SSI Open Water Diver Course

SSI Open Water Diver course in Sesimbra with Diving&Freediving Sesimbra, founded by Hugo Viana in 2005 and certified by some of the most prestigious diving organisations in the world including SSI, PADI and CMAS. At 250 euros, this internationally recognised certification programme is the best way to begin your lifelong adventure as a certified diver, combining personalised instruction with practical in-water sessions to ensure you gain the skills and confidence needed to feel genuinely comfortable underwater. No prior certification required. Minimum age 10.

The course includes online theory sessions you can complete at your own pace, six pool or confined water sessions to build foundational skills and comfort before entering open water, and four open water dives in the waters off Sesimbra, working to a maximum depth of 18 metres for participants aged 15 and over. Suggested training duration is 16 to 32 hours, giving you a flexible pace through one of Portugal’s most respected and experienced dive schools. At the end of the course you receive your SSI Open Water Diver certification, internationally recognised and valid for diving anywhere in the world.

How the course work

The online theory is completed independently and at your own pace before the practical sessions.

Once you have completed the theory, you will attend the practical training sessions in Sesimbra. The four open water dives can be spread across different dates and do not necessarily take place on consecutive days. Depending on the available schedule, you may complete your practical training, for example, on two consecutive days, on the same day of the week across two different weeks, or on another combination of available dates.

When booking, select the available practical training first date that works best for you. The available combinations of dates may vary depending on the schedule of the instructors and diving conditions.

Practical sessions are generally available in the morning at around 9:00 am or in the afternoon at around 2:00 pm. The exact time must be confirmed directly with the instructor after booking, as the available time may vary depending on the chosen date, instructor availability and diving conditions.

What you’ll learn

🤿 The theoretical foundations of scuba diving through online e-learning
🤿 Essential diving skills and techniques across six pool or confined water sessions
🤿 How to plan, execute and complete open water dives safely and independently
🤿 Buoyancy control, equipment use and underwater navigation fundamentals
🤿 Everything required to achieve your SSI Open Water Diver international certification

What’s included

🌊 Online theory sessions
🌊 Six pool or confined water sessions
🌊 Four open water dives off the Sesimbra coast
🌊 SSI Open Water Diver international certification upon completion

What you leave with

Your SSI Open Water Diver international certification, the skills and confidence to dive anywhere in the world and the beginning of a lifelong relationship with the ocean guided by one of the most experienced and respected dive schools in Portugal.

I am Hugo Viana, founder of Diving&Freediving Sesimbra, established in 2005. With a deep-rooted passion for the ocean, I have dedicated my life to exploring and sharing the wonders of the sea. My expertise spans both scuba diving and freediving, and I am certified by SSI, PADI and CMAS. Under my leadership, Sesimbra Diving has become synonymous with quality and professionalism, offering courses that emphasise safety, expertise and deep respect for the marine environment, whether you are a complete beginner or working toward professional instructor levels.

Price 250 euros. Suggested duration 16 to 32 hours. Minimum age 10. Maximum depth 18 metres for ages 15 and over. No prior certification required. Takes place in Sesimbra.