Scuba Diver - Bubbles Up Divecenter - M'Pai Bay, Cambodia
Batfish are curious and come close during our dives
SSI

Scuba Diver

The SSI Scuba Diver program provides all you need to go open water diving up to 12 meters deep with an SSI Professional. It is your first exciting step towards being a certified diver.

The course is about half the open water course.

There are 3 parts in the course:

  • 1 part theory with online exam
  • 1 part practicing skills in confined water
  • 2 open water dives

After completion, you are certified to dive up to 12 meters with a dive professional.
If you want to become an open water diver, it is easy to upgrade to the SSI Open Water Course.

Dive Depth

12

Duration

2 days

FAQs

How do I become a scuba diver?

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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.


I am not much of a reader, will I manage the theory?

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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.

I have a pre-medical condition, can I still dive?

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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.

What are the requirements for learning to scuba dive?

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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.

My ears hurt when I go to the bottom of a swimming pool or when I dive down snorkeling. Will that prevent me from becoming a scuba diver?

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No, assuming you have no irregularities in your ears and sinuses. The discomfort is the normal effect of water pressure pressing in on your ear drums. Fortunately, our bodies are designed to adjust for pressure changes in our ears – you just need to learn how. If you have no difficulties adjusting to air pressure during flying, you'll probably experience no problem learning to adjust to water pressure while diving.

Book your dive

Ready to explore the underwater wonders of Koh Rong Sanloem? Complete the form below to book your dive or course, and we’ll confirm your reservation as soon as possible. If you have any questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to call or message us – we’re here to help!


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M'pai Bay, Koh Rong Sanloem, Cambodia

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