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Overhead Environment Specialties

Advanced Wreck Diving

Intent

The SSI Advanced Wreck Diving program provides divers with the training necessary to independently plan and conduct limited penetration, no-decompression dives within the daylight zone, to a maximum depth of 30 meters or linear distance of 40 meters, and using specialized overhead environment equipment and procedures, with an equally- or more-qualified buddy.

Note | These programs are no-decompression, limited penetration programs only. For more advanced overhead environment programs, please see XR Program Standards>XR Overhead Programs.

Minimum Instructor Rating

An active status Advanced Wreck Diving Specialty Instructor may conduct the Advanced Wreck Diving specialty program.

Student Prerequisites

  • Minimum age | 15 years old.
Have logged at least:
  • 24 open water dives.
Have the following SSI certifications or equivalent from a recognized training agency:
  • Open Water Diver

Duration

  • Recommended hours for completion | 10-15.

Depth Limitations

  • Maximum open water depth limit | 30 meters.
  • The maximum linear distance is 40 meters, or the maximum certification depth of the diver, whichever is shallower.

In-Water Ratios

Open Water

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

Overhead Environments

  • The student-to-instructor ratio is 3:1.

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 Wreck Diving.
  • Complete the program’s final exam.
  • Complete at least one (1) dry land session as outlined in the instructor manual for Wreck Diving.
  • Complete at least four (4) open water training dives as outlined in the instructor manual for Wreck Diving.

Sequence

  • A dry land session is mandatory prior to any training dives in overhead environments.
  • The purpose of this session is to assess the general skill level of the student, and to train them in the use of the specialty equipment prior to entering an overhead environment.

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 a buddy in environments equivalent to their training and within the recommended depth limits of their certifications.

Credit

To upgrade a student with the SSI Wreck Diving certification to the Advanced Wreck Diving certification:
  • Complete at least one (1) dry land session as outlined in the instructor manual for Wreck Diving.
  • Complete at least two (2) additional open water training dives including all the skills outlined in Open Water Training Dives 3 and 4 of the instructor manual for Wreck Diving.

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