SSI Open Water Diver – Premium DIR Training (18m)

The World is Yours to Explore. The SSI Open Water Diver course certifies you to dive to 18 meters globally. At XR Explorers, we train you using premium DIR-configured equipment from Day 1. Upgrade to the Prime Explorer Bundle (Open Water + Nitrox + Perfect Buoyancy) to save 20%.

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Promotional image for SSI Open Water Diver course featuring a diver underwater with marine life, including a large sea fan.

SSI Open Water Diver – Premium DIR Training (18m)

Course Overview
What's Included?

Don't Just Learn to Dive. Learn to Dive Right.

The SSI Open Water Diver Course is the most popular and internationally recognized entry-level certification in the world. It gives you the freedom to dive independently with a buddy to depths of 18 meters (60 feet) anywhere on the planet.

But at XR Explorers, we offer more than just a certification card. We take a radically different approach to your training. We don’t just teach you how to survive underwater; we teach you to thrive.

The XR Explorers Difference: The DIR Advantage

While other schools train students in basic jacket BCDs, we train you using the DIR (Doing It Right) system and premium, high-end equipment (Backplate & Wing systems) from Day 1.

  • Better Buoyancy: Learn to hover effortlessly in a horizontal trim.

  • Better Control: Experience unmatched stability and comfort.

  • Better Foundation: Build habits that prepare you for advanced exploration, not just vacation diving.

Course Structure

Over 4-5 days, our instructors will guide you through:

  1. Knowledge Development: 6 self-paced digital modules combined with instructor-led reviews to master the theory.

  2. Confined Water Training: 8 immersive sessions in a pool or sheltered bay to master buoyancy, trim, propulsion, and emergency procedures.

  3. Open Water Dives: 4 ocean dives where you apply your skills in the real world.

Upgrade: The Prime Explorer Bundle (Best Value)

Want to start your journey as a superior diver? Our exclusive Prime Explorer Bundle combines three essential courses into one seamless program:

  1. SSI Open Water Diver

  2. Enriched Air Nitrox (Extend your bottom time)

  3. Perfect Buoyancy (Master your trim and air consumption)

Why Choose the Bundle?

  • Save 20% compared to booking courses individually.

  • Bring a Friend: Save an additional 10% if you book with family or friends.

  • This bundle is carefully crafted to give new divers the best possible start, maximizing the benefits of our DIR system.

Regional Training (GCC-Wide)

We are the region's training hub. While our facility is in Kuwait & UAE, we welcome students from Saudi Arabia (KSA), Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman every week. Our intensive schedule is perfect for travelers looking for high-quality certification close to home.

Course Details

  • Duration: 4-5 Days

  • Max Depth: 18 meters (60 feet)

  • Sessions: 6 Academic + 8 Confined Water + 4 Open Water Dives

Prerequisites

  • Minimum Age: 10 Years Old

  • Swimming: Must be able to swim comfortably

  • Health: Medically fit for diving

Free Training Consultation

Unsure which path is right for you? We offer free expert consultations to answer your questions and help you map your diving goals. Whether you are in Kuwait, KSA, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, or Oman, let's talk before you book.

💬 Chat on WhatsApp:

🇰🇼 Kuwait (+965 9925 2915)
🇦🇪 UAE (+971 555 610 100)

Video consultations via Zoom/Teams are also available upon request.

Your class includes:

  • SSI Digital Learning Materials
  • DIR configuration and premium equipment (not rental jackets)
  • SSI Open Water Diver certification (Internationally Recognized)
  • 8 Confined water and 4 open water training sessions - Total 12 dives

Meticulously Crafted for New Divers. Powered by DIR. Only at XR Explorers.

Premium Gear. Precision Training. From Day One.

The Prime Explorer Bundle

The Prime Explorer Bundle is the ultimate starting point for new divers who want more than just a basic certification. You’ll complete Open Water Diver, Enriched Air Nitrox, and Perfect Buoyancy—giving you a solid foundation in safety, gas management, and buoyancy control from day one.

This bundle is taught exclusively in the DIR system, using high-end Halcyon equipment trusted by our instructors. No standard rental gear here—just premium setups designed for serious divers. Start your journey the right way, with training and equipment that sets you up for success from your first dive.

Courses Included:

  • Open Water Diver
  • Enriched Air Nitrox
  • Perfect Buoyancy

Save 20%, plus up to 10% more when you sign up with a buddy!

DISCOVER THE
XR EXPLORERS WAY

WHY WE
TEACH

DIR

At XR Explorers, we believe in teaching divers the best techniques, from day one. That’s why we follow the DIR (Doing It Right) philosophy, a diving system designed for efficiency, safety, and long-term growth.

Most dive schools start with standard jacket-style BCDs and various equipment setups, but we do things differently—because we know there’s a better way to dive.

What is DIR Diving, and Why We at XR Explorers Choose It?

At XR Explorers, we believe in doing things the right way from the very beginning. That’s why we exclusively teach and dive using the DIR systemDoing It Right.

DIR (Doing It Right) is a holistic, team-based approach to scuba diving that emphasizes safety, efficiency, and simplicity. It’s not just about equipment—DIR is a complete system that includes gear configuration, dive planning, team protocols, and in-water skills. Every element is streamlined to minimize task loading and maximize control, making dives safer and more enjoyable.

DIR diving was developed through years of exploration in the most demanding environments—deep caves, wrecks, and technical dives. But its principles apply to every diver, from beginners to professionals.

At XR Explorers, we’ve made a conscious decision to teach only the DIR system. We believe DIR creates better, safer, and more competent divers. Our instructors dive this way. We train this way. We trust DIR because it works.

By choosing DIR, we provide:

Consistent equipment setups, so teams can work as one cohesive unit

Streamlined gear, reducing drag and complexity

Standardized procedures, for smooth communication and emergency readiness

A philosophy of team diving, where divers support each other at all times

We don’t just want you to learn how to dive—we want you to dive well. That’s why we’re committed to DIR training and philosophy.



Why Choose DIR?

Most dive schools teach standard recreational scuba diving, using jacket-style BCDs, mixed equipment setups, and minimal focus on team diving. These programs are often designed to get people underwater quickly—but not necessarily to develop divers with advanced skills, control, or confidence.

At XR Explorers, we believe there’s a better way. That’s why we exclusively teach DIR —a complete system built on consistency, simplicity, and safety.

Here’s why DIR is the smarter choice, and why we believe every diver should start with it from day one.

DIR diving uses a streamlined backplate and wing system, offering better balance, trim, and buoyancy control compared to bulky jacket-style BCDs. It’s simpler, more efficient, and reduces drag, making every dive smoother and safer.

DIR’s consistent gear setup ensures everything is in its place—minimizing task loading and making it easier to handle emergencies. When the whole team dives the same way, coordination becomes second nature.

With a strong team-diving philosophy, DIR focuses on clear communication and shared procedures, so you’re never diving alone. And in emergencies, everyone knows exactly what to do thanks to standardized responses and training.

Finally, DIR isn’t just for beginners. It’s a scalable system designed for recreational divers who may later advance into technical, cave, or deep diving—without having to relearn or change gear setups along the way.


START THE
RIGHT WAY!
LEARN TO DIVE
DIR.



Why learn a system that you’ll eventually have to unlearn? At XR Explorers, we believe that starting with DIR from your first dive sets you up for success. You’ll learn the same principles that professional, technical, and cave divers use, giving you a strong foundation for any future diving adventure.

Experience the difference. Train the XR Explorers way. Train DIR.

Save up to 20% with our crafted bundles for all levels

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Open Water Diver Course?

How is the XR Explorers experience different from other dive centers?

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