How the course works
The mornings of days 1 and 2 are for theory: signals, dive planning, navigation, safety procedures and a little physics and physiology, which is what makes you a confident diver.
On day 1 you practise the core skills in the pool, where it is calm and easy to repeat things until they click. On days 2 and 3 you go out to the ocean for four dives on Koh Tao's reefs and rock formations, and the last ones are simply for exploring.
The course ends with a short final exam. Pass it and you are an SSI Open Water Diver, certified to dive to 18 metres anywhere in the world.
Why learn on Koh Tao
Koh Tao is one of the most popular places in the world to learn: warm water around 26–30 °C, mild currents and dive sites close to shore. Our team has been teaching here since 2014.
Your three days
Times can shift with the weather and the boat schedule. We confirm them in chat.
Day 109:00–16:00
- 09:00Pick-up from your accommodation (if you need it)
- 09:30Meet your instructor and start theory in the classroom
- 11:15Lunch break
- 12:15Pool session: the basic scuba skills
- 16:00Drop-off
Day 209:00–17:00
- 09:00Pick-up
- 09:30Theory in the classroom
- 11:15Lunch break
- 13:30Ocean dive 1: skills and exercises
- 16:00Ocean dive 2: no exercises, just enjoy the reef
- 17:00Drop-off
Day 306:30–13:00
- 06:30Pick-up
- 07:00The boat leaves the pier
- 07:45Ocean dive 3
- 10:00Ocean dive 4
- 11:45Log your dives and take the final exam
- 13:00Drop-off. You're a certified diver
Included
- Instructor and all equipment
- SSI learning materials, exam and international certification
- Dive insurance
- Snacks, coffee, refreshments and fresh fruit
- Free use of snorkel gear
- Pick-up and drop-off anywhere on the island
- A Koh Tao Scuba Club T-shirt
Requirements
- Minimum age 10 (divers aged 10–14 are certified as Junior Open Water)
- Comfortable in water: a 200 m swim (any stroke, not timed) and a 10-minute float
- A completed diver medical form (some conditions need a doctor's clearance)
Questions
How long is the certification valid?
For life. If you haven't dived for a while, a short refresher dive is a good idea before your next trip.
Is SSI recognised like PADI?
Yes. Both follow the same international standards (WRSTC), and SSI certifications are accepted at dive centers worldwide.
Can I combine Open Water and Advanced?
Yes. The 5-day Open Water + Advanced combo is ฿18,000, and our Open Water alumni get ฿500 off when they continue to Advanced.
Is accommodation included?
Not in the base price, but the package with 2 nights in a beachfront dorm on Mae Haad is ฿9,900.
What if I can't finish the course?
Talk to us. For safety, an instructor may pause a course. For multi-day courses the refund is calculated on the days completed (see our cancellation policy).
