Open Water Specialties

Navigation

Intent

The SSI Navigation program provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to safely navigate underwater using both natural and compass navigation techniques.

Minimum Instructor Rating

An active status Navigation Specialty Instructor may conduct the Navigation specialty program.

Student Prerequisites

Minimum age: 10 years old.

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

Referral Diver

Note | SSI Referral Divers may enroll in SSI specialty programs and complete all academic and pool/confined water sessions. Open water training dives for all specialties cannot be combined with open water training dives for entry-level programs, and must be conducted after completion of all in-water training for the Open Water Diver program.

Duration

Recommended hours for completion: 5-10.

Depth Limitations

Maximum open water depth limit: 30 meters.

Maximum open water depth limit for 12- to 14-year-olds: 18 meters.

Maximum open water depth limit for 10- and 11-year-olds: 12 meters.

In-Water Ratios

15 years and older:

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

The ratio may increase to 10:2 with one (1) certified assistant.

The ratio may increase to 12:3 with two (2) certified assistants.

12- through 14-years old:

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

10- and 11-years old:

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

No more than two (2) participants per instructor or certified assistant may be under the age of 12, and none of the remaining participants may be under the age of 15.

Proximity

During in-water skill evaluations, the students must remain under direct supervision of the SSI Professional so that physical contact can be made at any time.

Requirements For Completion

Complete all academic sessions and assessments outlined in the instructor manual for Navigation.

Complete the program’s final exam.

Complete at least two (2) open water training dives as outlined in the instructor manual for Navigation.

Certification

Upon completion of all academic and in-water requirements, the SSI Professional may issue the program’s digital certification card.

Certified SSI divers can dive with an equally- or more-qualified buddy in environments equivalent to their training and within the recommended depth limits of their certifications.

Students younger than 15 years old will be certified as an SSI Junior Diver in the applicable program, and can dive under the direct supervision of a dive professional, or with a certified adult, in environments equivalent to their training and within the recommended depth limits.