SSI Navigation Specialty Course in Koh Tao

The SSI Navigation Specialty is the quickest way to feel more independent underwater —
calm, practical navigation skills you’ll use on every dive.

Why start your SSI Navigation Specialty with us?

Three smiling divers on the Echo Divers Koh Tao boat, enjoying their day of diving with the island in the background.
Three smiling divers on the Echo Divers Koh Tao boat showing shaka signs before their dive.

Stop Relying on Others

Learn to navigate confidently instead of following someone else and hoping they know where they’re going. It’s a small skill that makes you feel far more independent underwater.

Make Your Dives Smoother

When you know where you are — and where the exit is — everything feels calmer, especially in current or lower visibility. You’ll spend less time second-guessing and more time enjoying the dive.

Skills That Stick

We practise compass work, distance estimation, and simple patterns until it feels natural — so you can use it without overthinking. By the end, you’ll have a simple routine you can repeat on any dive.

What’s Included in Our SSI NAVIGATION SPECIALTY

FULL DIVE EQUIPMENT
All the gear you need for the day.

SSI DIGITAL MATERIALS
Access to SSI learning materials included.

2 TRAINING DIVES
Two open water dives focused on navigation.

BOAT TRIP INCLUDED
Boat rides to the dive sites included.

CERTIFICATION INCLUDED
SSI Navigation Specialty certification when completed.

NO SURPRISE EXTRAS
What you need for the course day is covered.

HOW THE SSI NAVIGATION SPECIALTY WORKS

This is a one-day course with a short theory check-in and two training dives.
We keep the plan clear, but we’ll adjust timing and sites if conditions call for it.

Morning: Briefing + Land Practice

Instructor teaching compass use to two students during the SSI Navigation Specialty beach briefing at Echo Divers Koh Tao.

· Quick welcome and plan for the day
· Compass basics on land (headings, turns, keeping it simple)
· Distance practice (kick cycles/timing) so it actually works underwater

Afternoon: Two Training Dives

Two divers practising compass navigation underwater during the SSI Navigation Specialty course with Echo Divers Koh Tao.

· Compass navigation drills + distance estimation
· Natural navigation + simple patterns, then combine everything
· Short debrief after each dive so you know what improved

WHO CAN JOIN THE SSI NAVIGATION SPECIALTY?

If you’re already certified and want to feel more independent underwater, you’re good to go. This course is practical, not intense — it’s about getting comfortable with navigation.

Certification
You’ll need an Open Water Diver certification (SSI or equivalent).

Age
Minimum age is 10 — if you’re booking for a junior diver, just message us, and we’ll confirm the details.

Medical
Complete the standard medical questionnaire before diving. If anything is flagged, you may need a doctor’s clearance.

Accommodation available in our partner hostel

If you’d like to keep things simple, we can organise discounted accommodation at our partner hostel nearby.
It’s an easy setup for course days, and you’re close to the dive centre the whole time.
Just send us your dates and we’ll share the options and pricing.

BOOK YOUR SSI NAVIGATION SPECIALTY!

Ready to start diving? Book your course below and we’ll take care of the rest.

Diver performing an underwater compass swim during the SSI Navigation Specialty course at Echo Divers Koh Tao.
Echo Divers Koh Tao SSI Navigation Specialty reef fish cruising above a sandy bottom in clear blue water, Koh Tao, Thailand

SSI Navigation Specialty in Koh Tao – Compass & Natural Navigation

฿5,000

Pay a deposit of 30% per item

Want Epic Memories? Add a Photo or Video Package!

If you’d like photos or a video of your SSI Navigation Specialty, our media team can take care of it at any time.
If your group wants to book together, we’ll also apply an on-site discount for everyone.

Popular next steps

These are a few directions divers often go from here.

deep DIVER course

SSI Deep Specialty students practising buoyancy, trim, and controlled swimming during a deep training dive with Echo Divers Koh Tao.

RESCUE DIVER course

Diver practising surface rescue skills during the SSI Diver Stress & Rescue course at Echo Divers Koh Tao.

NITROX DIVER course

Close-up of yellow scuba tanks prepared for enriched air nitrox diving in Koh Tao, Thailand

WRECK DIVER course

Scuba diver using a torch while exploring the exterior of a shipwreck during advanced wreck training in Koh Tao, Thailand

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the SSI Navigation Specialty take?

The SSI Navigation Specialty is usually done in one day, with land practice in the morning and two training dives in the afternoon.

What will I learn in the SSI Navigation Specialty?

You’ll learn compass navigation, natural navigation, distance estimation, and simple patterns — so you can find your way back without stress.

Do I need to be “good at navigation” already?

No. We start from the basics and build it up step by step, so it feels simple and usable.

What do I need to join?

An Open Water certification (or equivalent) and the usual medical questionnaire.

Can I fly after my last dive?

The general rule for flying after diving is to wait 12 hours after one dive, and 18 hours after two or more dives. If you went over your no-decompression limits or missed a safety stop on the dive, it is advised to wait 24 hours.
For more info, click here!

Do I get certified at the end?

Yes — once completed, you’ll receive your SSI Navigation Specialty certification.

Didn’t find the answer you were looking for?

We’re here to help!

Send us a quick message and our team will get back to you as soon as possible — whether it’s about your course, booking dates, accommodation, or anything else.

Contact us anytime!