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Freediving Experience Programs

Basic Freediver

Intent

The SSI Basic Freediver program provides students with the necessary skills and knowledge to safely participate in the recreational sport of freediving (breath-hold diving) with an SSI Professional in a pool/confined water environment.

Note | This is a recognition program. The SSI Professional should focus on the student’s safety and enjoyment, and avoid over-teaching.

Minimum Instructor Rating

An active status Basic Freediving Instructor may conduct the Basic Freediver program.

Student Prerequisites

  • Minimum age: 10 years old.

Duration

  • Recommended hours for completion: 6-8.

Depth Limitations

  • Maximum depth limit: 5 meters.

In-Water Ratios

10- to 11-years old:
  • The student-to-instructor ratio is 4:1.
  • No more than two (2) students per instructor may be under the age of 12, and none of the remaining students may be younger than 15 years old.

Pool

15 years and older:
  • The student-to-Instructor ratio is 8:1.
12- through 14-years old:
  • The student-to-instructor ratio is 6:1.

Confined Water

15 years and older:
  • The student-to-Instructor ratio is 6:1.
12- through 14-years old:
  • The student-to-instructor ratio is 4:1.

Open Water

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

Minimum Supervision

  • An active status Basic Freediving Instructor must directly supervise all academic and in-water activities.

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 academic sessions and assessments as outlined in the instructor manual for Basic Freediver.
  • Complete at least one (1) breathing session as outlined in the instructor manual for Basic Freediver.
  • Complete two (2) pool/confined water sessions, or one (1) pool/confined water and one (1) open water session, and assessments as outlined in the instructor manual for Basic Freediver.

Certification

  • Certified Basic Freedivers are qualified to freedive autonomously with an equally- or more-qualified buddy, in environments and to depths equivalent with their training.
  • After certification, all Junior Divers younger than 15 years must dive with a certified adult or dive professional.

Upgrades

To upgrade to the Pool Freediver certification, a Basic Freediver must:
  • Complete all academic sessions and assessments as outlined in the instructor manual for Freediver.
  • Complete the program’s final exam.
  • Complete at least one (1) additional pool/confined water session and all skill evaluations for Pool Freediver as outlined in the instructor manual for Freediver.
To upgrade to the Freediver certification, the student must also:
  • Complete Open Water Sessions 1 and 2 as outlined in the instructor manual for Freediver.
  • Create Personal Note
  • Report Translation Mistake
  • Report Technical Error