SSI Open Water Diver Course in Koh Tao
5/5 - 60 reviews
- Days
2.5
- # of Dives
5
- Max Depth
18m
- Prerequisites
10 years old
Ability to swim
Become a certified scuba diver with the SSI Open Water Diver course in Koh Tao. Designed for complete beginners, this internationally recognised course gives you the knowledge, practical skills and confidence needed to dive with another certified diver anywhere in the world.
Training takes approximately two and a half days and includes digital learning, instructor-led theory, pool-based skill development and four open-water dives from our dive boats. Eligible adult students are certified to dive to a maximum depth of 18 metres.
If you are still deciding which beginner programme is right for you, you can also compare our beginner scuba diving courses in Koh Tao.
About the SSI Open Water Diver Course
The SSI Open Water Diver course is the most widely recognised entry-level scuba certification offered by SSI. It teaches you how to prepare and use scuba equipment, communicate underwater, control your buoyancy, plan dives and respond safely to common situations.
You do not need any previous scuba diving experience. Your instructor will introduce each skill gradually, beginning in our swimming pool before you progress to four training dives in the sea.
- Approximately two and a half days of training
- SSI digital learning materials
- Theory and equipment instruction
- Confined-water training in our swimming pool
- Four open-water training dives
- Maximum of four students per instructor
- Internationally recognised SSI certification
- Maximum certification depth of 18 metres for eligible adult students
What Is Included in Your Open Water Course?
Your course includes the instruction, training materials and equipment needed to complete the programme.
- SSI digital learning materials
- Use of a complete set of scuba diving equipment
- Pool-based confined-water training
- Four ocean dives from our dive boats
- Instruction from an experienced SSI diving instructor
- Small-group training with a maximum of four students per instructor
- Boat transportation to scheduled dive sites
- Diving insurance during the course
- Digital logbook and certification processing
Your SSI certification does not expire. However, divers who have been out of the water for an extended period should consider completing a scuba refresher in Koh Tao before returning to regular diving.
Your 2.5-Day Open Water Course Schedule
The programme is completed over parts of three calendar days. This allows enough time for theory, pool training and four ocean dives without rushing your skill development.
Day One: Theory, Equipment and Pool Training
09:30–12:00: Theory and equipment introduction
Meet your instructor and learn the foundations of safe scuba diving. You will be introduced to the equipment, underwater communication, pressure, breathing, buoyancy and the procedures used throughout the course.
13:00–17:30: Confined-water training
In the swimming pool, your instructor will demonstrate the practical skills needed for open-water diving. You will practise assembling and using your equipment, breathing underwater, clearing your mask, recovering your regulator and controlling your position in the water.
Day Two: Final Theory and First Two Ocean Dives
09:30–11:30: Knowledge review and final assessment
Review the course material with your instructor, ask questions and complete the required knowledge assessment.
12:30–17:30: Open-water dives one and two
Join the afternoon dive boat and complete your first two ocean dives at beginner-friendly dive sites around Koh Tao. These dives are conducted to a maximum training depth of 12 metres.
You will repeat selected skills from the pool and begin developing better buoyancy, awareness and confidence in a natural diving environment.
Day Three: Final Two Ocean Dives and Certification
07:30–12:00: Open-water dives three and four
Complete your final two training dives during the morning boat trip. Eligible adult students can gradually progress to a maximum training depth of 18 metres while continuing to improve buoyancy, navigation and general dive awareness.
Once you have completed the required theory, water skills and training dives, your instructor can process your SSI Open Water Diver certification.
For more detailed travel-planning information, read our guide to how long the Open Water course takes in Koh Tao.
Open Water Course Prerequisites
To enrol in the SSI Open Water Diver course, students must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 10 years old
- Be comfortable in the water
- Swim continuously for 200 metres without swimming aids
- Float or tread water for 10 minutes
- Complete the required medical questionnaire
- Be in suitable physical health for scuba diving
The swimming assessment is not a race and you do not need to use a particular swimming style. It simply confirms that you can support yourself and move safely through the water.
Junior Open Water Certification
Students aged 10 to 14 receive the appropriate Junior Open Water Diver certification. Age-specific depth and supervision limits apply, including a maximum depth of 12 metres for younger students where required.
Families should also review our Junior Open Water Diver course for information specifically relating to younger divers.
Scuba Diving Medical Requirements
Every student must complete a scuba diving medical questionnaire before beginning the practical training.
Answering “yes” to a question does not necessarily prevent you from diving, but you may need written approval from a doctor before starting the course. Arrange this before arriving in Koh Tao where possible, especially if you have an existing medical condition, take regular medication or are unsure whether you are fit to dive.
View the scuba diving medical questionnaire
Why Complete Your Open Water Course With Big Blue?
Big Blue Diving has been training divers in Koh Tao for more than 30 years. Students learn in small groups with access to dedicated training facilities, experienced instructors, maintained scuba equipment and dive boats operating around the island.
- More than 30 years of diving experience in Koh Tao
- Maximum of four students per instructor
- Dedicated swimming pool and training facilities
- Experienced multilingual instructors
- Full equipment provided throughout the course
- Large dive boats serving dive sites around Koh Tao
- Established conservation and marine-education programmes
Learn more about our instructors, facilities and approach to training on our Koh Tao dive school page.
What Can You Do After the Open Water Course?
Your Open Water certification allows you to continue exploring dive sites with another suitably certified diver, within the limits of your training and experience.
After completing the course, you can:
- Join our guided fun dives in Koh Tao
- Continue into an advanced diving course
- Learn about fish, coral, sharks and turtles through our marine conservation courses
- Develop specialist skills such as deep diving, wreck diving, nitrox or underwater photography
- Work towards Rescue Diver, Divemaster or instructor-level training
Important Travel Planning After Diving
You must leave sufficient time between your final dive and travelling to altitude or flying. Big Blue currently recommends waiting at least 24 hours after your final course dive before flying.
Plan your ferry, onward travel and flights carefully. Our guides explaining how to get to Koh Tao and where to stay in Koh Tao can help you organise the rest of your trip.
Helpful Open Water Course Guides
- How long does the Open Water course take in Koh Tao?
- What to expect during an Open Water course
- How Open Water digital learning works
- Compare all beginner scuba diving courses
Book Your Open Water Course in Koh Tao
Begin your SSI Open Water certification with professional instruction, small class sizes, pool-based training and four ocean dives around Koh Tao.
Book your Open Water Diver course or contact Big Blue Diving if you have questions about the schedule, medical requirements or choosing the right beginner course.
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FAQs
What else is included in the price of the course? +
We’re not hiding anything form you. Your course includes all scuba diving equipment, materials, instruction and boat transportation to dive sites, scuba diving insurance.
We do offer 3 nights in an 8 bed dormitory for just 500Bt if you are budget traveling.
Are there any health requirements? +
Yes, you’ll need to complete a medical questionnaire to ensure you’re fit to dive. Certain medical conditions (like asthma or heart issues) may require a doctor’s approval. It’s a good idea to check the requirements ahead of time if you have any concerns.
I am not a very good swimmer. Can I still scuba dive? +
To be an OW Diver you must be able to swim a distance of 200 meters and float for a period of 10 minutes. As long as you can do this then you can fulfill the swim requirements to pass. We’re not looking for speed or style! We just want to make sure you can support yourself in water?
Is there any studying or theory involved? +
Yes, it includes theory sessions where you’ll learn about dive physics, safety, equipment. Book your course with us before you arrive and we can get you started in the next 5 minutes!
Will I see fish during our dives? +
Absolutely! Koh Tao is known for its vibrant reefs, and during your ocean dives, you’re likely to see fish, corals, and possibly turtles or other sea creatures at dive sites all around Koh Nang Yuan.
What if I feel nervous about diving? +
It’s natural to feel nervous, especially at first. Instructors are trained to help you feel comfortable and safe, and skills are taught gradually to help you build confidence underwater.
Can my scuba certified partner join me for any of my training dives? +
Yes! But we’d rather we got you diving properly on your first 2 dives in the sea, but the final day with the last 2 dives scheduled for the morning this shouldn’t be a problem at all.
How long does it take? +
It takes just 2 and a half days to complete, covering academic sessions, confined water training, and four ocean dives. Day 1: in the pool & our al fresco classroom/ bar. Day 2: Morning finish theory & exam. Afternoon 2 dives to 12 meters. Day 3: Two morning dives to 18 meters. Finished & on land by 12:30pm.
What happens if I don't complete the course? +
If you decide not to complete, we will offer a certification for partial completion (such as a Scuba Diver certification, which allows dives up to 12 meters with a professional). Or, you can come back later and continue from where you left off.
Is the certification valid worldwide, and does it expire? +
Yes, the certification is internationally recognised and does not expire. However, if you haven’t dived in a while, it’s recommended to take a refresher or SCUBA skills update to regain your skills.
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5/5 - 60 reviews
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