What is SSI Wreck Diving?
The SSI Wreck Diving program trains divers to safely explore sunken ships, planes, or artificial reefs. Wrecks can be fascinating habitats for marine life, and many are historically significant.
- Goal: Learn the skills, planning, and safety protocols for diving on wrecks.
- Options: Some courses cover only external exploration; others include limited penetration (entering parts of the wreck) if conditions and your experience allow.
Prerequisites
- Minimum Age: 10–12 years (depending on region).
- Certification: Open Water Diver or equivalent.
- Experience: No specific dive count required, but buoyancy & navigation skills are highly recommended (many divers do Perfect Buoyancy and Navigation first).
What You’ll Learn
The program typically includes both theory and open-water training dives.
Knowledge & Theory
- Hazards of wreck diving (entanglement, silt, sharp edges, structural collapse).
- Wreck preservation and responsible behavior.
- Equipment for wreck diving (torches, reels, redundant air sources if penetration is included).
- Planning wreck dives — depth, currents, visibility, gas management, buddy communication.
Skills & Practical Training
- Safe approaches to wrecks (descending lines, currents, boat positioning).
- Surveying and mapping wreck sites.
- Navigation around the wreck (using compass & natural landmarks).
- Buoyancy control to avoid silt-outs or damaging the wreck.
- For limited penetration versions:
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Use of lines/reels.
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Maintaining orientation in enclosed environments.
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Emergency procedures for entanglement, silt, or out-of-air situations.
Structure & Duration
- Academic Sessions: 1–2 (digital learning + instructor briefing).
- Open Water Dives: At least 2 training dives at a wreck site (sometimes 3–4 if penetration is included).
- Depth Limit: Training up to 30 m (if you are also Deep Diver certified).
Why It’s Popular
- Wrecks combine history, adventure, and marine life in one dive.
- Opens access to famous sites worldwide (WWII ships, aircraft, artificial reefs).
- Expands dive skills in navigation, buoyancy, and safety.
- Often combined with specialties like Deep Diving and Nitrox for extended wreck exploration.
Recognition
- Counts toward SSI’s recognition levels (Specialty Diver, Advanced Open Water, Master Diver).
- For professionals, adds value if you want to guide or teach at wreck-rich dive destinations.
