The SSI Advanced Specialty Diver recognition is often the moment when diving truly clicks. You’ve finished your Open Water course, logged a few fun dives, and started feeling comfortable underwater, and maybe even managed to climb back onto the boat without losing a fin (most of the time). Nice work.
At this stage, many divers ask the same question: what’s next after Open Water?
That’s exactly where the SSI Advanced Specialty Diver comes in.
Rather than being a single course, this recognition is built through SSI advanced diving courses that focus on specific skills and environments. It’s designed to develop real-world ability through advanced scuba training, allowing you to improve buoyancy, navigation, depth awareness, and overall dive confidence at your own pace.
For divers looking to progress with purpose, the SSI Advanced Specialty Diver is one of the most flexible and rewarding forms of advanced scuba diving certification available today.
What Is the SSI Advanced Specialty Diver? And How to Earn It.
The SSI Advanced Specialty Diver isn’t a single course. It’s a recognition level that reflects your commitment to developing as a diver through SSI advanced diving courses.
To earn your SSI Advanced Specialty Diver certification, you’ll need to:
- Complete four SSI scuba diving specialties, and
- Log at least 24 dives
Once you’ve met these requirements, you’ll be officially recognised as an SSI Advanced Specialty Diver, a diver with proven experience, confidence, and the skills needed to handle more challenging dive environments
Popular Specialty Courses That Count Toward SSI Advanced Specialty Diver
Many divers are surprised to learn they may already be working toward this recognition without realizing it. Popular scuba diving specialties include:
- Deep Diving – safely explore depths down to 40 metres
- Perfect Buoyancy – improve control, trim, and air consumption
- Navigation – stop wondering where the boat went
- Night Diving – discover a completely different reef after dark
- Enriched Air Nitrox – extend bottom times and feel fresher after dives
Each specialty contributes directly toward your SSI advanced scuba diving certification pathway.
Do You Need SSI Advanced Open Water First?
Short answer: No. And this is where SSI stands out.
Unlike some training systems, SSI does not require you to complete Advanced Open Water before starting advanced scuba training. You can begin SSI advanced diving courses immediately after your Open Water certification.
The SSI Advanced Open Water course is a great option if you want a short introduction to different types of diving. It’s designed as a five-dive experience to build confidence and sample new environments.
However, if you already know what interests you (deeper dives, better buoyancy, night diving, or Nitrox), you can jump straight into full scuba diving specialties and start progressing toward the SSI Advanced Specialty Diver recognition right away.
SSI Advanced Open Water vs SSI Advanced Specialty Diver
This is one of the most common points of confusion, so let’s clear it up.
Advanced Open Water is an experience-based course designed to sample different types of diving.
The SSI Advanced Specialty Diver, on the other hand, is about mastery and progression earned through completed advanced scuba diving certification courses.
| SSI Advanced Open Water | SSI Advanced Specialty Diver | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Type | Experience Course | Recognition Level |
| Specialties Required | None (taster dives only) | 4 SSI Diving Specialty Courses |
| Dives Required | 5 (9 upon completion) | 24 Logged Dives |
| Goals | Try new things! | Develop Mastery & Advanced Skills |
| Who’s it for? | Newly certified divers | Divers ready to commit to next-level training |
Think of Advanced Open Water as the introduction. Becoming an Advanced Specialty Diver is where you build confidence, consistency, and true diving competence through focused training and experience.
Why Become an SSI Advanced Specialty Diver?
Beyond the shiny card in your app, there are real benefits to completing advanced scuba training.
Become a Safer, More Skilled Diver
Each Specialty course adds practical skills you’ll use on real dives, from improved buoyancy to better situational awareness.
Access More Dive Sites
Many dive sites require advanced training. Completing SSI advanced diving courses opens access to deeper, more challenging, and more exciting dive environments.
Build Real Confidence
Experience builds calm, controlled divers. Scuba diving specialties help you stay calm, capable, and relaxed underwater.
A Clear Path Toward Professional Levels
If Divemaster is on your radar, specialties like Nitrox and Rescue are essential. These courses count toward your SSI Advanced Specialty Diver while supporting your professional goals.
Globally Recognised Certification
Your advanced scuba diving certification is recognised worldwide, making travel diving easier and more enjoyable.
What You Need to Get Started
Getting started with your SSI Advanced Specialty Diver journey is refreshingly simple:
✔ Be an SSI Open Water Diver (or equivalent)
✔ Complete four SSI scuba diving specialties of your choice
✔ Log at least 24 dives.
✔ Get ready for a very satisfying “congratulations” email from SSI and a new card in your App!
There’s no rush. You can work toward this recognition at your own pace, combining advanced scuba training with fun diving along the way..
From SSI Advanced Specialty Diver to Master Diver or Divemaster
Once you’ve earned your SSI Advanced Specialty Diver, you’re already well on your way to SSI Master Diver, one of SSI’s highest recreational recognitions.
To get there, you’ll need:
4 Specialty Courses
SSI Rescue Diver + React Right
50 logged dives
From there, the path to Divemaster becomes clear and achievable. The skills you develop through Specialty training form the foundation for professional-level diving and leadership.
Why Do Your SSI Advanced Specialty Diver Training at Crystal Dive?
At Crystal Dive Koh Tao, we believe that advanced scuba training should feel like an adventure, not homework.
Our experienced SSI instructors tailor your scuba diving specialties around what excites you most, whether that’s deep diving at Chumphon Pinnacle or mastering buoyancy at Twins. You’ll train in warm tropical water, at your own pace, with plenty of support (and laughs) along the way.
Whether you’re chasing an advanced scuba diving certification, aiming for Master Diver, or simply want to dive better, we’ll help you get there.
Final Thoughts: Is SSI Advanced Specialty Diver Worth It?
Absolutely.
The SSI Advanced Specialty Diver recognition represents growth, confidence, and freedom underwater. Through SSI advanced diving courses, structured advanced scuba training, and carefully chosen scuba diving specialties, you’ll become a safer, calmer, and more capable diver.
Whether your goal is Master Diver, Divemaster, or simply becoming a more relaxed and capable diver, every specialty and every new skill adds something valuable. And at Crystal Dive Koh Tao, we’re here to make sure you enjoy every step of the journey.
