Recreational Mermaid Programs

Ocean Mermaid

Intent

The SSI Ocean Mermaid program provides students with the knowledge and training necessary to autonomously conduct mermaid activities with an equally- or more-qualified buddy in environments equivalent with their training and to depth shallower than five (5) meters.

Minimum Instructor Rating

An active status Mermaid Instructor may conduct the Ocean Mermaid program.

Student Prerequisites

Minimum age: 12 years old.

Complete the Mermaid Water Fitness Evaluation.

Duration

Recommended hours for completion: 16-32.

Depth Limitations

Maximum in-water depth limit: 5 meters.

Recommendation | If students are interested in breath-hold diving, they should be encouraged to take the SSI Basic Freediver program.

In-Water Ratios

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

The ratio may increase to 8:2 with a certified assistant.

Note | Any active status SSI Professional, Freediving Professional, or Level 1 Swim Teacher or higher may act as a certified assistant for SSI Mermaid programs.

Minimum Supervision

An active status Mermaid Instructor must directly supervise all academic and in-water activities.

Proximity

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

Requirements For Completion

Complete all academic sections and assessments as outlined in the Mermaid Instructor Manual.

Complete the program’s final exam.

Complete a Mermaid Water Fitness Evaluation prior to any open water training.

Complete all pool/confined water sessions and skill evaluations outlined in the Mermaid Instructor Manual.

Complete at least two (2) open water training sessions as outlined in the Mermaid Instructor Manual.

Certification

Upon completion of all academic and pool/confined water requirements, including a water fitness evaluation and final exam, a Mermaid Instructor may issue a digital Ocean Mermaid certification card.

Certified Ocean Mermaids can swim with an equally- or more-qualified buddy, in environments equivalent to their training, and within the recommended depth limits.