Continuing Education
SSI Science of Diving
Everything that happens on a dive has an explanation in physics, physiology or marine science. The Science of Diving course goes into that explanation in depth — four academic modules that count toward SSI Advanced rating requirements and give any diver a more complete understanding of the environment they dive in.
The Essentials
Science of Diving — Key Facts
1 to 2 days
Duration and Structure
- Four modules : Physics, physiology, equipment and marine science
- Format : Digital learning and knowledge reviews for each module
- No mandatory dives : Knowledge-based certification
- Applies toward : SSI Advanced Diver and higher rating requirements
Age 15+
Prerequisites
- Certification : Open Water Diver or equivalent
- Age : Minimum 15 years
- Note : Particularly relevant for divers working toward pro ratings
Know the why
What You Get
- Understand the physics behind every pressure change you experience
- Know why decompression sickness happens and how it is prevented
- Understand how scuba equipment works at a mechanical level
- Counts toward SSI Advanced Diver rating requirements
Four Modules
What the Course Covers
The Science of Diving goes further into theory than your Open Water or Advanced Open Water Diver courses did. Each of the four modules covers a distinct area — and each connects directly to decisions and observations you make on every dive.
- Dive physics — Boyle's Law, Dalton's Law, Henry's Law and their practical implications
- Dive physiology — nitrogen absorption, decompression theory, oxygen toxicity and barotrauma
- Dive equipment — how regulators, BCs, cylinders and computers work mechanically
- Marine science — reef ecology, ocean chemistry and the biological context of every dive site