SSI Freediving Levels Explained: Level 1 to Instructor

SSI, or Scuba Schools International, runs one of the largest recognized freediving programs through a global network of dive centers. The recreational path has a clear shape: a short Basic Freediving course to try the sport, then three depth levels that build in steady steps, followed by specialty courses and an instructor track. If you are still choosing between agencies, our freediving certification overview compares the main options side by side.

Each level pairs a depth target with matching pool skills and a static breath hold. The point is not to hit a number for its own sake. Deeper dives demand better equalization, more relaxation, and stronger rescue habits from your buddy, so SSI ties those skills to specific depths. If freediving is new to you, the how to freedive guide covers the basics before you book a course.

The levels at a glance:

• Basic Freediving: intro or try course, no set depth grade
• Freediving Level 1: constant weight to about 20m
• Freediving Level 2: constant weight to about 30m
• Freediving Level 3: constant weight to about 40m
• Specialty and instructor courses above Level 3

Basic Freediving is SSI's short introduction. It is designed for someone who wants a supervised first session without committing to a full certification. The course covers the core safety rules, a simple breath up, basic equalization, and a shallow guided dive, usually to no more than 5m to 10m.

Depth

shallow guided dives, typically under 10m

Duration

a half day to a full day

Age

generally 12 and up, with parental consent for minors

Prerequisite

comfortable in water, basic swimming ability

Basic Freediving does not certify you to dive independently. Think of it as a structured trial. If you enjoy it, the theory and skills carry directly into Level 1, and many centers let you credit the cost toward the full course. For a fuller picture of what beginners spend across agencies, see our freediving cost breakdown.

The three depth levels form the heart of the recreational program. Each one has a realistic depth target, a static breath hold, and a dynamic pool swim. The figures below are the standard targets, though individual centers set slightly different minimums and instructors always prioritize a safe, relaxed dive over the exact number.

Freediving Level 1

Level 1 is the true beginner certification and the level most people mean when they say they got certified. It builds a safe foundation: freediving physiology, the buddy system, correct breath up and recovery breathing, the Frenzel equalization technique, and rescue skills from the surface. In the water you work toward a constant weight dive near 20m, a static hold around 2 minutes, and a dynamic swim of roughly 40m. Expect 2 to 3 days, split between theory, a pool or confined session, and open water dives.

Freediving Level 2

Level 2 pushes the constant weight target to about 30m and sharpens the skills that make that depth repeatable. You refine Frenzel equalization, learn free immersion pulling down the line, practice deeper rescues, and add training theory so you can improve on your own. Static climbs toward roughly 2:45 and dynamic toward about 55m. The prerequisite is a completed Level 1, and the course typically runs 3 to 4 days. Many divers consider Level 2 the sweet spot for recreational depth.

Freediving Level 3

Level 3 targets about 40m and marks the move toward advanced freediving. At this depth, equalization gets harder as your air volume shrinks, so the course introduces the mouthfill technique and deeper adaptation work. Static aims for roughly 3:30 and dynamic for about 65m. You must hold Level 2 first, and centers usually require you to be 18. Plan on 3 to 4 days, and often more line time to build comfort at depth.

Beyond Level 3, SSI splits into specialty courses and a professional track. If you want to teach, the path runs through advanced diver ratings, then a divemaster style role, then an instructor training course and evaluation. Requirements tighten as you climb, covering depth experience, rescue competence, and teaching ability.

1. 01 —Complete Level 2 and Level 3, plus any required specialties
2. 02 —Log open water experience and build consistent depth and static performance
3. 03 —Take part in an SSI instructor training course, then pass an instructor evaluation
4. 04 —Register with SSI and teach under an affiliated center

Instructor candidates are held to higher personal performance standards than recreational students, typically deeper constant weight and longer static holds, because you must comfortably demonstrate every skill you teach. Most instructors also complete first aid and oxygen provider training. The exact numbers vary by region, so confirm current standards with the center running your course.

SSI runs a fully digital system. You buy the course through an SSI center, study the theory in the SSI app or web platform before you arrive, and complete quizzes online. After you pass the in water skills, your certification appears as a digital card in the app, which you can show at any dive center worldwide. There is no waiting for a plastic card in the mail, though physical cards can be ordered for a small fee.

Basic Freediving

roughly $100-200 in the United States, half to full day

Level 1

roughly $250-450, about 2-3 days

Level 2

roughly $350-550, about 3-4 days

Level 3

roughly $450-700, about 3-4 days

Prices swing with location, class size, and whether gear rental and open water fees are bundled in. Courses at warm water destinations abroad often cost less than the same level in a major US city, which is why many people combine certification with a trip. To find a center near you, start with our freediving near me guide.

The three agencies are broadly equivalent at each level, and a dive center anywhere will recognize any of them. SSI's strength is its huge shared network of dive shops, so certifying close to home is often easiest through SSI. PADI has similar reach through its scuba network, while AIDA is the standard at dedicated freediving centers and in competition.

SSI Level 1

roughly equal to PADI Freediver and AIDA 2, targeting about 20m

SSI Level 2

roughly equal to PADI Advanced Freediver and AIDA 3, targeting about 30m

SSI Level 3

roughly equal to AIDA 4, targeting about 40m

For a deeper look at the PADI route, read our PADI Freediver certification guide, and for the two agencies most freedivers weigh up, see AIDA vs PADI freediving. The practical takeaway stays the same across all of them: pick the agency whose certified instructors are near you, then choose the specific instructor on reputation rather than the brand.