SSI Training Centre · Courses from 1 OctoberLearn to dive on the Great Barrier Reef
Every minute of your training happens in the ocean at Moore Reef — in a sheltered training centre built into our pontoon, with the reef right beside it. No pool. No classroom. No nights away. You're home in Cairns every evening.
Five ways to dive with us
From your first breath underwater to rescue-level training — all of it on the reef, all of it with SSI, the certification agency recognised at dive centres worldwide.
image© Bob BobisavljevicIntro Reef Dive
SSI Basic Diver
Your first dive, on the Great Barrier Reef. Learn the skills in the sheltered training centre, then dive the reef with your instructor beside you. It counts toward a certification later.
Bookable todayAges 10+ · Half day · Max 12 m · RSTC medical form
Book now — $149 →
image© Predrag VuckovicBecome a Diver
SSI Open Water Diver · ISO 24801-2
The certification that opens everything up. Study online at home, then three days at Moore Reef with four ocean training dives. Dive anywhere in the world, to 18 metres, forever.
Ages 10+ · Online + 3 days · Max 18 m · RSTC medical form · Valid for life
Register your interest →
image© MaresGo Further
SSI Advanced Open Water Diver
Two days, three dives a day — six dives across five SSI specialties, Deep Diving and Navigation included. Come out certified to 30 metres.
Ages 12+ · 2 days · Max 30 m · Open Water required
Register your interest →
image© MaresRescue Ready
SSI Diver Stress & Rescue
Two days, five training dives plus a fun dive. Learn to spot stress, prevent incidents and manage emergencies — the course every serious diver rates as their best.
Ages 12+ · 2 days · Open Water + current First Aid, CPR & O₂ required
Register your interest →
image© Predrag VuckovicReturn to Diving
SSI Scuba Skills Update + Moore Reef
A couple of hours in the training centre to get it all back, then straight out on a guided reef dive. Add a second dive the same day for $99.
Ages 10+ · Half day · For certified divers · Guided dive included
Register your interest →Every minute of your training is on the reef
No pool, no classroom
Your skills sessions happen in our custom training centre built into the Moore Reef pontoon — enclosed, sheltered from wind, one to three metres deep, shallow enough to stand up in. Then you dive the reef right beside it.
Home every night
No liveaboard, no shared cabin, no nights away. Sail out with us in the morning, train on the reef, and you're back in Cairns each evening.
The rest of your day is Moore Reef
Waterslide, underwater observatory, snorkelling, lunch on the pontoon — and whoever you came with gets the full reef day while you're in your course.
A certification the world recognises
SSI certifications are ISO-recognised and accepted at dive centres worldwide. Your digital card lives on your phone, and it never expires.
Your first dives are real dives
Most people's first four dives are in a quarry or a chlorinated pool. Yours are on the Great Barrier Reef.
Study at home, then dive with us
Download the free SSI app
Your theory lives in the app, and so does your certification card once you pass. Create a free account with the email you book with.
Do the theory at home
Six sections of digital learning with videos and quizzes — 8 to 12 hours at your own pace, on the couch or on the plane. Finish before you arrive and your days in Cairns are spent in the water.
Train at Moore Reef
Skills in the sheltered training centre, then your open water training dives on the reef beside it. Small groups, an SSI instructor with you the whole way.
Get certified
Final exam, water fitness evaluation, and your SSI digital card lands on your phone — usually the same day. Valid for life, recognised worldwide.
Questions everyone asks
What's the minimum age?
Ten for the Intro Reef Dive, the Open Water course and Return to Diving. Advanced and Rescue start at 12. Divers aged 10 and 11 are limited to 12 metres, and anyone under 15 is certified as a Junior Diver, diving with a dive professional or a certified adult until they turn 15.
Do I need a medical?
Every diver completes the RSTC Diver Medical questionnaire before getting in the water. All “no” answers and you're cleared to dive. Any “yes” needs a doctor's signature first — we send the form at booking so you can sort it at home.
Do I need to be able to swim?
For the Intro Reef Dive you need to be reasonably comfortable in the water — your instructor stays with you the whole dive. Certification courses include a swim evaluation.
How long before my flight home?
Allow at least 18 hours between your last dive and any flight. Don't book a course right up against your departure.
I certified with PADI years ago — can I do your courses?
Yes. PADI, SDI and NAUI certifications are recognised for our continuing education courses and refreshers.
When do courses start?
1 October 2026. Register your interest below and you'll be the first to know when bookings open — founding-class spots will be limited while our instructors run small early groups.
Be first in the water
Bookings open soon. Leave your details and we'll email you the moment your course can be booked — before it's released anywhere else.
No payment, no obligation — just first access when bookings open.