Dive into History – SSI Wreck Diving

Every wreck has a story to tell. Shipwrecks are the most haunting and fascinating structures in the ocean. They are time capsules frozen in the deep, transforming over decades from man-made steel into vibrant living reefs. The SSI Wreck Diving specialty gives you the skills to explore these sunken giants safely, whether they are purpose-sunk artificial reefs or historic vessels lost in a storm.

Florida’s coast is lined with incredible wrecks ("Wreck Trek" in Ft. Lauderdale, the Spiegel Grove in Key Largo). This course ensures you have the knowledge to dive them properly—understanding the unique hazards of metal, rust, and overhead environments while enjoying the massive schools of fish they attract.

Why Take a Wreck Diving Course?

• Witness History: See the past up close. From WWII relics to modern freighters, wrecks offer a tangible connection to maritime history.

• Marine Life Magnets: Wrecks act as oases in the sand, attracting massive schools of baitfish, barracuda, Goliath grouper, and sharks.

• Photography Playground: The dramatic structures and silhouettes of a shipwreck provide some of the most stunning backdrops for underwater photography.

• Understand the Hazards: Wrecks are beautiful but dangerous. Learn to identify entanglement hazards, sharp edges, and unstable structures.

What You Will Learn

Wreck diving requires a respectful approach and precise skills.

• Non-Penetration Techniques: How to navigate the outside of a wreck safely, identifying points of interest without entering dangerous zones.

• Limited Penetration: Learn the strict safety protocols for entering the "light zone" of a wreck (where natural light is always visible), including line laying and communication.

• Research & Mapping: How to research a wreck before you dive it and map its layout underwater to avoid getting disoriented.

• Propulsion Techniques: Refining your kick style (frog kick) to avoid kicking up silt and reducing visibility inside or near the wreck.

Expand Your Range

Ready to go inside? This specialty is the foundation for serious exploration. It serves as the prerequisite for SSI Advanced Wreck Diving (full penetration) and is a critical stepping stone for Technical Diving.