SSI Basic Diver
Basic Diver
Two sessions, one-to-one — a pool session to learn the skills, then a real beach dive in Jervis Bay.
Scuba diving and snorkelling carry real risks, including drowning and pressure injuries, even in a pool. They can cause serious injury or death. Please read our risk warning before you book.
What we'll do
Basic Diver is the step between “I tried it once” and “I’m a diver” — and it’s just you and your instructor.
Session 1 — the pool. Your SSI theory, an orientation to the gear, a pre-dive briefing, then the skills in calm water: breathing and buoyancy, the confined-water skills, and what to do if something doesn’t go to plan. We finish with a relaxed check that you’re ready for the sea.
Session 2 — the beach. A briefing on the beach, getting the gear ready together, how to get in and out through the shallows, one supervised dive in Jervis Bay, and a debrief afterwards.
Finish within six months and your open-water dive counts towards the Scuba Diver course if you decide to keep going.
What you walk away with: An SSI Basic Diver recognition card, valid 6 months for dives to 12 m under the direct supervision of an instructor. Not yet a full certification — the next step is Scuba Diver.
Good questions
Before you ask
Do I need any previous diving or snorkelling experience?
Not at all! Many of our experiences are designed for complete beginners. We'll explain everything beforehand and take you through the experience step by step, at a pace you're comfortable with.
What do I need to bring?
Just your swimwear, a towel, a water bottle and a positive attitude! We provide the scuba and snorkelling equipment you need, and we'll let you know if there's anything else to bring for your particular experience.
What happens if I'm nervous or don't feel comfortable in the water?
That's completely okay — and actually one of the reasons we created M&M. There is never any pressure to continue. We'll take our time, explain things clearly and work at your pace. Our private sessions let us adapt the experience to you.
What is the minimum age?
It depends on the experience. Try Dives in the pool and Scuba Wellness sessions are available from 8 years old; for Basic Diver, Scuba Diver and snorkel trips the minimum age is 10, and 12 for a Skills Update. If you're booking for a child, contact us and we'll help you choose the right experience.
Also
You might like
Scuba Diver
Your first real certification — one-to-one, over five sessions, to dive to 12 m with a dive professional.
Skills Update
Certified but rusty? An hour and a half in the pool and you're ready for the ocean again.