Master the Motion – SSI Waves, Tides & Currents

Don’t fight the ocean—understand it. The ocean is a dynamic environment, constantly in motion. Whether it’s the surge of the surf, the pull of the tide, or the drift of a current, water movement dictates every aspect of your dive. The SSI Waves, Tides & Currents specialty teaches you the physics of water motion so you can predict conditions, plan safer dives, and use the water’s energy to your advantage.

Stop guessing what the visibility or conditions will be like. This course gives you the tools to look at a tide chart or a set of waves and know exactly what to expect before you even leave your house.

Why Take a Waves, Tides & Currents Course?

• Master Shore Diving: Learn to time your shore entries and exits perfectly, avoiding the "washing machine" effect in the surf zone.

• Go with the Flow: Drift diving is one of the most relaxing ways to dive—if you understand how currents work.

• Predict Conditions: Understand how tides affect visibility and currents, ensuring you pick the best time of day to dive.

• Safety & Efficiency: Learn to recognize hazards like rip currents and undertows, and how to navigate them without exhaustion.

What You Will Learn

This course turns you into a localized weather expert for diving.

• Wave Physics: How waves form, how they break, and how to measure wave height and period from the shore.

• Tidal Predictions: How to read tide tables and understand the relationship between the moon, sun, and water levels.

• Current Navigation: Identifying different types of currents (tidal, longshore, and ocean currents) and the techniques for diving in them.

• Equipment Considerations: Streamlining your gear to reduce drag and increase efficiency in moving water.

Expand Your Range

Ready for the ultimate drift dive? This specialty pairs perfectly with SSI Boat Diving and is essential for divers planning trips to high-current destinations like Cozumel or West Palm Beach. It is also a key component of the Advanced Open Water recognition.