Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most common questions about our courses.
Yes, basic water comfort is required — you must be able to swim 200 metres continuously or tread water for 10 minutes. You do not need to be a competitive swimmer, but feeling at ease in water is essential for your safety. At ALPHAMARIN we carry out a simple assessment before the course begins. The SSI Try Scuba programme (first supervised dive, 60 €) is ideal if you want to try before committing to a full course.
At ALPHAMARIN Constanța we welcome students from age 8 for introductory programmes (SSI Try Scuba and SSI Snorkel Diver). From age 10, the first full certification — SSI Scuba Diver (up to 12 m, supervised by a certified adult) — is available. From age 15, the SSI Open Water Diver course can be completed without depth restrictions for recreational diving (max. 18 m independently, max. 40 m with a guide). There is no upper age limit — diving is accessible to anyone who is medically fit.
It depends on the certification. SSI Open Water Diver — the full entry-level certification — takes 16–32 hours spread over 3–5 days. It includes: theory (online study through the MySSI app), pool sessions for basic skills, and a minimum of 4 open-water dives in the Black Sea. If you want a quicker introduction, SSI Try Scuba takes a single 2–3 hour session, and SSI Scuba Diver (a partial certification, valid to 12 m) takes 10–16 hours. At ALPHAMARIN we schedule courses flexibly — weekends, weekdays, or intensive over several consecutive days.
Prices vary by programme. SSI Try Scuba — first supervised dive in a pool or the sea — costs 60 Euro and is the most accessible way to try diving. For full courses (SSI Open Water Diver, SSI Advanced Open Water Diver and SSI specialties) prices vary depending on the number of sessions, included equipment and season. Contact us directly for a personalised quote: we include full scuba equipment, international SSI certification and access to digital study materials.
Yes, the SSI (Scuba Schools International) certification is recognised worldwide and accepted at all diving destinations — Maldives, Egypt, Thailand, Indonesia, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean and everywhere else. SSI is one of the world's largest scuba training organisations, with a presence in over 110 countries. Your digital certification is stored in the MySSI app and is permanently available, with no physical card needed.
Both are top international organisations with worldwide-recognised certifications, equivalent safety standards and similarly structured programmes. Practical differences are minor: SSI integrates 100% digital theory study (MySSI app, available in 40+ languages), emphasises training continuity through the My Dives Log programme and offers a more flexible approach to specialties. PADI has a slightly stronger presence at some tropical destinations. At ALPHAMARIN Constanța we are a certified SSI centre — we offer the full SSI course range, from a first dive to instructor level.
If you have never dived before, we recommend starting with SSI Try Scuba (60 Euro, 2–3 hours) — a supervised dive in a pool or the sea, with no exam pressure. If you are sure you want a certification, choose SSI Open Water Diver: it is the full entry-level cert, internationally recognised, with no recreational depth limit (up to 18 m) and the foundation for any future course. If time is limited, SSI Scuba Diver (10–16 hours) lets you dive to 12 m under professional supervision. The ALPHAMARIN team will help you choose the right programme based on your goals and schedule.
ALPHAMARIN Dive Center is located in Constanța, on Romania's Black Sea coast — the largest SSI dive centre in Romania. Pool sessions take place at a covered facility in Constanța, while open-water dives are conducted in the Black Sea close to the shoreline. Common dive sites include the Agigea and Tuzla areas and the historic wrecks off Constanța. Constanța is accessible by car from Bucharest in approximately 2 hours via the A2 motorway.
The Black Sea offers a surprisingly diverse range of sites for all levels. Beginners dive on coastal rock reefs and sandy banks at 5–15 m depth. Advanced divers can explore historic wrecks — vessels from World War II and the communist era at depths of 20–40 m — a unique experience in Europe. Other sites include biological structures with beluga sturgeon, common dolphins and bioluminescent jellyfish. Visibility ranges from 3–10 m (best in autumn), and water temperature reaches 26–28°C in summer.
Yes — wreck diving is one of the Black Sea's main attractions. Constanța is a port with a thousand-year history, and dozens of sunken vessels lie off the coast: warships from 1941–1944, communist-era merchant ships and older craft. The Black Sea has no tides and minimal currents, preserving wrecks exceptionally well. To dive wrecks you need at least an SSI Open Water Diver certification, and we recommend the SSI Wreck Diving course for specific safety techniques. Our centre organises guided wreck trips for small groups.
The main diving season on the Romanian coast runs from May to October. In summer (July–August) surface water reaches 26–28°C and 18–22°C at depth, visibility is 4–8 m, and conditions are ideal for beginners. September–October is favoured by experienced divers: temperatures of 20–23°C, better visibility (8–12 m) and less crowding. Theory courses and pool sessions can take place year-round at ALPHAMARIN.
You do not need to buy anything to take courses at ALPHAMARIN. The centre provides full equipment: wetsuit, mask, fins, BCD, regulator, cylinder and dive computer. All equipment is inspected and maintained regularly in accordance with SSI standards. If you plan to dive frequently or travel, investing in personal gear makes sense long-term — our team can advise what to buy and in what order, based on your budget.
Recreational depth limits are clear and directly linked to your certification: SSI Scuba Diver — up to 12 m (with a certified adult diver); SSI Open Water Diver — up to 18 m independently, up to 40 m with a certified guide; SSI Advanced Open Water Diver — up to 30 m independently, up to 40 m with a guide; SSI Deep Diving — up to 40 m. The absolute recreational limit within SSI is 40 m. Techniques for going deeper (technical diving) require separate specialist courses. At ALPHAMARIN we recommend progressing gradually and safely.
After SSI Open Water Diver you have dozens of options at ALPHAMARIN. The natural next step is SSI Advanced Open Water Diver (10–15 hours), which extends your skills and depth to 30 m. You can combine this with SSI specialties depending on your interests: Perfect Buoyancy, Deep Diving, Wreck Diving (Black Sea wrecks), Night Diving, Photo & Video, Nitrox (more bottom time), Navigation, Dry Suit and more. Each specialty is completed quickly (3–10 hours) and adds concrete skills. Long-term you can pursue SSI Diver Stress & Rescue, Science of Diving and professional programmes (Dive Guide, Divemaster, Instructor).
Nitrox (enriched air) is a breathing gas mixture with a higher oxygen percentage than normal air (21%). The main advantage: longer bottom times and shorter surface intervals compared with air at the same depth. The SSI Enriched Air Nitrox course takes 3–6 hours and requires no additional dives — it is largely theory and dive planning with a computer. Recommended for any Open Water Diver who dives frequently or on holidays with multiple dives per day.
Yes — and it is actually recommended. SSI uses the MySSI e-learning system: you access digital materials (manual, HD videos, self-assessment quizzes) on your phone, tablet or computer, at your own pace, from anywhere. You can complete all the theory before arriving in Constanța, so time at the centre is dedicated entirely to practical water sessions. The digital kit is activated immediately after registration and remains permanently accessible. Materials are available in Romanian, English and 40+ other languages.
There are a few conditions that require medical clearance before diving: cardiovascular disease, epilepsy, uncontrolled asthma, insulin-dependent diabetes, perforated eardrum, recent surgery or pregnancy. Before the course you will complete a standard SSI medical questionnaire. If you flag any of the sensitive points, you will be referred to a physician authorised in dive medicine for clearance. Most common conditions (controlled hypertension, myopia, seasonal allergies) are not an obstacle. The ALPHAMARIN team will guide you confidentially through assessing your fitness to dive.
A professional diving career follows a clear progression at ALPHAMARIN. You start from SSI Open Water Diver and build experience (minimum 50–100 logged dives). You complete SSI Advanced Open Water Diver plus several specialties, then SSI Diver Stress & Rescue and SSI Science of Diving. The first professional level is SSI Dive Guide (35–45 hours), followed by SSI Divemaster (43–57 hours) — the pinnacle of recreational diving. Those who want to teach can continue with SSI Instructor Training Course — ITC (70–80 hours), the largest instructor training programme in Romania. On completion you can teach SSI courses at any certified centre worldwide.
Yes — ALPHAMARIN organises group sessions for companies, associations, schools and groups of friends. Team-building packages include an introductory pool session with an instructor, full equipment, a safety briefing and, optionally, a sea dive. The activity is suitable for people with no prior experience and can be combined with other water sports on the coast. Contact us for a personalised quote based on the number of participants and location.
Yes. If you are already certified (Open Water Diver or equivalent from any recognised organisation), you can book guided dives in the Black Sea directly with ALPHAMARIN instructors. If you have no certification, the SSI Try Scuba programme (60 €, 2–3 hours, no exam) is perfect for a single holiday experience — you dive to 6 m under the supervision of a certified instructor, with no prior experience required.
Yes, a gift voucher for a dive experience or SSI course is one of the most original gift ideas — for birthdays, anniversaries or any special occasion. The voucher covers the chosen programme (Try Scuba, Open Water Diver or any specialty) and is valid for a full season. Contact us to issue a personalised voucher with the chosen value and programme.
Yes. SSI has dedicated programmes for children from age 8: SSI Try Scuba and SSI Snorkel Diver are suitable for children aged 8–9, with 2–3 hour sessions in calm water under instructor supervision. From age 10, children can earn their first full certification — SSI Scuba Diver — and dive to 12 m alongside a certified adult. From age 15 there are no restrictions compared with adults. At ALPHAMARIN our instructors have experience working with children and adapt the pace and communication to each age group.
We recommend booking at least 48–72 hours in advance, especially during peak season (July–August) when instructor and equipment availability is limited. For groups of 5+ people or team-building packages, book 1–2 weeks ahead to guarantee your preferred date and time. Bookings can be made via the website form, phone or email. The digital study kit can be activated immediately after confirmation, so you can start the theory before you arrive.
ALPHAMARIN organises courses at weekends as well as on weekdays, including intensive packages over 2–5 consecutive days. Many students come from other cities (Bucharest, Cluj, Iași) and prefer an intensive Friday–Sunday format. Theory is completed online in advance via the MySSI app, so centre sessions are compact and efficient. We will work out the best schedule together based on your availability.
Diver safety is our top priority. If weather or sea conditions (strong winds, waves above 1 m, visibility below 2 m) do not allow safe diving, the session is rescheduled at no extra cost. We monitor the forecast 24–48 hours in advance and notify you in good time. Theory sessions and pool exercises are unaffected by weather and can continue regardless of outdoor conditions.
Yes — ALPHAMARIN Dive Center is an officially accredited SSI centre. You can verify our status directly on the SSI global website (divessi.com) under "Find a Training Center", searching by location — Constanța, Romania. SSI accreditation guarantees that instructors hold active certifications, equipment meets safety standards and course programmes follow the international SSI curriculum. The certification you receive is issued directly by SSI International and is verifiable online.
The ALPHAMARIN team includes active SSI instructors with experience in the Black Sea and at international dive destinations. All instructors hold a valid SSI Instructor or SSI Divemaster certification, are updated annually through SSI continuing education programmes and speak Romanian and English. The instructor-to-student ratio is kept at optimal safety levels — a maximum of 4–6 students per instructor in open water.
SSI Perfect Buoyancy is one of the most recommended specialties after Open Water Diver. Perfect buoyancy — the ability to hold any depth without unintended ascent or descent — is the difference between a comfortable and an awkward diver. Direct benefits: 20–40% lower air consumption, zero bottom contact (protecting coral and ecosystems), longer and more relaxing dives. The course takes 5–10 hours and includes specific pool and open-water exercises. Recommended for all divers regardless of level.
SSI React Right is the first aid, CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), AED (automated defibrillator) and oxygen therapy course for divers. It takes 8–12 hours and combines theory with hands-on mannequin practice. It is recommended for any diver who wants to know how to respond in an emergency — on the beach, on a boat or in the water. It is also a prerequisite for SSI professional courses (Dive Guide, Divemaster, Instructor). Certification is valid for 2 years and must be renewed periodically.
Yes, but we recommend having at least an Open Water Diver certification and a few logged dives before adding a camera to the equation. With unstable buoyancy, a camera becomes a distraction and a risk. The SSI Photo & Video course (5–10 hours) teaches underwater photography and filming techniques: composition, natural light vs. flash, water-specific settings. The Black Sea offers excellent subjects — jellyfish, scorpionfish, seagrass and wrecks. You can use any camera — from a GoPro to a dedicated underwater housing.
A dry suit keeps the body completely dry underwater, unlike a wetsuit which allows a thin layer of water between the suit and skin. It is essential when water temperature drops below 10–12°C. In the Black Sea, surface temperature in winter falls to 4–8°C, and on deep wrecks it stays below 10°C year-round. If you plan to dive in early spring, late autumn or winter, a dry suit is necessary. The SSI Dry Suit Diving course (10–15 hours) teaches specific techniques — buoyancy control with suit air, donning and doffing, maintenance.
Constanța and the metropolitan area (Mamaia, Eforie Nord, Eforie Sud, Techirghiol) offer accommodation options for every budget — from hostels and guesthouses to 4–5 star beachfront hotels. Mamaia is 8–10 minutes from the centre and has the largest range of tourist units on the coast. We recommend booking accommodation in advance in July–August when occupancy is 90–100%. Contact us for specific recommendations based on your budget and the season.
From Bucharest: by car on the A2 motorway (Autostrada Soarelui), approximately 2 hours without traffic. By InterRegio or Regio train, approximately 2–2.5 hours (Constanța Sud station). Daily coach services run from Bucharest Gara de Nord and from several other cities. From Cluj-Napoca or Iași: domestic flight to Mihail Kogălniceanu Airport (10 km from Constanța) or overnight train. The ALPHAMARIN centre is accessible by local public transport or taxi/Uber from anywhere in the city.
Recreational diving is statistically safer than cycling or skiing — provided you follow the basic rules. The main risks are barotrauma (pressure-change injuries, prevented by proper equalisation), decompression sickness (prevented by dive tables and computers) and panic (prevented by adequate training and avoiding overexertion). At ALPHAMARIN all SSI courses follow strict safety protocols. You never dive alone during courses or guided trips. Proper training eliminates virtually all controllable risks.
Yes, with simple solutions. If you wear glasses, you cannot wear them under the mask, but prescription masks with corrective lenses can be ordered to your prescription. Soft contact lenses are also an option — they are safe under a mask as long as your eyes are not sensitive, and you should use drops after diving. Hard (RGP) lenses are not recommended. At ALPHAMARIN we will help you find the right solution before the course, so poor eyesight is never an obstacle.
Yes — SSI integrates Blue Oceans principles and marine environment responsibility into all its courses. At ALPHAMARIN we promote no-touch, no-collect diving and regularly organise Black Sea underwater clean-up activities. The Black Sea is a unique and fragile ecosystem — through correct buoyancy and responsible behaviour underwater, divers become ambassadors for marine conservation rather than agents of degradation.
Absolutely. ALPHAMARIN accepts certifications from any internationally recognised diving organisation — PADI, CMAS, NAUI, SDI, BSAC and others. If your certification is old and you have not dived in a long time, we recommend a Scuba Skills Update — a refresher session covering basic skills in the pool before heading into the sea. If you want to switch to SSI, we can recognise your current level and continue from where you are, without repeating courses you have already completed.
No — SSI Open Water Diver, Advanced Open Water Diver and specialty certifications never expire. Once earned, they remain valid for life. The only time-limited certificates are medical ones (React Right/first aid — 2 years) and, in some countries, medical fitness certificates. If you have not dived in many years, the certification is not the issue — your practice is. A Scuba Skills Update session will rebuild your reflexes and confidence before your first dive after a long break.