Training
Training programs
Welcome to the Scientific Dive Center!
We offer many different diving courses you can choose from:
If you are not sure which diving course to take, find out below which one suits you best!
I would like to become a diver
Do you want to get to know the underwater world and become a diver? Then you should decide for one of the courses listed below:
A European Scientific Diver has acquired a sum of certifications and experience prior to its certification.
Global Underwater Explorers emerged out of a shared desire to safely explore and protect the underwater world and to improve the quality of education and research in all things aquatic.
Scuba Schools International grew out of the passion of a few avid divers who were intent on making it possible for anyone to learn how to SCUBA dive.
Dive Training
What is ESD Level 1
The European Scientific Diver Level 1 is a sum of dive certifications and skills that validate the diver is capable of acting as a member of a scientific diving team. In short, it confirms that the diver possesses the minimum agreed dive training and underwater capability to lead a scientific diving team, as required in Europe. As a result, this certification promotes the free movement of scientists in EU countries for the purpose of cooperation and participation in sub-aquatic research projects involving diving using SCUBA.
Pre-requisite
GUE Fundamentals class or GUE REC 1 class for a solid foundation of underwater skills and theoretical knowledge of which you will have to show proof of understanding for the Scientific Diver course and the ESD certification.
Diving physics and physiology, the causes and effects of diving related illnesses and disorders and their management.
- The specific problems associated with diving to and beyond 20m, calculations of air requirements, correct use of decompression tables.
- Equipment, including personal dive computers and guidelines as to their safe use.
- Emergency procedures and diving casualty management.
- Principles of dive planning.
- Legal aspects and responsibilities relevant to scientific diving in Europe and elsewhere.
Be fully competent with:
- Search methods.
- Survey methods, both surface and sub-surface, capable of accurately locating and marking objects and sites.
- The basic use of airbags and airlifts for controlled lifts, excavations and sampling.
- Basic rigging and rope work, including the construction and deployment of transects and search grids.
- Underwater navigation methods using suitable techniques.
- Recording techniques.
- Acting as surface tender for a roped diver.
- Sampling techniques appropriate to the scientific discipline being pursued.
Show proof of having undertaken 70 open water dives, to include a minimum of:
- 20 dives with a scientific task of work supervised by a recognised research institution, such as listed above.
- 10 dives between 15m and 24m.
- 5 dives greater than 25m.
- 12 dives in the last 12 months, including at least 6 with a scientific task of work.
What is ESD Level 2
A European Scientific Diver level 2 certification validates that a diver is capable of organising a scientific diving team. In short, it confirms that the diver possesses the minimum agreed dive training and underwater capability to lead a scientific diving team, as required in Europe. As a result, this certification promotes the free movement of scientists in EU countries for the purpose of cooperation and participation in sub-aquatic research projects involving diving using SCUBA.
Pre-requisite
GUE Fundamentals class or GUE REC 1 class for a solid foundation of underwater skills and theoretical knowledge of which you will have to show proof of understanding for the Scientific Diver course and the ESD certification.
- Diving physics and physiology, the causes and effects of diving related illnesses and disorders and their management.
- The specific problems associated with diving to and beyond 30m, calculations of air requirements, correct use of decompression tables.
- Equipment, including personal dive computers and guidelines as to their safe use.
- Emergency procedures and diving casualty management.
- Legal aspects and responsibilities relevant to scientific diving in Europe and elsewhere.
Be fully competent with/in:
- Diving first aid, including CPR and oxygen administration to diving casualties.
- SCUBA rescue techniques and management of casualties.
- The ue and user maintenance of appropriate SCUBA diving equipment, including dry suits and full face masks.
- Basic small boat handling, and electronic navigation. Supervision of diving operations.
Be fully competent with:
- Search methods, such as those utilising free swimming and towed divers together with remote methods suitable for a various range of surface and sub-surface situations
- Survey methods, both surface and sub-surface, capable of accurately locating and marking objects and sites.
- The basic use of airbags and airlifts for controlled lifts, excavations and sampling.
- Basic rigging and rope work, including the construction and deployment of transects and search grids.
- Underwater navigation methods using suitable techniques.
- Recording techniques.
- Roped/tethered diver techniques and various types of underwater communication systems such as those utilising visual, aural, physical and electronic methods.
- Sampling techniques appropriate to the scientific discipline being pursued.
- The principles and practice of dive planning and the selection and assessment of divers.
- Dive project planning.
Show proof of having undertaken 100 open water dives, to include a minimum of:
- 50 dives with a scientific task of work, such as listed above.
- 10 dives between 20m and 29m.
- 10 dives between 29m and the national limit.
- 12 dives in the last 12 months, including at least 6 with a scientific task of work.
- 20 dives in adverse conditions, such as currents, cold water, or moving water.
- 20 dives as an in-water dive leader.
Pre-requisite
Physically fit
Theory Sessions
7 Theory Chapters
Pool Sessions
At least 8 Pool Sessions
Open water Sessions
At least 2 Open Water Dives
Content
Worldwide recognition. It is the highest standard for diving worldwide and the best value for an intro class.
This course will give you the capacity to start exploring the underwater realm in a team, using enriched oxygen gasses, while under the direct supervision of a professional.
Certification
It is an entry-level class (for non-divers) that will give you direct equivalence to CE Lvl 1 Diver recognition (Supervised Diver) and Nitrox 32% certification.
Once the dive training is successfully completed you will become a Certified GUE Supervised Diver.
What is included
The price of this class includes all the dive equipment, all the study materials, dive insurance and dives.
Price:
400 euros
Does NOT include class registration (55 dollars) directly with GUE.
Notes
In order to apply to this class, you should first register with CCMAR through its application page – contact your instructor. After that, enter the GUE website (www.gue.com) and create a profile. Your instructor will provide you with a link for you to then apply to your class.
After you finish this class you can upgrade to Rec 1 by doing the Rec 1 upgrade program. See the information below.
Pre-requisite
Physically fit
Theory Sessions
6 Theory Chapters
Pool Sessions
At least 2 Pool Sessions
Open water Sessions
At least 4 Open Water Dives
Content
Worldwide recognition. It is the highest standard for diving worldwide and the best value for an intro class.
As a follow-up on the Supervised Diver, this course will give you the capacity to start exploring the underwater realm to 21m of depth in a team, using enriched oxygen gasses, and fully independent
Certification
It is an upgrade class (for GUE supervised divers) that will give you direct equivalence to CE Lvl 2 Diver recognition (Autonomous diver), and Nitrox 32% certification.
Once the dive training is successfully completed, you will become a Certified GUE Rec1 diver.
What is included
The price of this class includes all the dive equipment, all the study materials, dive insurance and dives.
Price:
700 euros
Does NOT include class registration (40 dollars) directly with GUE.
Notes
In order to apply to this class, you should first register with CCMAR through its application page – contact your instructor. After that, enter the GUE website (www.gue.com) and create a profile. Your instructor will provide you with a link for you to then apply to your class.
For those that completed the Supervised Diver course and wish to upgrade to a full REC 1
Pre-requisite
Physically fit
Theory Sessions
9 Theory Chapters
Pool Sessions
At least 8 Pool Sessions
Open water Sessions
At least 7 Open Water Dives
Content
Worldwide recognition. It is the highest standard for diving worldwide and the best value for a class. For you that always dreamed to be an explorer, this is the class to take!
In short, it will give you the capacity to explore the underwater realm to 21m of depth in a team, using enriched oxygen gasses and fully independent.
Certification
It is an entry-level class (for non-divers) that will give you direct equivalence to CE Lvl 2 Diver recognition (Autonomous diver), and Nitrox 32% certification.
Once the dive training is successfully completed, you will become a Certified GUE Rec1 diver.
What is included
This price of this class includes all the dive equipment, all the study materials, dive insurance and dives.
Price:
900 euros
Does NOT include class registration (95 dollars) directly with GUE.
Notes
In order to apply to this class, you should first register with CCMAR through its application page – contact your instructor. After that, enter the GUE website (www.gue.com) and create a profile. Your instructor will provide you with a link for you to then apply to your class.
Check the video for this class:
** Note: Overall, an equivalent class to GUE REC 1 in terms of certification, but not in terms of diver’s capacity, would be SSI/PADI/CMAS P1 Open Water + SSI/PADI/CMAS P2 Advanced Open Water + Nitrox Diver. Therefore, for the same value, a GUE REC 1 class is by far a better class. So, if your intention is to progress to Exploration or Scientific Diving GUE REC 1 is the recommended class. After taking this class, you will get a discount in your Scientific Diver class (see in Scientific Diver class for details).
Pre-requisite
Be a certified diver | GUE Fundamentals class is a prerequisite for all GUE Technical (Trimix), Cave classes and Scientific Diver.
Theory Sessions
6 Theory Chapters
Field Drills
6 field drills
Open water Sessions
At least 6 Water Sessions
5 Video debriefings where divers will see their skill performance (improvement and to improve areas) after the in-water sessions.
Content
Worldwide recognition. It is the highest standard for diving worldwide and the best value for a class. For you that always dreamed to be an explorer, this is the class to take!
This class will give you the capacity to explore the underwater realm in a team, using enriched oxygen gasses and fully independent. In essence, it is an advanced dive skill class with a big component of in-water training focusing on confidence, competence and safety.
The in-water training will be progressive. Starts with buoyancy, trim and balance control. Then moves to situational awareness – the control of all dive parameters (i.e. environment, team, equipment, decompression and gas management) -, and finally, to problem-solving and prevention (i.e. out of gas procedures, surface marker buoy deployment, out of mask drills and teamwork).
Certification
GUE Fundamentals class is a prerequisite for all GUE Technical (Trimix), Cave classes and Scientific Diver.
The GUE – Fundamentals course is internationally recognized and includes Nitrox 32% certification.
Once the dive training is successfully completed, you will become a Certified GUE Fundamentals diver.
What is included
The price of this class includes all the dive equipment, all the study materials, dive insurance and dives.
Price:
700 euros
Does NOT include class registration (95 dollars) directly with GUE.
Notes
In order to apply to this class you should first register with CCMAR through its application page – contact your instructor. After that, enter the GUE website (www.gue.com) and create a profile. Your instructor will provide you with a link for you to then apply to your class.
Check this video about GUE:
**NOTE: Overall, an equivalent class to GUE Fundamentals in terms of certification, but not in terms of divers’ capacity, would be SSI/PADI/CMAS P2 Advanced Open Water + Nitrox Diver. Therefore, for the same value, a GUE REC 1 class is by far a better class. So, if your intention is to progress to Exploration or Scientific Diving GUE REC 1 is the recommended class. After taking this class, you will get a discount in your Scientific Diver class (see in Scientific Diver class for details).
Pre-requisite
GUE Diver of any level, plus 10 dives other than those taken in dive classes.
Theory Sessions
5 Theory Chapters
Field Drills
6 Field drills
Open water Sessions
6 dive sessions
Content
Scientific diving is a scientific working tool widely used by scientists all over the world with applications in a broad number of scientific disciplines. Because of an increasing number of scientists that use scientific diving as part of their jobs, the training of diving scientists has become a crucial issue, not only for safety concerns but also in order to promote the essential mobility of scientists over the world.
This course aims to train divers as a member of a scientific diving team, performing scientific diving tasks in a safe and effective manner for various scientific institutions. In order to achieve this, the course begins with theoretical and practical sessions that evaluate and correct the students’ ability to perform all basic diving and safety skills. After all the basics are cleared, specific tasks will be assigned to each student, covering scientific and working diving techniques. Training with specific goals prepares the diver to obtain scientific data underwater.
The most commonly used scientific techniques and methodologies will be discussed in theoretical sessions. The students’ knowledge and understanding of the issues behind each method or project improve their performance and motivation when working underwater. Students also learn on the importance of proper planning and coordination of all team members, with teamwork being an important part of the students’ evaluation.
Through this learning process, we hope that students will be able to correctly and effectively use all basic diving skills and gain experience in conducting scientific tasks underwater while understanding all the logistics, limitations and efforts required to successfully collect underwater scientific data.
Theory
- Introduction to Scientific Diving
- Scientific Method and Ethics
- Underwater Sciences
- Methods
- Dive Planning and Data Management
Practical Contents
- Review of Basic Navigation skills
- Linework (reels and spools)
- Line survey
- Site Sketch
- Mark and measure
- Baseline / transect
- Photoquadrats
- Photomosaic
- Video census
- Offset measures
- Density cover
- Grids
- Drafting a Map
Certification
Once the dive training is successfully completed, you will become a Certified GUE Scientific Diver.
What is included
The price of this class includes all the dive equipment, all the study materials, dive insurance and dives.
Does NOT include class registration (95 dollars) directly with GUE.
Price
900 euros
550 euros for UAlg students, when combined it with any Global Underwater, Explores class (i.e. GUE REC1 or GUE Fundamentals) at CCMAR.
Pre-requisite
Be a certified diver
Theory Sessions
Field Drills/ Pool Sessions
Open water Sessions
2 dive sessions
Content
This course allows you to confidently transition from single to double tanks. If you’re not a GUE diver, it can also serve as a basic introduction to GUE systems.
Theory
- Theory on double tank configuration, GUE equipment configuration
Practical Contents
- Buoyancy and Trim practice
- Skill refinement
- Basic valve management
Certification
No certification
What is included
The price of this class includes all the dive equipment, all the study materials, dive insurance and dives.
Does NOT include class registration directly with GUE.
Pre-requisite
GUE Diver of any level, plus a minimum of 75 non-training dives
Theory Sessions
Field Drills
Open water Sessions
5 dive sessions
Content
The course is designed to introduce divers to the skills and knowledge required to safely use Underwater Propulsion Vehicles (DPV) in open water environments.
Theory
- Basic principles of DPV diving
- Dive planning
- DPV maintenance and troubleshooting
- Potential hazards of diving with DPV
Practical Contents
- Teamwork while using DPV
- Environmental and conservation awareness
- Stress management
- Navigation
- Standard and Emergency procedures
Certification
No certification
What is included
The price of this class includes all the dive equipment, all the study materials, dive insurance and dives.
Does NOT include class registration directly with GUE.
Price
300 euros
Pre-requisite
GUE Diver of any level, plus a minimum of 25 non-training dives
Open water Sessions
3 dive sessions (including a dive in reduced ambient light conditions)
Content
The course is designed to teach divers the basics of underwater compass use and natural navigation techniques.
Theory
- Compass use and navigation (simple and complex)
- Natural navigation
- Basic navigational strategies
- Managing a spool as a guideline
Practical Contents
- The in-water practice of all the theory chapters above.
What is included
The price of this class includes all the dive equipment, all the study materials, dive insurance and dives.
Does NOT include class registration directly with GUE.
Pre-requisite
GUE Diver of any level, plus a minimum of 25 non-training dives
Open water Sessions
4 dive sessions
Content
The course is designed to teach divers basic rescue techniques relevant to SCUBA diving emergencies.
Theory
- Signs of distressed divers (surface and underwater)
- Missing diver protocols
- Surface management of a diving emergency
Practical Contents
- The assistance of distressed diver techniques (surface and underwater)
- Unconscious diver recovery
- Basic Life Support skills for DCI
What is included
The price of this class includes all the dive equipment, all the study materials, dive insurance and dives.
Does NOT include class registration directly with GUE.
Price:
300 euros
Pre-requisite
GUE Diver of any level, plus a minimum of 25 non-training dives
Open water Sessions
4 dive sessions (including 2 experience dives triox 30/30)
Content
This course is designed to teach divers the use of triox 30/30 as a GUE standard gas to reduce the effects of increased gas density in recreational divers. It is also a great way to prepare for deeper dive training by introducing and practising ascent protocols.
Theory
- Decompression theory
- Narcosis~
- Gas density
- Post-dive “nitrogen stress”
Practical Contents
- Skill cultivation and refinement
- The practice of correct ascent procedures
What is included
The price of this class includes all the dive equipment, all the study materials, dive insurance and dives.
Does NOT include class registration directly with GUE.
Pre-requisite
GUE Diver of any level, plus a minimum of 75 non-training dives of which at least 25 with double tanks
Theory Sessions
Field Drills / Pool Sessions
Open water Sessions
8 dive sessions
Content
This course is a limited decompression course structured to teach advanced diving skills, prepare divers for utilising decompression cylinders and double tanks, and to breathe helium-based breathing mixtures appropriate for deeper recreational diving up to 39 m.
Theory
- Relevant Physics and Human Physiology
- Decompression theory (Nitrox use)
- Narcosis (Helium use)
- Gas density
- Post-dive “nitrogen stress”
Practical Contents
- The correct ascent procedures
- Practice and use of decompression cylinder
- Basic regulator/manifold failures procedures
What is included
The price of this class includes all the dive equipment, all the study materials, dive insurance and dives.
Does NOT include class registration directly with GUE.
Pre-requisite
GUE Diver with technical certification, and a minimum of 100 non-training dives beyond entry-level scuba diver
Open water Sessions
7 dive sessions (3 with TRIMIX)
Content
In short, this course prepares divers to begin their path to technical diving safely, with confidence and with a base of solid skills and knowledge. It also paves the way to GUE rebreather courses, advanced technical GUE training and GUE projects and exploration dives
What is included
The price of this class includes all the dive equipment, all the study materials, dive insurance and dives.
Does NOT include class registration directly with GUE.
Pre-requisite
Be physically fit
Theory Sessions
6 Theory Chapters
Pool Sessions
6 Sessions
Open water Sessions
4 Water Sessions
Content
Entry-level scuba course. This course teaches basic theory and in-water training skills in order to be comfortable underwater
Certification
Once the dive training is successfully completed, you will become a certified SSI Open Water Diver.
What is included
The price of this class includes all the dive equipment, all the study materials, dive insurance and dives.
Price:
400 euros
Pre-requisite
Be a certified Open Water Diver
Theory Sessions
5 Theory Chapters
Open water Sessions
5 Water Sessions
Content
SSI’s Advanced Adventurer program was created so that you can try out a variety of specialities before you commit to completing a full program. In fact, it is a great way to experience what training is all about and how valuable it can be to experience different situations. During the Advanced Adventurer Program, you will have the chance to try out 5 different specialities. As you will complete one open water training dive per speciality, if you decide to take a full program in any of the specialities you tried, that dive can be applied to your advanced certification.
Above all, the primary goal of any SSI Specialty course is to teach you important skills in a fun environment. Thus, all courses are taught using home study, short academic sessions, and in-water training.
Certification
This SSI Advanced Adventurer certification is internationally recognized.
Once the dive training is successfully completed, you will become a certified SSI Advanced Adventurer.
What is included
The price of this class includes all the dive equipment, all the study materials, dive insurance and dives.
Price
350 euros
Pre-requisite
None
Theory Sessions
1 Full day
Content
In brief, an important step in every diver’s career is the first aid course. As such, here you will learn how to aid someone in distress be it at first aid care of secondary care level, in and out of the water.
This course enables any citizen to answer promptly when faced with an emergency scenario or help in the event of an accident. You will learn how to properly communicate the situation to the medical services and how to handle the victim until more capable help arrives.
Certification
Once the dive training is successfully completed, you will become a Certified SSI React Right first aid. Although this certification has Worldwide recognition, please check local regulations as they may differ from country to country.
What is included
The price of this class includes all the dive equipment, all the study materials and insurance.
Price
150 euros
Pre-requisite
Valid CPR, First Aid & Oxygen Provider certificate and Advanced Certification.
Content
“Be prepared for those unexpected emergencies.”
Stress is a major contributor to rescue situations and diving accidents. For that reason, throughout this class, you will learn about accident prevention and, if they occur, how to handle problem situations. To emphasize, this program is about avoiding, recognizing and solving problems on the surface and underwater.
The course runs for two-four days in which you will participate in academic and in-water sessions, such as:
- What Is Stress?
- Stress In Diving: Causes And Prevention
- Detecting And Dealing With Stress
- Accident Management
- Skills Needed To Deal With Panic And Rescues
- Conditions That Complicate Rescues
Above all, the primary goal of any SSI Specialty course is to teach you important skills in a fun environment. Therefore, all courses are taught using home study, short academic sessions, and in-water dive training.
Certification
This certification has international recognition.
Once the dive training is successfully completed, you will become a Certified Stress and Rescue Diver.
What is included
The price of this class includes all the dive equipment, all the study materials, dive insurance and dives.
Price
400 euros
Pre-requisite
Advanced Adventurer, Diver Stress & Rescue, with 40 logged dives and experience in Navigation, Night & Limited visibility, Deep diving
Open water Sessions
10 or until at least 50 dives
Content
The Science of Diving gives you an in-depth and detailed study of physics, physiology, decompression theory, the aquatic environment and diving equipment. Therefore, it is required training for most SSI Dive Professional programs. The Dive Guide gives you the skills and experience required to safely lead groups of certified divers and is the first step towards an exciting career as an SSI Dive Professional, without requiring you to complete an instructor program. In short, professional Dive Guides can work for SSI Dive Centres, guiding dives in a variety of environments and conditions.
Certification
Once the dive training is successfully completed, you will become a certified SSI Dive Guide and earn an SSI Science of Diving Specialty certification
What is included
The price of this class includes all the dive equipment, all the study materials, dive insurance and dives.
Price
600 euros
Pre-requisite
Divemaster, with at least 60 logged dives
Content
This program provides the skills, concepts, and teaching experience required to become a successful SSI Instructor. You will learn the SSI Teaching System and philosophy, how to assist Instructors in training and how to independently teach a variety of SSI training programs.
Certification
Once the dive training is successfully completed, you will earn the SSI Assistant Instructor rating OR work all the way through to the SSI Open Water Instructor after having successfully passed the Instructor Evaluation in addition.
What is included
The price of this class includes all the dive equipment, all the study materials, dive insurance and dives.
Price
850 euros