Dive Classes
Entry-Level
OPEN WATER DIVER
As an Open Diver Water, you will be able to dive anywhere you want, with anyone you want and become part of a community of underwater explorers that others dream of joining. If you are short on time or not ready to become an Open Water Diver, our Basic Diver, Scuba Diver, Indoor Diver and Referral Diver programs are also great choices to learn how to dive. You can upgrade your certification easily and at any time to become an Open Water Diver, simply by completing some additional training.
Learn how to scuba dive with HSD and begin your adventure today!
Related Information
Power-up your Open Water Class with these available add-on Classes!
The following programs can be combined with your Open Water Diver training. Skills and experience are your ticket to dive the world’s best dive sites. Start your SSI Specialty training right away and earn recognition on your way to become a safe and comfortable diver!
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Enriched Air Nitrox
Extend your dive time, shorten your surface intervals and spend more time exploring the dive sites you love, with the SSI Enriched Air Nitrox Specialty certification program. Learn More -
Perfect Buoyancy
Staying off the reef is an important skill! Gain the skills and knowledge to improve your buoyancy. Learn More
TRY SCUBA
The SSI Try Scuba program is a simple, low-pressure way to experience scuba diving for the first time with the guidance of an SSI Professional.
This class introduces students to basic scuba concepts, equipment, and breathing underwater in a controlled pool or confined water setting.
Try Scuba is ideal for people who are curious about diving but are not quite ready to commit to a full certification program. Students get a safe first taste of scuba while learning what makes the underwater world so addictive.
It's a great starting point for anyone considering the Open Water Diver course and wanting to see what scuba feels like before jumping into full training.
Upcoming Classes
There are currently no classes scheduled.
Please contact High Sierra Divers to check for upcoming class dates.
Related Information
Ready for the Full Certification?
After trying scuba in a pool or confined water setting, the Open Water Diver course is the natural next step for students who want to become certified divers and begin exploring open water dive sites.
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Open Water Diver
Become a certified diver and learn the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to dive safely with a buddy. Learn More
ENRICHED AIR NITROX
Diving with enriched air can increase your no-decompression limits, increase your safety, and reduce the required length of your surface intervals when compared to air.
The SSI Enriched Air Nitrox program will teach you how to safely plan and dive with enriched air mixtures of up to 40% oxygen. You will earn the SSI Enriched Air Nitrox 32% certification after completing this program.
Students may earn the Enriched Air Nitrox certification in combination with the Open Water Diver certification by completing all the required academic and practical application sessions from the Enriched Air Nitrox program during their Open Water Diver training.
Students may use nitrox during the in-water training portion of the Open Water Diver program once they have completed the academic and practical application sessions.
Related Information
The Advanced Open Water Specialty
The Advanced Open Water Specialty takes divers to the next level. A logical progression from Open Water Diver, learn new skills to elevate your diving.
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Advanced Open Water Diver
Continue your adventures and get the skills and experience you need to dive the world’s best dive sites, with SSI advanced training programs. Learn More
Related Information
Power-up your Open Water Class with these available add-on Classes!
The following programs can be combined with your Open Water Diver training. Skills and experience are your ticket to dive the world’s best dive sites. Start your SSI Specialty training right away and earn recognition on your way to become a safe and comfortable diver!
-
Enriched Air Nitrox
Extend your dive time, shorten your surface intervals and spend more time exploring the dive sites you love, with the SSI Enriched Air Nitrox Specialty certification program. Learn More
Continuing Education
ADVANCED OPEN WATER DIVER
This is a very popular class that many students take after their Basic Open Water class. Typically, this class includes a night of lectures, and four specialty classes - Boat, Navigation, Deep, and Night(Limited Visibility).
SSI's Advanced Diver rating stands alone in the industry with the highest combination of diving knowledge and experience. No other agency's advanced diver level compares. An SSI Advanced Diver rating requires 4 specialties with two dives performed in each of those specialties.
Related Information
Consider taking the Stress & Rescue Specialty
The Stress & Rescue Specialty teaches divers some advanced rescue techniques and important skills to remain safe in stressful situations.
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Advanced Specialty Diver
Take the next step toward becoming an Advanced Specialty Diver. Learn More -
Stress & Rescue Specialty
Become a more confident diver, and learn techniques to help avoid stressful situations. Learn More
SCUBA SKILLS UPDATE
The SSI Scuba Skills Update is a comfortable, practical way to refresh your diving knowledge and rebuild confidence before getting back in the water.
This program is ideal for certified divers who have been away from diving for a while, divers preparing for an upcoming trip, or students who want extra practice before completing open water training.
Students review important Open Water Diver concepts and practice core scuba skills in a controlled pool or confined water environment under the guidance of an SSI Professional.
It's a smart tune-up for divers who want to feel calm, prepared, and ready before their next dive adventure.
Upcoming Classes
There are currently no classes scheduled.
Please contact High Sierra Divers to check for upcoming class dates.
Related Information
Fine-Tune Your Buoyancy
After refreshing your core scuba skills, Perfect Buoyancy is a strong next step for divers who want better control, improved trim, and more relaxed dives.
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Perfect Buoyancy
Improve your body position, buoyancy control, breathing, and overall comfort so your dives feel smoother and more efficient. Learn More
SSI DRYSUIT DIVING SPECIALTY
The SSI Drysuit Diving Specialty gives certified divers the knowledge and practical skills to dive safely and confidently using a drysuit.
This one-day course combines academic instruction, pool training, and two open-water dives. Learn equipment selection, drysuit operation, buoyancy control, and emergency procedures.
Ideal for divers interested in cold-water or altitude diving, or extending their diving season.
Upcoming Classes
There are currently no classes scheduled.
Please contact High Sierra Divers to check for upcoming class dates.
What You Will Learn
- Drysuit types, selection, fit, and components
- Exposure protection and appropriate undergarments
- Buoyancy, trim, and managing air in the suit
- Drysuit care, maintenance, and emergency procedures
- Practical skills in the pool and two supervised open-water dives
Requirements
Minimum age: 10
Certification: Open Water Diver or equivalent
Pool training: Students must bring their own drysuit.
Related Information
Drysuit diving can also be beneficial for these specialties:
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Deep Diving
Combine drysuit confidence with thoughtful planning for deeper dives. Learn More -
Night & Limited Visibility
Prepare for the additional demands of darkness and reduced visibility. Learn More
STRESS & RESCUE
The SSI Stress & Rescue program is one of the most valuable classes a diver can take, building the awareness, confidence, and practical skills needed to prevent problems before they become emergencies.
In this class, students learn how to identify diver stress, improve situational awareness, respond calmly to common in-water problems, and assist both themselves and other divers in emergency situations.
Through academic training, pool/confined water practice, and open water scenarios, divers develop hands-on rescue techniques, stronger problem-solving skills, and a better understanding of accident prevention.
This is an essential continuing education program for divers who want to become safer, more capable buddies and more confident leaders in the water.
Upcoming Classes
There are currently no classes scheduled.
Please contact High Sierra Divers to check for upcoming class dates.
Related Information
Take the Next Step Toward Leadership
After building rescue skills and stronger dive awareness, Assistant Instructor training is a natural progression for divers ready to expand their knowledge, mentor others, and move toward professional-level diving.
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Assistant Instructor
Take the next step toward dive leadership by developing teaching support skills, deeper dive knowledge, and the confidence to assist with diver training programs. Learn More
React Right CPR & OXYGEN PROVIDER
The SSI React Right program provides emergency first response training for divers and non-divers who want to be prepared when a medical emergency occurs.
This class includes practical training in primary assessment, first aid, CPR, primary stabilization techniques, oxygen administration for diving emergencies, and AED basics.
Students practice realistic response scenarios so they can build confidence, stay organized under pressure, and provide meaningful aid until professional medical care arrives.
This is an important companion course for active divers and is commonly paired with rescue-level training because it develops the emergency care skills used before, during, and after a dive incident.
Upcoming Classes
There are currently no classes scheduled.
Please contact High Sierra Divers to check for upcoming class dates.
Related Information
Build Toward Rescue Skills
Emergency response training supports the next step into rescue-level diving, where divers learn to identify stress, prevent accidents, and assist other divers in the water.
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Stress & Rescue
Learn how to recognize diver stress, prevent problems, and respond to common rescue situations with calm, practical skills. Learn More
ADVANCED SPECIALTY DIVER
Push your limits and unlock new underwater worlds with eight exhilarating dives designed to transform you into a confident, skilled diver.
This comprehensive certification combines expert instruction with thrilling dive adventures, taking you from compass navigation to 100-foot depths, kelp forest exploration to nocturnal marine encounters.
Related Information
Consider taking the Stress & Rescue Specialty
The Stress & Rescue Specialty teaches divers some advanced rescue techniques and important skills to remain safe in stressful situations.
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Stress & Rescue Specialty
Become a more confident diver, and learn techniques to help avoid stressful situations. Learn More
ALTITUDE DIVING
The SSI Altitude Diving specialty gives divers the knowledge needed to safely plan and conduct dives at elevations above 1000 feet.
Diving at altitude changes how pressure, dive planning, no-decompression limits, and computer use are managed. This class helps students understand those differences before heading to mountain lakes or other high-elevation dive sites.
Students learn how altitude affects depth calculations, decompression considerations, ascent planning, and repetitive dive planning, so they can make better decisions when conditions are different from sea level.
This is a compact but useful specialty for divers who want to expand their diving options beyond the coast and enjoy inland, mountain, and travel diving with better preparation.
Related Information
Expand Where You Can Dive
Altitude Diving pairs naturally with stronger dive knowledge. Science of Diving helps build the physics and physiology background that makes advanced dive planning easier to understand.
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Science of Diving
Build a deeper understanding of diving physics, physiology, decompression theory, equipment, and the aquatic environment. Learn More
SCIENCE OF DIVING
The SSI Science of Diving specialty is a knowledge-focused program for divers who want to understand the underwater world at a deeper level.
This class covers important dive theory topics including physics, physiology, decompression theory, equipment, and the aquatic environment.
Science of Diving is especially valuable for divers moving toward professional training, because SSI identifies it as required training for most SSI Professional programs and some Extended Range programs.
Whether your goal is professional development or simply becoming a more informed diver, this program gives you a stronger foundation for planning, decision-making, and safer diving.
Related Information
Prepare for Dive Leadership
Science of Diving is a major step toward professional-level knowledge. React Right emergency training is another important piece for divers preparing for rescue or leadership-level programs.
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CPR & Oxygen Provider
Learn first response skills including primary assessment, CPR, first aid, AED basics, and emergency oxygen administration. Learn More
SSI PHOTO & VIDEO
Capture the Adventure. Share the Memories.
The underwater world is full of moments worth remembering. Now you can learn how to capture them.
Underwater photography and video come with challenges you simply don’t encounter on land. Buoyancy, lighting, composition, water movement, and managing your camera system all become part of the dive.
The SSI Photo & Video Specialty gives you the knowledge and practical skills to confidently use your underwater camera while continuing to improve your diving abilities.
Turn Your Dives into Memories
Your underwater adventures are meant to be shared. Whether you're photographing a curious sea lion, a colorful nudibranch, a dramatic reef, or simply capturing the fun of a dive with friends, the right skills can turn an ordinary dive into something you'll want to remember forever.
Upcoming Classes
There are currently no classes scheduled.
Please contact High Sierra Divers to check for upcoming class dates.
What You Will Learn
Camera Skills
Learn how to properly use, maintain, and care for your underwater camera system.
Underwater Lighting
Understand how light, color, depth, and water conditions affect your photos and video.
Buoyancy & Positioning
Develop better control in the water so you can position yourself for the perfect shot without disturbing the environment.
Photo & Video Techniques
Learn techniques for creating sharper, more colorful, and engaging underwater images and video.
Capture the Moment
Discover how to photograph marine life, scenery, your dive buddies, and the incredible details you might otherwise miss.
Related Information
Specialties that are highly recommended for Photography divers:
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Boat Diving
Explore offshore dive sites and discover new underwater subjects to photograph and film. Learn More -
Perfect Buoyancy
Improve your control and positioning to capture better images while protecting the underwater environment. Learn More
SSI BOAT DIVING SPECIALTY
Your next diving adventure is just a boat ride away.
Some of the most memorable dive sites are beyond the reach of shore. The SSI Boat Diving Specialty helps you prepare for the opportunities and responsibilities that come with diving from a boat.
Learn the techniques needed to dive confidently from a variety of vessels, from smaller dive boats to liveaboards, while enjoying access to offshore reefs, marine life, and new underwater environments.
The program combines academic training with two open-water training dives so you can practice your skills in a real boating environment.
Upcoming Classes
There are currently no classes scheduled.
Please contact High Sierra Divers to check for upcoming class dates.
Why Learn Boat Diving?
Dive Beyond the Shore
Explore sites and marine environments that may only be accessible by boat.
Become a Confident Boat Diver
Build the knowledge to prepare for and participate in boat dives safely and comfortably.
Discover Different Vessels
Get familiar with diving from small boats and larger liveaboard operations.
Practice in Open Water
Apply your new knowledge during two instructor-supervised open-water training dives.
Related Information
Explore these complementary SSI programs:
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Night & Limited Visibility
Build skills for boat dives after dark and dives with reduced visibility. Learn More -
Deep Diving
Prepare for deeper recreational dive sites often reached by boat. Learn More
SSI UNDERWATER NAVIGATION
Know Where You Are. Know Where You’re Going.
Take the guesswork out of your dives!
Good navigation is one of the most valuable skills a diver can develop. Whether you’re exploring a familiar lake, diving a new site, or searching for something specific underwater, knowing how to find your way makes your dives more enjoyable, efficient, and confident.
Dive with Purpose
Navigation isn't just about knowing which direction you're traveling—it’s about becoming more aware of your surroundings and learning to plan, execute, and adjust your dive.
Spend less time wondering “Where are we?” and more time enjoying “What's over there?”
Upcoming Classes
There are currently no classes scheduled.
Please contact High Sierra Divers to check for upcoming class dates.
What You Will Learn
Compass Skills
Learn how to properly use a dive compass, establish headings, and follow a planned course underwater.
Natural Navigation
Use underwater clues such as light, sun position, water movement, ripples, bottom contours, and natural landmarks to help determine your location.
Distance Estimation
Learn techniques for estimating distance underwater using kick cycles, time, and other practical methods.
Navigation Patterns
Practice common navigation patterns, including square, triangle, and search patterns, to help you return to a starting point or locate a specific area.
Build your skills. Build your confidence. Explore more.
Related Information
Explore these complementary SSI programs:
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Boat Diving
Put your navigation skills to use at offshore dive sites. Learn More -
Night & Limited Visibility
Improve navigation when underwater visibility is reduced. Learn More
SSI NIGHT & LIMITED VISIBILITY
Discover a Whole New World After Dark!
Your dive adventure doesn’t have to end when the sun goes down...
...when darkness falls, the underwater world changes. Creatures that hide during the day emerge to hunt, explore, and feed. Corals come alive, colors seem more vibrant, and familiar dive sites can become an entirely new adventure.
Night diving is also an important skill for divers who may encounter limited visibility in lakes, quarries, or other environments where water clarity is reduced.
See What You’ve Been Missing
From nocturnal marine life to feeding corals and the mysterious beauty of a darkened dive site, the underwater world takes on a whole new personality at night.
Upcoming Classes
There are currently no classes scheduled.
Please contact High Sierra Divers to check for upcoming class dates.
What You Will Learn
Learn to dive with confidence in the dark or in reduced visibility, with a buddy and an effective plan.
- Properly use and manage underwater dive lights.
- Communicate effectively with your buddy team.
- Maintain awareness and navigation in reduced visibility.
- Plan and prepare for nighttime diving.
- Manage the unique challenges of diving after dark.
- Build confidence in unfamiliar or limited-visibility conditions.
Minimum Requirements
Training: 2 open water dives
Equipment: Dive light
Expand your skills. Expand your adventures.
Related Information
Explore these complementary SSI programs:
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Underwater Navigation
Develop compass and natural navigation skills for challenging conditions. Learn More -
Boat Diving
Prepare for night-diving adventures aboard a dive boat. Learn More
SSI DEEP DIVING SPECIALTY
GO DEEPER. DIVE SMARTER. EXPLORE MORE.
Some of the most exciting and intriguing dive sites are found below the limits of your everyday recreational dives. Going deeper opens up a whole new world—but it also requires additional knowledge, planning, and skills.
The SSI Deep Diving Specialty is designed to prepare you for deeper recreational dives by teaching you how to recognize and manage the unique considerations that come with depth.
Through academic learning and hands-on open water training, you’ll gain the skills and confidence needed to dive deeper responsibly.
Upcoming Classes
There are currently no classes scheduled.
Please contact High Sierra Divers to check for upcoming class dates.
Prepare for the Journey
Plan
Learn how to properly plan and prepare for deeper dives while understanding the potential risks involved.
Equipment
Become familiar with the equipment and tools needed to conduct deep recreational dives.
Skills & Knowledge
Build the practical skills and confidence needed to manage yourself and your dive at greater depths.
Experience
Put your knowledge and skills into practice during a minimum of 3 open water dives.
Related Information
Explore these complementary SSI programs:
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Boat Diving
Build confidence when accessing deeper offshore dive sites by boat. Learn More -
Underwater Navigation
Strengthen your ability to plan routes and navigate on deeper dives. Learn More
Professional Level
SSI DIVEMASTER PROGRAM
Start Your Professional Diving Journey
If you’re passionate about diving and ready to turn your experience into something more, the SSI Divemaster program is the perfect next step. Whether your goal is to work in the dive industry, travel the world, or become a stronger and more confident diver, this program prepares you to lead, guide, and inspire others underwater.
At High Sierra Divers, our Divemaster training combines hands-on experience, practical application, and professional-level instruction in a supportive environment.
The program is a major step on the SSI professional pathway toward Assistant Instructor and Open Water Instructor.
Upcoming Classes
There are currently no classes scheduled.
Please contact High Sierra Divers to check for upcoming class dates.
What You Will Learn
- Supervise and guide certified divers.
- Assist instructors during training.
- Plan and organize dives.
- Develop leadership and rescue skills.
- Build confidence and professionalism in real-world dive situations.
Program Schedule
One evening lecture or pool session each week, four to five diving weekends, ten or more training dives, and a written final exam.
Course Tuition
Divemaster Course: $595.00
Additional professional materials, registration, activation, and insurance costs apply. See the class detail page.
Related Information
Explore these complementary SSI programs:
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Assistant Instructor
Take the next step on the SSI professional pathway toward teaching divers. Learn More
ASSISTANT INSTRUCTOR
The SSI Assistant Instructor program is the next professional step for divers who are ready to move beyond leadership and begin developing the knowledge, teaching skills, and confidence needed to train future divers.
In this class, candidates build a strong foundation in academic presentation, confined water teaching techniques, student control, evaluation methods, and the standards that support safe, effective diver education.
Assistant Instructors learn how to assist with entry-level training, conduct selected portions of diver education, and work closely with SSI Instructors while gaining real-world instructional experience.
This program is an important step toward becoming an Open Water Instructor and is ideal for dive professionals who want to expand their role, increase their teaching responsibilities, and grow within the dive industry.
Related Information
The Instructor Training Course
The Instructor Training Course prepares dive professionals for the next level of teaching, leadership, and evaluation on the path to becoming an SSI Open Water Instructor.
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Instructor Training Course
Build the teaching skills, academic knowledge, and professional confidence needed to take the next step toward becoming an SSI Open Water Instructor. Learn More