SSI Specialty: Wreck Diving – Explore the Stories Beneath the Surface
Wreck diving opens the door to a fascinating world of history, mystery, and marine life. Whether it’s an old cargo ship, a fishing vessel, or a purpose-sunk artificial reef, every wreck tells a story—and offers a unique diving experience.
The SSI Wreck Diving Specialty teaches you how to explore shipwrecks safely, respectfully, and with confidence. You’ll learn proper techniques for navigation, entry, and risk management, while gaining a deeper understanding of what makes wreck diving so captivating.
What You Will Learn
Over the course of 4 dives in at least 2 days, you’ll be introduced to:
- Safety procedures for wreck diving
- Proper buoyancy control around fragile or sharp structures
- Navigation techniques in and around wrecks
- How to avoid entanglement and plan exit strategies
- Use of lines, reels, and lights for penetration dives (if permitted)
- Evaluating the structural integrity of a wreck
Even if full wreck penetration is not part of the course, you’ll learn how to recognize safe entry points and how to handle common challenges associated with wreck environments.
Local Context: Wreck Diving on Tenerife
We believe in transparency: While Tenerife offers some fascinating dive sites, it is not a classic wreck diving destination. Most local wrecks have deteriorated significantly in recent years.
The only well-preserved site is the wreck of “El Peñón” in Tabaiba, sunk as an artificial reef in 2006. Located in the northeast of the island at a depth of about 33 meters, this 35-meter-long structure is ideal for training—but may feel small for seasoned wreck enthusiasts.
Nonetheless, the skills you gain in this course are globally relevant and can be applied at wreck sites around the world.
Whether you’re fascinated by maritime history or simply want to expand your dive skillset, the SSI Wreck Diving Specialty offers a structured and rewarding way to start exploring sunken worlds.