SSI Open Water Diver Course

A three-day course that turns nervous energy into confidence.

In Pula, this SSI open-water course gives you e-learning theory plus hands-on coaching, and you get a small group setup (up to 10 people). I also love that the training is structured around repeatable practice on the house reef before you get that open-water feeling. One thing to consider: you’ll be doing a full schedule each day, roughly 10:00 to about 17:30, with a mid-day break, and there is no hotel pickup.

The meeting point is Orca center in Verudela 17, and the days are timed so you can finish morning work, rest, then go again in the afternoon. The course also includes equipment rental and insurance, so you are not scrambling at the last minute. If you get motion sickness easily, plan for that extra boat fun outing on your final training day.

Key highlights you will care about

• 3 days, 6 underwater sessions: steady progression, not a rushed cram.
• E-learning theory on your phone or laptop: 6 chapters, short self-quizzes, then a final exam with the course team.
• House reef practice first: first 5 sessions are on site, then the last one adds a boat fun outing (included).
• Equipment rental and insurance included: you pay one price and show up with the right documents and yourself.
• Small group max 10: more personal coaching time, and calmer learning.
• Instructor support that students remember: past students specifically praised instructor Marin for being kind, reliable, and attentive.

The 10:00 to 17:30 rhythm in Pula

This course is built for momentum. Each day starts at 10:00 and runs until about 12:30, then you get a break until around 15:00. The second session runs until about 17:30. That timing matters because you are not just taking a “class,” you are training your body and your brain to work together underwater.

The mid-day gap is useful. You can eat, rehydrate, and let your training notes and new skills settle a bit before the afternoon session. If you try to eat lightly, you’ll feel better on later sessions. Also, plan your day so you are not jet-lagged, exhausted, or trying to squeeze in other tours between 12:30 and 15:00.

One more practical note: with a course like this, you will get the best experience if you treat those days like a mini schedule commitment. You can still sightsee in Pula around it, but don’t plan anything that could make you late for the 10:00 start.

E-learning theory, plus a real intro class

You do the theoretical portion through e-learning, and you can handle it on your phone, tablet, or laptop. The format is straightforward: there are 6 chapters, and after each chapter there’s a small quiz you do on your own. At the end of the course, you also complete a final exam with the team.

Even though theory happens via e-learning, this course also includes a 2-hour introductory class where you are guided through what matters most. That combo is ideal if you learn better with both self-study and live coaching. You get control over your pace for the e-learning chapters, but you still get clarity on the parts that can feel confusing when you first start.

If you want to set yourself up for an easier first day, do the e-learning early if the platform allows it, and take notes on the sections that your quiz results don’t feel great on. Then, when you hit the water, you’ll recognize the concepts you just reviewed.

Six underwater sessions: house reef practice, then the fun boat outing

Across the 3 days, you complete 6 water sessions. The first 5 sessions are done on the house reef, which is a big deal for beginners. A house reef typically means predictable conditions and a consistent practice area, so you can focus on buoyancy, breathing, and comfort without constantly re-learning the environment.

Then you have the 6th session, which is described as a boat fun outing that is included and free of charge. This is the day that usually feels more like an experience than a strict checklist. You will still be training, but the change in setting adds excitement. It’s a nice reward for finishing the course work.

About the physical feel: one of the strongest attractions is the sense of weightlessness underwater. That moment can be the first time your body realizes scuba is not “sinking” or “struggling,” it’s controlled movement with the right breathing and buoyancy habits. The course is set up to help you get there step by step.

Equipment, insurance, and certification included in the price

This course costs $583.42 per person, and for that price you get a lot of key stuff bundled together: equipment rental, insurance, briefing and debriefing, instructor coaching, and certification. You also get your course e-learning as part of the package.

That bundle is where the value lives. When you start from scratch, the hidden costs can add up fast: gear rental, insurance, and paying for a trainer to guide each stage. Here, you are paying for the whole learning arc, not just “showing up and hoping.”

The only notable items not included are souvenir photos (available to purchase) and hotel pickup and drop-off. So if your lodging is far from Verudela 17, you should budget time and transport. The upside is that the meeting point is near public transportation, so you usually can make it work without hiring a car just for this.

Also, you get a mobile ticket. That’s a small thing, but it reduces stress. Less paperwork, less to misplace.

Orca center in Verudela 17: what to expect before you start

You meet at Orca center, Verudela 17, 52100, Pula, Croatia. Start time is 10:00 and the activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Because there is no hotel pickup, I recommend you plan to arrive early enough to settle in. You’ll want time to check in, fill out whatever paperwork is required, and get your gear process started without rushing. The training days can feel long, so starting calmly helps.

Bring a swimsuit and something warm for after sessions. You will be in water, then out of water, and it’s the “out of water” time that often makes people feel colder. Also, consider how you’ll keep your personal items secure between the two daily sessions. You’ll have a break, and you don’t want to scramble for what you need.

If you’re coming in from elsewhere in Pula, make sure your transport plan gets you there by 10:00. The course schedule is fixed, and arriving late can mess with the whole flow of the day.

Instructor support and the calm, attentive approach

One of the most praised aspects of this course is the instructor experience. Students have highlighted instructor Marin as kind, reliable, and attentive, with a buddy-like feeling of support through the process. That matters more than people expect.

When you are learning open-water skills, it’s not just about the technical instructions. It’s about feeling safe enough to try. The difference between a good course and a great one is often how the instructor handles nerves, explains what you are feeling, and gives corrections in a way that builds confidence instead of frustration.

This course includes briefing and debriefing, plus instructor coaching for your underwater sessions. In practice, that means you are not guessing why something went wrong. You’ll get guidance before you start, then you’ll review what happened after. That loop speeds up learning and reduces wasted effort.

Health questionnaire: the one item you should not treat lightly

Before anyone can participate, you have to complete a health questionnaire. Some pre-existing medical conditions, like asthma or heart conditions, may prevent you from diving. You are also encouraged to consult your doctor.

This is not a “paperwork step” to skip. If you have any condition that could affect breathing, fitness, or pressure tolerance, take it seriously early. The best-case scenario is clearance and peace of mind. The worst-case scenario is finding out too late that you cannot participate.

If you are unsure, ask your doctor questions that relate to scuba activity, and keep copies of any relevant guidance you receive.

Price and value: what $583.42 really covers

Let’s make this practical. For $583.42, you are getting:

• e-learning theory access and quizzes
• briefing and debriefing
• equipment rental
• instructor-led training in the water
• insurance
• certification
• a final included boat fun outing session

So your “extra spending” is mostly optional extras like souvenir photos. The main cost you supply yourself is time and transport, since hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

When is this price a good deal? When you value not having to source gear and insurance on your own, and when you want structured coaching through the certification process. If you already own your gear and plan to self-organize instruction, you might compare costs differently, but for most first-timers this package is efficient and simple.

Should you book the SSI Open Water course in Pula?

If you want a structured way to earn open-water certification with clear daily timing, small group limits, and instructor-led support, this course is a smart pick. The biggest reasons I would book it:

• You get the theory framework through e-learning plus an introductory class.
• You practice first on the house reef for repeatable learning.
• You finish with a fun boat outing included, not an expensive add-on.
• You get equipment rental, insurance, and certification all tied into one price.
• The instructor experience is consistently praised, especially instructor Marin.

I would think twice if:

• You cannot commit to a full daily schedule across 3 days.
• You have a medical condition that might block participation, and you have not cleared it with your doctor.
• You need hotel pickup and can’t easily get to Verudela 17 by 10:00.

If those check out, book it. Pula is a great base for getting your feet wet with scuba skills, and this setup is built to help you progress without chaos.

FAQ

How long is the course?

The SSI open-water course takes 3 days to complete.

What are the daily training hours?

Each day starts at 10:00 and ends around 12:30, then you return for a second session from about 15:00 to around 17:30.

How do I complete the theory part?

Theory is done independently through e-learning on a phone, tablet, or laptop. There are 6 chapters with small quizzes after each chapter, and a final exam at the end of the course.

How many water sessions will I do?

You complete 6 water sessions during the 3 days.

Where are the water sessions done?

The first 5 water sessions are done on the house reef. The 6th session is a boat fun outing that is included.

What is included in the price?

Included are e-learning, briefing and debriefing, equipment rental, diving with an instructor, insurance, and certification.

What is not included?

Souvenir photos are not included (they are available to purchase). Hotel pickup and drop-off are also not included.

Is the course offered in English, and is it a small group?

Yes, it is offered in English. The maximum group size is 10 travelers.

Do I need to fill out a health questionnaire?

Yes. All participants must complete a health questionnaire prior to diving, and certain conditions (like asthma or heart conditions) may prevent you from participating, so check with your doctor if needed.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time for a full refund.