Become a certified SSI Manta & Ray Ecology diver Join the SSI Manta and Ray Ecology specialty program and you will learn how to dive with rays and recognize different ray species. You will be taught how rays contribute to healthy ocean ecosystems and why these precious animals need our protection. Upon completion, you will earn your SSI Manta & Ray Ecology Specialty certification. Discover Local Course Dates Whether you’re on the move or planning ahead, we’ve got you covered. Never miss out on exciting training opportunities and register with ease. Facts and Training Standards Minimum Age 6Amount of Academic Sessions 5Maximum Training Depth 30 m / 100 ftSuggested duration (h) 3-6Certification Prerequisites No certification prerequisitesSSI Standards Languages Português (Brazil) English English US (imperial) Français Deutsch Italiano 日本語 한국어 Português (Portugal) Русский Español Türkçe Become a responsible diver Here are the benefits you can expect from attending this training program: Learn why the oceans are important to humanity Learn about threats to our oceans and their consequences Learn how you can help with only a few simple actions Continue your training Upgrade your training experience by taking more Specialty Programs. These are a perfect match for your current training! When you complete a certain number of Specialty Programs paired with Logged Dives, you will also automatically earn the SSI Recognition Ratings – SSI Specialty Diver, SSI Advanced Open Water Diver and SSI Master Diver. Continue your SSI Specialty training right away and earn recognition as you become a safer and more comfortable diver! Marine EcologyThe SSI Marine Ecology Specialty program is the best way to discover the exciting science of marine ecology and become an underwater naturalist. Enhance your dives in a new way. Earn the SSI Marine Ecology specialty certification now!6Minimum Age3-6Suggested duration (h)Shark EcologySharks are vital for healthy oceans and are truly spectacular to dive with! Join the SSI Shark Ecology program and learn how to dive safely with sharks, why their behaviors are misunderstood and more. Start online today!6Minimum Age3-6Suggested duration (h)Sea Turtle EcologyYou will learn to identify sea turtles species, discover their history and role in marine ecosystems, and threats to their survival. Upon completion, you will earn the SSI Sea Turtle Ecology Specialty certification.6Minimum Age3-6Suggested duration (h) More Information Training Prerequisites SSI Entry-Level Programs – Open Water Diver, Freediver, or Mermaid require students to complete a water fitness evaluation prior to open water training. The goal of this evaluation is to determine a comfort level baseline consisting of: Swim Assessment Survival Float Technical Requirements To start training, students must create a MySSI profile. This can either be done via the SSI website at www.divessi.com/register or by installing the MySSI App. Simply download the app for either iOS or Android, set up the user profile, and access the world of diving in minutes! The MySSI App safely stores everything in one place, online or offline – training materials, logbook, and certification cards. This includes Recreational Scuba, Extended Range, Freediving and Mermaid. Training Center Selection & Affiliation Every student must select an SSI Training Center as their “Training Partner” during the course registration process. Affiliation ensures personalized service and a high-quality training experience. Students can also change affiliation or choose to affiliate with multiple Training Centers in their user profile. When affiliating with a Training Center online or via the MySSI App, a Privacy Policy Agreement will be processed to comply with GDPR regulations. Medical & Administrative Requirements Each student or candidate must complete the required SSI Training Record Forms prior to participating in any SSI training program. The forms for minors must be reviewed and signed by a parent or guardian. Responsible Diver Code SSI Responsible Diver Code - Scuba DivingSSI Responsible Diver Code - FreedivingSSI Responsible Diver Code - Extended Range Diving Diver Medical Statement & Questionnaire or Physician’s Approval to Dive (where required) Training Assumption of Risk, Liability Release, & Liability Release, & Hold Harmless Agreement (where required / not applicable within the European Union) Program-specific Completion Record (done by the Instructor prior to certification) Training Course Costs Training consists of various components which are either charged singly or as a package depending on the selected Training Center. The components are: Training Materials / Digital Kit Tuition for Academics and In-Water Training Open Water Training Dives Certification Discover the Wonders of the Deep with SSI's Blog Join us on an exciting journey of discovery and learn more about exhilarating diving adventures, dedicated conservation initiatives, and innovative educational opportunities that will help you illuminate the extraordinary beauty of the underwater world. Let's explore the underwater world together and delve into the hidden wonders beneath the gentle waves. Handpicked destinations for aquatic enthusiasts If you love marine life or are a budding underwater naturalist, do not miss our Ecology specialty programs! They are the perfect way to learn about different marine life and how to dive safely with sharks, rays and more. Available entirely online, get started today with SSI. © iStock/4FRAustraliaThe world’s largest coral reef, the Great Barrier Reef is the essence of diving in Australia.Learn more © iStock/ferrantraiteMexicoDiving in Mexico is a breathtaking, world-class experience. This country offers many adventures and a landscape full of natural wonders.Learn more © iStock-LunamarinaFloridaThe Sunshine State Florida offers many great and divers dive sites from the tropical Florida Keys to deep shipwrecks and crystal clear freshwater springs.Learn more © iStock/narvikkEgyptThe Arab Republic of Egypt is a country that sits in the Northeast corner of Africa on the Mediterranean Sea to its north and the Red Sea to its east.Learn more © iStock/valio84slCaribbean SeaWorld-famous dive destinations such as Aruba, The Bahamas, Cayman Islands, Cuba, The Guadeloupe Islands and many others are located in the Caribbean Sea.Learn more