Videography Specialty
- Days
2
- # of Dives
4
- Max depth
Current certification
- Prequisites
10 years old
Open Water certification
Everyone seems to be taking videos these days. As long as you have a cellphone, you’re a content creator. But when you move to start taking video underwater, things get a bit more complicated so taking a proper Videography Specialty course is a great idea.
There’s special gear that you need to know how to use in order to keep your camera protected underwater, you need to consider buoyancy as you compose your shots and techniques and approaches to getting a good shot change because of the challenging environment.
The Videography Specialty course is designed for people with a basic knowledge of photography or videography already. You will a bit about how to change settings on your camera to better prepare it for shooting underwater, but the course does not cover how to use the camera itself.
It’s better if you have your own camera for this course since it’ll likely be that camera that you continue shooting with in the future. But if you don’t have your own camera you can rent one from Big Blue, complete with housing and a camera tray.
To register for the Videography Specialty course you must be at least 18 years old and be a certified Open Water diver.
Here’s what the general schedule for the Videography Specialty course usually looks like.
Day 1
9:00-12:00
You’ll meet your instructor and fellow students in our partner beachfront restaurant, Blue Water, in the morning and you’ll go over how to prepare a camera and housing for a dive, pre-dive checks, and useful techniques for shooting underwater.
12:45-17:00
You and your group will head out on the afternoon boat to start putting into practice the things that you spent the morning learning. You’ll shoot footage at two different dive sites with the aim of putting together a short video at the end of the course.
17:00
Back on land, you’ll quickly back up the footage you’ve taken to your computer, clean your equipment and prepare it for the next dives.
Day 2
6:00-11:00
On the second day, you’ll be up early to catch the morning boat. Armed with your camera once again, you’ll spend both dives taking stunning footage that you’ll use to create your video.
12:00-17:00
You’ll spend the afternoon going through your footage and turning it into something special. Your instructor will be there to help guide you along the way and provide all the support you need.
Don’t forget! Because of the extra nitrogen your body builds up while scuba diving, you cannot fly within 24hrs of your last dive.
Are you fit to dive?
Scuba diving is an activity that requires a certain level of physical health. Read this medical questionnaire. If you can answer yes to any of the questions you may require medical clearance to enrol in a diving course. Contact us for more information.
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FAQs
What are the prerequisites for taking the SSI Underwater Videography Specialty course? +
To enroll, divers typically need to be at least 10–12 years old (depending on local regulations) and have an Open Water Diver certification or equivalent from a recognized agency like SSI or PADI.
What will I learn in the SSI Underwater Videography Specialty course? +
The course covers how to use underwater cameras, frame shots, adjust settings for underwater environments, and capture high-quality footage. It also teaches the basics of editing and storytelling to create engaging underwater videos.
Do I need to have my own camera equipment to take the course? +
No, most dive centers provide rental underwater cameras for the course. However, if you own a GoPro or another underwater camera, you can bring it to familiarize yourself with your own gear.
How long does it take to complete the SSI Videography Specialty course? +
The course typically takes 1–2 days, including both theory and practical underwater sessions, depending on how much time is needed to master the skills and complete the required number of dives.
Will the SSI Videography Specialty certification improve my career opportunities in diving? +
Yes, it can enhance career opportunities, especially if you want to work as an underwater videographer or combine it with other specialties, like Divemaster or Instructor. It’s also valuable for divers interested in marine conservation and underwater documentation.