Open Water

Yes, no problem! You may find that you have a one on one program with the instructor who will also be your buddy, or you may form part of a group so you’ll meet new buddies. Divers are sociable and welcoming!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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