assessments as outlined in the instructor manual for Performance Freediver.

Complete the program’s final exam.

Complete at least one (1) stretching session as outlined in the instructor manual for Performance Freediver.

Complete at least one (1) coaching session as outlined in the instructor manual for Performance Freediver.

Complete at least one (1) mouth-fill session as outlined in the instructor manual for Performance Freediver.

Complete at least two (2) pool/confined water sessions as outlined in the instructor manual for Performance Freediver.

Complete at least five (5) open water sessions as outlined in the instructor manual for Performance Freediver.

Sequence

Pool/confined water sessions may only be conducted after all requirements and evaluations for the related academic sessions and the applicable dry land session is completed as outlined in the instructor manual for Performance Freediver.

Open water sessions may only be conducted after the related academic sessions and the dry land session is completed as outlined in the instructor manual for Performance Freediver.

Certification

Certified Performance Freedivers may freedive autonomously with an equally- or more-qualified buddy, in environments and to depths equivalent with their training.