Skills & Training
Wreck Diver course: what you learn, and why it does not mean going inside
A Wreck Diver course teaches you to dive around wrecks safely: assessing hazards, buoyancy close to metal and sharp edges, and using reels and lines. SSI Wreck Diving is open from age 10 with Open Water Diver, trains non-penetration dives to 30 m (lower junior limits) and suggests 5–10 hours. A recreational wreck course does not qualify you to go deep inside a wreck. With us it usually takes 2 days.
By 71 Guardians · Published 08 Nov 2026
Who can take a Wreck Diver course?
| SSI Wreck Diving | SDI Wreck Diver | PADI Wreck Diver | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certification needed | Open Water Diver | Open Water Scuba Diver or equivalent | We confirm the current PADI entry standard with you |
| Minimum age | 10 | Set by SDI, depending on the course version; we confirm it with you | We confirm it with you |
| Dives | 2 open water sessions, non-penetration, to 30 m | 2 dives non-penetration, or 3 dives with limited penetration | Per PADI standards |
SSI's 30 m ceiling is reduced to 18 m for ages 12–14 and 12 m for ages 10–11. Your existing certification limits still apply.
What do you learn on a wreck course?
- assessing a wreck before you dive: depth, current, sharp edges, loose parts and silt
- buoyancy and finning close to a wreck without stirring up sediment or touching it
- navigating around a wreck so you know where you are
- using reels and lines, which SSI covers on its course
- planning a wreck dive with your buddy
Our article on wreck diving safety explains the main risks in more detail.
Does a Wreck Diver course let you go inside wrecks?
Not deep inside. SSI's course is non-penetration: you dive around the outside of wrecks and artificial reefs. SDI offers a version with limited penetration, which needs 3 dives. Its public course page excludes Junior Open Water divers from penetration activities. Going further inside a wreck, away from the light and the exit, is overhead diving and needs technical wreck training. A recreational wreck card does not automatically allow penetration.
Which wrecks can you dive from Hurghada?
Close to town, the El Mina wreck lies near Hurghada harbour. Further north are the Abu Nuhas wrecks, and the famous SS Thistlegorm, which we visit on special day trips. See wreck diving from Hurghada and our Hurghada dive-site directory for depths and access.
How does the course run with us?
Usually 2 days, on our daily boat with hotel pickup at 08:00 and back around 16:30. We teach a maximum of 4 students per instructor. Good buoyancy makes wreck diving much easier, so a buoyancy course is a useful step first.
Frequently asked questions
Can I dive the Thistlegorm without a wreck course?
Yes, a wreck course is not required to dive around the outside of a wreck. The course teaches you to do it more safely and to plan your own wreck dives.
Does the Wreck Diver course include penetration?
SSI Wreck Diving is non-penetration. SDI has a limited-penetration version with 3 dives, but excludes Junior Open Water divers from penetration activities. Going further inside needs technical wreck training.
What is the minimum age for SSI Wreck Diving?
10, with Open Water Diver certification.
How deep are the training dives?
SSI lists a 30 m open-water ceiling, reduced to 18 m for ages 12–14 and 12 m for ages 10–11. Stay within your existing certification and experience limits; the specialty does not by itself grant a deeper certification.
Questions before you dive with us?
Message our team on WhatsApp — we're divers in Hurghada and happy to help.
Chat with us on WhatsAppSources
- Wreck Diving — SSI (Scuba Schools International)
- Wreck Diver course — SDI (Scuba Diving International)
- Wreck Diver course — PADI
- Training standards: junior and depth limits — SSI