What are SSI Specialty Courses?

SSI Specialty Courses are training programs designed to expand your diving knowledge and skills beyond the Open Water Diver level. Specialties include Deep Diving, Navigation, Enriched Air Nitrox, Perfect Buoyancy, and more.

Do I need to be an SSI diver to take an SSI Specialty Course?

No. If you are certified with another training agency such as PADI, NAUI, or SDI, you can still take SSI Specialty Courses with Rich Coast Diving.

How much do SSI Specialty Courses cost?

Prices range from $80 to $350 USD depending on the specialty. All prices include professional instruction, necessary materials, and use of diving equipment.

How long does an SSI Specialty Course take?

Most SSI Specialty Courses take one to two days to complete, depending on the course and conditions.

Will my SSI Specialty Certification be recognized worldwide?

Yes. SSI certifications are internationally recognized and allow you to dive with the same privileges as divers certified by other major training agencies.

FAQ: SSI Specialty Courses

Rich Coast Diving
Aug 2
3 min read

Updated: Sep 24

Curious about advancing your scuba diving skills in Costa Rica? Whether you're a beginner diver or already certified, SSI Specialty Courses are a great way to build confidence and explore exciting new areas like night diving, shark ecology, or underwater navigation.

At Rich Coast Diving, we often get questions about which specialties to choose, how long they take, or who can sign up. This FAQ guide answers the most common questions divers ask about SSI Specialty Courses in Costa Rica—so you can dive in fully prepared.

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SSI Specialty Courses in Costa Rica. Learn to navigate under water !

1. What is an SSI Specialty Course?

An SSI Specialty Course is a focused training program that helps divers improve specific skills (like buoyancy or deep diving) or learn more about marine life and safety (like shark ecology or first aid). Some involve diving, while others are knowledge-based and open to non-divers. Have a look at the more then 20 Specialty courses we offer here at Rich Coast Diving.

Specialty Courses

2. How long do SSI Specialty Courses take?

Most SSI specialties take 1 to 2 days. Non-diving courses such as Enriched Air Nitrox or Marine Ecology can be completed in a half-day, while diving-based specialties generally include 2–4 dives.

3. What are the prerequisites?

Diving specialties (e.g., Deep, Navigation, Night): require Open Water Diver certification.
Knowledge-based specialties (e.g., Shark Ecology, Marine Ecology, React Right): no diving certification is required—perfect for non-divers or aspiring professionals.

4. Can I take multiple specialties during my trip?

Yes! Many students complete 2 to 5 specialties during a single week. Ask about bundle options like the Marine Conservation Package, which includes 5 specialties at a discounted rate.

We offer the following list of specialty courses at Rich Coast Diving:

Enriched Air Nitrox
Deep Diving
Perfect Buoyancy
React Right
Photo & Video
Navigation
Night & Limited Visibility
Wreck Diving
Search & Recovery
Equipment Techniques
Waves, Tides & Currents
Science of Diving
Shark Ecology
Manta & Ray Ecology
Fish Identification
Sea Turtle Ecology
Coral Identification
Marine Mammal Ecology
Marine Ecology
Nudibranch Ecology
Marine Invertebrate Ecology

5. Do these count toward SSI Specialty Diver, Advanced or Master Diver?

Yes ! When you complete a certain number specialties, you’ll also automatically earn the:

SSI Specialty Diver (12 logged dives & 2 Specialty Certifications)
SSI Advanced Open Water Diver (24 logged dives & 4 Specialty Certifications)
SSI Master Diver ratings (24 logged dives & 4 Specialty Certifications plus Diver Stress & Rescue)

SSI rewards your efforts and you automatically receive a digital recognition card at no additional costs or registration fees !

6. Can I complete the theory before arriving?

Yes. SSI provides online digital learning. You can complete theory modules at your own pace before your trip, allowing more time in the water once you're in Costa Rica.

SSI Digital learning materials and courses online

7. Is gear included in the course price?

Yes, most courses include full rental gear. For specific specialties like Nitrox or Deep Diving, specialty equipment such as dive computers or analyzers may be used and explained during training.

8. Can I combine specialty training with fun dives?

Absolutely. Many courses, such as Perfect Buoyancy, Fish Identification, or Navigation, can be conducted during regular fun dives at local dive sites.

9. Why take specialties in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica offers ideal conditions for SSI Specialty Courses—rich biodiversity, amazing beginner and advanced dive sites, bull sharks, rays, turtles, and more. Sites like Bat Islands, Catalinas, and local Papagayo dive spots are perfect for applying your training in real-world conditions.