SSI Specialty Diver

Take your diving skills to the next level and explore new underwater adventures with the SSI Specialty Diver program. Whether you're interested in deeper diving, enhanced buoyancy control, night diving, or mastering underwater navigation, Specialty Diver training allows you to personalize your dive education based on what excites you most.

Each specialty course helps you gain confidence, develop valuable skills, and discover the type of diving you enjoy most — all under the guidance of our SSI-certified instructors who train for real Pacific Northwest conditions. Earning your Specialty Diver rating is a major step toward becoming a more capable and adaptable diver.

Start building your expertise today and unlock new diving experiences!

Popular Specialty Courses

Choose from a wide range of SSI Specialty Programs designed to expand your skills and open the door to new underwater adventures. Some of the most popular options include:

• Perfect Buoyancy – Master trim, stability, and effortless control in the water.
• Enriched Air Nitrox – Extend your bottom time and spend more time exploring.
• Navigation – Learn to confidently find your way underwater.
• Deep Diving – Safely explore deeper sites up to 130ft (40m).
• Night & Limited Visibility – Discover the thrill of diving after dark.
• Dry Suit Diving – Stay warm and comfortable in our cold Pacific Northwest waters.
• Equipment Techniques – Better understand and maintain your dive gear.
• Marine Ecology – Learn about underwater environments and local marine life.

Each specialty is a fun, focused course designed to build confidence and real-world skills. Complete any two Specialty Programs plus 12 logged dives to earn your SSI Specialty Diver rating.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many specialties do I need for the SSI Specialty Diver rating?
You’ll complete 2 SSI Specialty Programs plus a minimum of 12 logged dives. Many divers choose Perfect Buoyancy and Navigation, but you can mix and match the courses that interest you most.

Do the specialty dives count toward my logged dive total?
Yes! The training dives you complete during each specialty program count toward your required logged dives.

Can I start specialties as an Open Water Diver?
Absolutely. Most specialties are available right after earning your Open Water certification, which makes them a great next step for new divers.

How long does it take to become a Specialty Diver?
It varies based on your schedule and the specialties you choose, but most divers complete this rating within just a few diving days.

Is equipment included?
Some gear is included and rental options are available for anything else you need. We’ll help you choose the right setup for your specialty courses.

What’s after Specialty Diver?
The next step is Advanced Adventurer or working toward Advanced Open Water Diver through more logged dives and specialties.