Have you seen what the seabed looks like and told yourself that you want to get down there too? A diving course is the only thing standing between you and one of the most intense experiences you can ever have. If you are from Constanța, live on the coast, or are coming for a vacation on the Black Sea, you're in luck: you don't need to fly to Egypt or Croatia to get your scuba diver certification. You can do it right here, just a few meters from the shore. And you're even luckier: our diving center, ALPHAMARIN Dive Center, located right next to the Constanța Casino, is just a few minutes from the beach — you won't have to look far.
In this article, I will explain exactly how an SSI diving course works, how long it takes, how much it costs, what requirements you need to meet, and why the Black Sea is, surprisingly, an excellent place to learn.
What actually is a diving course?
A diving course is not just a single dive, a snorkeling session, or a supervised excursion. It is a structured training program, at the end of which you receive an international certification that allows you to dive anywhere in the world: the Maldives, the Red Sea, the Caribbean — without needing an instructor by your side.
SSI (Scuba Schools International) courses are globally recognized and follow a precise curriculum divided into three components:
The Theory — concepts of diving physics, physiology, equipment, dive planning, and safety. This is done online, at your own pace, through the MySSI app.
Confined Water Sessions (pool or calm water) — you learn to breathe through the regulator, control your buoyancy, clear and replace your mask underwater, and react calmly to unexpected situations.
Open Water Dives — you apply everything you’ve learned in real-world conditions in the Black Sea, accompanied by an instructor.
At the end of the program, if you pass all the evaluations, you will receive your SSI card — your diver certification, valid for life and recognized worldwide.
Diving Courses You Can Take in Constanța:
Open Water Diver — Full Certification, just 2700 RON
This is the benchmark diving course — the first level that gives you true independence underwater. It lasts 3–4 days, includes online theory, confined water sessions, and 4 open water dives down to a maximum depth of 18 meters.
With the SSI Open Water Diver card, you can dive anywhere in the world with a buddy of the same or higher level, without an instructor. This is the certification held by 90% of recreational divers worldwide.
Ideal for: Anyone who wants a full certification and wishes to dive independently in the future.
Advanced Open Water — Go down to 30 meters, just 2100 RON
Already have an Open Water Diver certification and want more? Advanced Open Water extends your limits: depths up to 30 meters, navigation dives, and specialties of your choice (night diving, wreck diving, underwater photography). It can be done immediately after your Open Water course; there is no waiting period.
Who Can Take a Diving Course? Entry Requirements
One of the most frequent questions I get as an instructor is: Can I do scuba diving?
The answer is almost always yes. Here are the actual requirements:
Minimum Age: 10 years old for junior courses, 15 years old with no restrictions.
Swimming: You must be able to swim 200 meters without stopping and float/tread water for 10 minutes — you don't need to be a competitive swimmer.
Health: You will fill out a medical questionnaire upon enrollment; most common medical conditions are not an impediment. If you have doubts, a medical clearance from your family doctor will sort it out.
Fear of Water: Having mild anxiety around water does not disqualify you — the progression of the course is gradual for exactly this reason.
You don't need to be athletic, you don't need prior experience, and you don't need to own equipment. We provide all the gear for the duration of the course.
Why Take the Course in the Black Sea, in Constanța
ALPHAMARIN Dive Center — in the heart of Constanța. We are located right on the promenade, next to the Constanța Casino, the city's most iconic landmark. If you are a tourist, you are already in the area; if you are coming specifically for diving, you will find us effortlessly — just a 2-minute walk from the historical monument, right on the seafront. Here, at our base, we prepare state-of-the-art equipment, conduct technical briefings, and dive right next to the Casino. We head straight into our underwater adventure from the shore, exploring the secrets hidden among and beyond the tetrapods.
Many people believe that to experience diving, you have to travel to Egypt or Croatia. The truth is that the Black Sea offers a fascinating environment full of history, making it perfect for becoming a well-rounded diver, with distinct advantages:
Diving right next to the Casino and excellent conditions. Entering the water straight from the promenade gives us unbeatable logistics. We have excellent training locations right off the waterfront with perfect depths for beginners, where you can focus on your diving technique in a controlled, safe environment with no troublesome currents.
Unique biodiversity — in the shadow of the Casino. The Black Sea has a distinct ecosystem and a unique personality. Right in the shadow of the Casino, we can find surprisingly rich fauna and flora. During your dives, alongside specific marine vegetation and vast mussel colonies, you will discover plenty of crabs hidden among the rocks, elegant seahorses, turbot camouflaged on the sandy bottom, schools of horse mackerel, curious gobies, and spectacular jellyfish. It is marine life with a charm of its own, discovered just a few meters from the city's promenade.
History and mysterious wrecks. The Constanța area is famous for its underwater history. For experienced divers (or once you get your advanced certification with us), the Black Sea hides fascinating shipwrecks (Sadu, Paris, You Xiu) and rocky reefs teeming with life, offering unique opportunities for exploration and memorable night dives. Don't worry, even for beginners, our location features an area with interesting artifacts and naval pieces.
Ultra-simple logistics. You don't need expensive flights, passports, or days wasted traveling. You just come to the Constanța promenade, change into your wetsuit at our Casino base, take your diving lessons from top-tier instructors, and head home with an internationally recognized license.
The Black Sea is waiting for you to discover it. It all starts right from the water, off the Casino promenade, at ALPHAMARIN Dive Center!
What a Day in a Diving Course Looks Like
At the center: We meet at the center next to the Constanța Casino and review the theory from the online module you went through the night before.
Gear check: We check the equipment together — the tank, regulator, BCD (buoyancy control device), mask, and fins. I will explain each component and how it works.
In the water: We descend gradually, equalizing the pressure in our ears every meter, and practice our planned skills — first and foremost, neutral buoyancy.
After the dive: We log the dive (logbook), discuss what went well, and what we can improve on the next dive.
Frequently Asked Questions About Diving Courses
Do I need to be a good swimmer to scuba dive?
You don't need to be an advanced swimmer. You just need to be able to swim 200 meters without stopping and float for 10 minutes. The diving equipment compensates for most of the effort.
Can I take the course if I have ear problems?
Equalizing ear pressure is a skill that is learned quickly. If you have a history of repeated ear infections or ear surgery, an ENT consultation before the course is recommended.
How dangerous is scuba diving?
Recreational diving, when practiced with proper training and within the limits of your certification, carries a risk level comparable to other adventure sports. SSI strongly emphasizes proper technique and dive planning.
Can I take the course if I live in another part of Romania?
Yes. Many students come from Bucharest, Cluj, Iași, or Brașov — scheduling their course over a long weekend or during their seaside vacation. Upon request, we can organize an intensive 3-day package for you.
Where is the diving center located?
ALPHAMARIN Dive Center is located next to the Constanța Casino, right on the city's promenade. If you know where the Casino is — Constanța's most photographed monument — you will find us instantly.
How long does it take to receive my SSI card?
You will receive your physical card upon completing the course, or it will arrive by mail at your home within 2–3 days. However, immediately after completing the course, you will receive your digital certification in the SSI app — instantly valid anywhere in the world.
Book Your Spot on the Diving Course
Spots are limited — we work in small groups (maximum 4 students per instructor) to guarantee that everyone receives the necessary attention.
If you are ready to take the first step, fill out the reservation form or write to us directly — we will reply the same day to set up the best schedule for you.
ALPHAMARIN Dive Center — right next to the Constanța Casino. The Black Sea is waiting for you.