Freediving Training Standards and Procedures

Recreational Freediving Programs

Freediver

Intent

The SSI Freediver program provides students with the necessary skills and knowledge to safely participate in the recreational sport of freediving (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 Freediving Instructor may conduct the Freediver program.

Student Prerequisites

  • Minimum age: 12 years old.

Duration

  • Recommended hours for completion: 16–20.

Depth Limitations

  • Maximum pool/confined water depth limit: 5 meters.
  • Minimum open water depth limit: 10 meters as outlined in the instructor manual.
  • Maximum open water depth limit: 20 meters.
  • Maximum open water depth limit for 12- to 14-year-olds: 12 meters.

In-Water Ratios

Pool

15 years and older:
  • The student-to-Instructor ratio is 8:1.
  • The ratio may increase to 12:2 with one (1) certified assistant.
12- through 14-years old:
  • The student-to-instructor ratio is 6:1.
  • The ratio may increase to 8:2 with one (1) certified assistant.

Confined Water

15 years and older:
  • The student-to-Instructor ratio is 6:1.
  • The ratio may increase to 8:2 with one (1) certified assistant.
12- through 14-years old:
  • The student-to-instructor ratio is 4:1.
  • The ratio may increase to 6:2 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 Freediving Assistant Instructor must directly supervise all academic and pool/confined water sessions.
  • An active status Freediving Instructor must directly supervise all 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 academic sessions and assessments as outlined in the instructor manual for Freediver.
  • Complete the program’s final exam.
  • Complete at least one (1) breathing session as outlined in the instructor manual for Freediver.
  • Complete at least two (2) pool/confined water sessions as outlined in the instructor manual for Freediver.
  • Complete at least two (2) open water sessions as outlined in the instructor manual for Freediver.

Sequence

  • Pool/confined water sessions may only be conducted after all requirements and evaluations for the related academic sessions are completed as outlined in the instructor manual for Freediver.
  • Open water sessions may only be conducted after the related academics sessions are completed, and after the related in-water skills are completed in the pool/confined water as outlined in the instructor manual for Freediver.

Certification

  • Certified 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.
Recommended depth limit based on certification:
  • Freediver | up to 25 meters
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