Recreational Freediving Programs

Advanced Freediver

Intent

The SSI Advanced 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 Advanced Freediving Instructor may conduct the Advanced Freediver program.

Student Prerequisites

Minimum age: 15 years old.

Have logged at least six (6) in-water freediving sessions.

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

Freediver

Duration

Recommended hours for completion: 24-30.

Depth Limitations

Minimum open water depth limit: 20 meters as outlined in the instructor manual.

Maximum open water depth limit: 30 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 Advanced 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 Advanced Freediver.

Complete the program’s final exam.

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

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

Complete at least four (4) open water sessions as outlined in the instructor manual for Advanced 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 Advanced Freediver.

Open water sessions may only be conducted after the related academics sessions are completed as outlined in the instructor manual for Advanced Freediver.

Certification

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

Recommended depth limit based on certification:

Advanced Freediver | up to 35 meters