Open Water & Advanced Adventurer

To become a certified scuba diver you have to do a scuba diver course. Most people start with their Open Water Course.

This course consists of 3 phases:
1. Theory: this is mostly done online beforehand.
2. Confined water: This is what it’s all about – diving. You'll develop basic scuba skills in a pool or in confined water. The basic scuba skills you learn during your certification course will help you become familiar with your scuba gear and become an underwater explorer.
3. Open Water Dives: After your confined water dives, you'll head to open water, where you and your instructor will make four dives, usually over two days. On these dives you'll get to explore the underwater world. You'll apply the skills you learned in confined water while enjoying what the local environment has to offer.

When all 3 phases are completed you are a worldwide recognized SSI certified Open Water Diver.

Yes. The SSI Open Water Diver course is designed to make it accessible to everyone, no matter what your preferred learning style is. The program is not just reading (although there is some), you will also be able to learn the theory through video presentations, practical demonstrations and practice skills.

We can also send the SSI course prior to going to the dive center, this way you can start learning before arriving at the island. We do require a deposit beforehand.

Yes, you don't need to be a strong swimmer to become a scuba diver.

If you want to become a certified diver, there is a dive fitness test where you need to complete a 200 m swim and a 10 min float. However, the swim can be at your own pace (as long as it is continuous) and any stroke you prefer.

For try dives and basic diver, no swimming test is required.

Obviously, it makes it easier if you feel comfortable in the water and have some experience with swimming/snorkeling

It depends on what pre-existence medical condition(s) you have, sometimes it is not safe to dive. It is good to visit your doctor if you want to participate in diving when you had/have a medical condition. There is a medical form that you need to fill in, prior to start a course or a try dive. Contact us if you are not sure and would like to receive the form ahead of time, so that you have time to make a doctor's appointment if necessary. 
Or click here to download the form.

Yes absolutely. One option is to dive in contact lenses – daily disposables are best in case you lose one during some of the mask skills which can happen from time to time. If you are not a contact lens wearer then a prescription mask is a great option.

The course fee includes equipment, learning materials, certification, boat for the courses and water refills. If you are staying in another part of the island, we might have to charge a pickup fee. It is easiest to stay in M'pai bay as we can spend more time practicing underwater and not traveling back and forth.

In terms of dive training, there is very little difference between SSI and PADI. They both follow the diving standards set by WRSTC (World Recreational Scuba Training Council) meaning that knowledge and skill requirements are almost the same. Certifications at any level below Divemaster are interchangeable.

Bubbles Up decided to switch from PADI to SSI in May 2023. We got a great opportunity to become an SSI dive center and since then mainly teach SSI courses. The reason why we choose SSI is that we think it fits better with our philosophy regarding conservation (Blue Oceans and ecology programs), we upgraded our professional status, the online environment is better equipped and of course there is a financial aspect.
We are happy that we choose SSI as we get all the support we need, and we are one of two SSI training centers in Cambodia.
We are working hard to become the first SSI Instructor Training Center in the future.

If you have a passion for excitement and adventure, chances are you can become an avid PADI Diver. You'll also want to keep in mind these requirements:

The minimum age is 10 years old. Student divers who are younger than 15 earn the Junior Open Water Diver certification, which will be upgraded to SSI Open Water Diver certification upon reaching 15.

All student divers complete a brief scuba medical questionnaire that asks about medical conditions that could be a problem while diving. If none of these apply, sign the form and you’re ready to start. If any of these apply to you, your doctor must, as a safety precaution, assess the condition as it relates to diving and sign a medical form that confirms you’re fit to dive. In some areas, local laws require all scuba students to consult with a physician before entering the course. You can download the medical form here.

Before completing the SSI Open Water Diver course, your instructor will have you demonstrate basic water skills to be sure you’re comfortable in the water, including:

• Swim 200 meters/yards (or 300 meters/yards in mask, fins and snorkel) without stopping. There is no time limit for this, and you may use any swimming strokes you want.
• Float and tread water for 10 minutes, again using any methods you want.

Any individual who can meet the performance requirements of the course qualifies for certification. There are many adaptive techniques that allow individuals with physical challenges to meet these requirements.