Go Beyond the Limits with SSI Decompression Diving! 

Ready to stay longer at your favorite deep wreck or reef? The SSI Decompression Diving specialty is your bridge between recreational and technical diving. This program teaches you how to safely plan and conduct dives that exceed traditional "no-decompression" limits, using specialized equipment and procedures to manage your nitrogen off-gassing with precision.

 

Why Take the Leap into Deco?

• Extended Exploration: Don't let your computer dictate when to leave the best part of the dive.

• Advanced Planning: Master the use of dive planning software and gas management to ensure a safe return.

• Redundancy & Safety: Learn to use a "Stage Tank" (Pony Bottle) as an independent backup gas source.

• Pro-Level Skills: Perfect your buoyancy, trim, and gas switching techniques to a professional standard.

 

Course Prerequisites

This is an advanced program that requires a solid foundation of experience and prior training.

• Minimum Age: 16 years old.

• Certification:

  • SSI Deep Diving Specialty.

  • SSI Enriched Air Nitrox 40 Specialty.

• Experience: A minimum of 30 logged dives.

• Medical: Completed "Fit to Dive" medical questionnaire (doctor's sign-off may be required for technical levels).

 

Course Structure

The Decompression Diving program is rigorous, combining deep theoretical knowledge with high-level water skills.

1. Digital Learning (Theory):
   Complete the academic sessions via the MySSI App. You will study:

   • Decompression Theory: Understanding Buhlmann models and gradient factors.

   • Gas Management: Calculating SAC rates and "Rule of Thirds" for deco gas.

   • Hardware: Configuring a stage cylinder and rigging for decompression.

   • Emergency Protocols: Handling omitted deco, lost gas, and equipment failure.

2. Practical Application (Pool/Confined Water):
   At least one session to master:

   • Stage bottle handling (stowing/deploying).

   • Gas switching procedures.

   • Valve drills and shutdown procedures.

3. Open Water Training Dives:
   You will complete at least three dives, focusing on:

   • Maintaining a "Deco Station" (holding depth within 0.5m).

   • Executing a planned decompression schedule using a dive computer or backup tables.

   • Launching a DSMB (Delayed Surface Marker Buoy) from depth to signal your ascent.

 

Recognition

This certification qualifies you to dive to a maximum depth of 40 meters with a maximum of 15 minutes of decompression using Nitrox mixtures up to 40%. It is a major milestone toward becoming a Master Diver or entering the Extended Range programs! Ready to push your boundaries?