SSI (Scuba Schools International) is one of the world’s most established and trusted diving education organisations. Founded in 1970, SSI has spent more than five decades helping millions of people explore the underwater world safely across scuba, freediving, extended range, mermaiding, swimming, and lifeguarding.
With more than 4,000 Training Centres, over 100,000 professionals, and a presence in 150 countries, SSI is the largest professional business-based training agency in the world. Its freediving program has become one of the most widely recognised and accessible pathways for learning breath-hold diving, advancing technique, and building a professional career.
SSI’s reputation is built on high-quality education, industry-leading digital learning platforms, and internationally recognised standards backed by both RSTC membership and ISO certification. Wherever you travel, an SSI Freediving certification is accepted and respected worldwide.
SSI’s mission is to make safe, enjoyable underwater training accessible to everyone.
From beginners to professional freediving instructors, SSI empowers people to explore the underwater world with confidence and competence.
Freediving is one of the fastest-growing underwater sports, and SSI offers a complete, internationally recognised pathway for both recreational students and aspiring professionals. Below is an overview of each instructor-level program, written in a clean and SEO-friendly format.
Designed for active SSI scuba professionals who want to expand into the freediving market. This rating enables instructors to teach new freedivers fundamental breath-hold skills in a controlled, safe environment. It is an ideal entry point for those wanting to introduce people to the sport.
For experienced SSI freedivers who have completed the Training Techniques specialty, this is the first step into a professional freediving career. Assistant Instructors support certified instructors during training sessions, gain hands-on teaching experience, and learn the foundations of instructional techniques.
This certification marks the beginning of a professional teaching career in freediving. Freediving Instructors are trained to teach all foundational SSI freediving courses, guide students safely, and create positive learning environments built on relaxation, skill progression, and enjoyment. This level is the gateway for anyone who wants to teach full time.
Advanced Freediving Instructors can train students at more advanced levels, prepare divers for competitive-style skills, and teach deeper, more technical elements of performance freediving. This rating opens global employment opportunities and allows instructors to work with more experienced freedivers who want structured progression.
A specialty level for instructors who want to coach high-level athletes or divers seeking advanced performance. Performance Freediving Instructors help students improve equalisation techniques, increase breath-hold duration, refine freefall skills, and train toward competitive standards or personal records.
The highest professional level within SSI Freediving. Instructor Trainers certify new SSI Freediving Instructors, mentor future professionals, and contribute to the development of the global SSI freediving community. This rating positions educators among an elite group of international professionals.
SSI offers a range of specialty instructor ratings that allow professionals to teach advanced or niche freediving skills. These include:
These specialties help divers progress faster, refine technique, and experience different styles of breath-hold diving under expert guidance
Freediving is one of the fastest-growing underwater sports, and SSI offers a complete, internationally recognised pathway for both recreational students and aspiring professionals. Below is an overview of each instructor-level program, written in a clean and SEO-friendly format.
SSI combines decades of experience with modern digital learning tools, making it one of the most reliable and accessible freediving education systems in the world.
Discover various breathing techniques that are commonly used in freediving and relaxation practices. Whether you’re an experienced freediver or someone looking to reduce stress and anxiety, these techniques can help you achieve your goals.
