🤿 Diving in a group has its rewards – Save up to 15%!

By EduardoDiving Malta

Looking for a diving deal in Malta to start your training?
This season at OK Diving Malta, we’re making it easy: the more you come, the more you save.

Discover our SSI-certified scuba diving courses in Malta and take advantage of this exclusive promotion.

🎉 NEW PROMOTION: DIVE IN A GROUP AND SAVE UP TO 15%
👯‍♀️ 2 people → 5% discount
👨‍👩‍👧 3 people → 10% discount
🎉 4 or more people → 15% discount
✅ Discount is applied upon final payment on the first day of the course
📍 Promotion valid only for SSI certified courses
⚠️ Offer subject to availability

Explore all our available SSI courses and choose the one that suits you or your group best.

Click on the course you’re interested in, select your desired start date during checkout, and book your spot directly!

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which courses are included in the promotion?
All SSI courses we offer at OK Diving Malta are included in this promotion. This ranges from the Open Water Diver course to advanced specialties.

2. How are group discounts applied?
Discounts are based on the number of participants signing up together under the same booking:

2 people → 5% discount
3 people → 10% discount
4 or more people → 15% discount

3. Do all participants need to enroll in the same course?
Yes, to be eligible for the discount, all participants must enroll in the same SSI course and be part of the same booking.

4. How can I book for a group and make sure the discount is applied?
When booking online, make sure to include all participants in one single transaction. Once we confirm availability, you’ll receive an email confirming your booking and the applicable discount.

5. What happens if one member of the group cancels?
If a group member cancels, the discount will be adjusted according to the final number of participants. Please review our terms and conditions for more details.

6. How long is this promotion valid for?
The promotion is valid throughout 2025, except during high season (July to September), and is subject to availability. We recommend booking in advance to secure your spot and the discount.

7. Can I combine this promotion with other offers or discounts?
This promotion cannot be combined with other offers or discounts. If you have questions about specific promotions, please contact us directly.

8. What payment methods do you accept for bookings?
We accept online payments via credit/debit cards. All details will be provided during the booking process.

9. Where can I get more information or ask additional questions?
For more information or further inquiries, visit our contact page at https://okdivingmalta.com/contact/ or email us at info@okdivingmalta.com.

April 7, 2025

SSI vs. PADI: Impact on European Diving Businesses and the Future of Certification

By EduardoDiving Malta

The global diving community has long recognized SSI (Scuba Schools International) and PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) as the two dominant organizations in dive education and certification. However, recent changes in their competitive landscape are impacting the industry, particularly for dive businesses operating in Europe. Here, we explore the current dynamics between these two organizations, their effect on dive centers, and what the future might hold for professionals and businesses in the sector.

Current Landscape
Market Strategies

PADI, traditionally the market leader, has maintained its dominance through a strong global brand and an extensive network of affiliated dive centers. Its “PADI Worldwide” slogan emphasizes its ubiquitous presence, with significant investments in marketing ensuring it remains the default choice for new divers. Conversely, SSI has significantly gained ground by adopting a more flexible and often more cost-effective approach for both dive centers and instructors. SSI’s integration of digital learning platforms and its willingness to adapt to local markets have made it an attractive alternative.

Diving Certifications

Both organizations offer standardized certifications, such as Open Water Diver, Advanced Diver, and specialty courses. However, SSI’s streamlined administrative processes and competitive pricing have increasingly appealed to new operators and existing dive centers looking to maximize profitability. While PADI remains the largest organization, it has faced criticism for higher fees and stricter protocols, which can be burdensome for smaller businesses.
Impact on European Diving Businesses

Cost Structures
European dive centers, particularly those in countries with seasonal tourism like Spain, Italy, and Greece, are highly sensitive to costs. Reduced fees for instructors and fewer equipment rental requirements offered by SSI provide a clear financial advantage. This has led some centers to switch affiliations or offer certifications from both organizations to appeal to a broader customer base.

Brand Recognition

PADI’s strong brand recognition remains a key asset, particularly among tourists and first-time divers. For many, a PADI certification is synonymous with quality and global acceptance, making it a safe choice. On the other hand, SSI’s growing popularity is beginning to erode PADI’s monopoly in consumers’ minds, with many divers now understanding that certifications from both agencies are widely recognized and interchangeable.

Instructor Preferences
Instructors often determine the certification agency based on training quality, costs, and professional flexibility. SSI’s instructor-friendly policies, such as crossover programs and less stringent renewal fees, have attracted a wave of professionals to its system. This has direct implications for dive businesses, as instructors play a critical role in a center’s reputation and training offerings.
Future Perspectives

Potential Market Fragmentation
The ongoing rivalry between SSI and PADI could lead to greater market fragmentation, with smaller agencies like RAID, NAUI, and CMAS gaining ground by positioning themselves as alternatives to the “big two.” This could increase competition but also complicate consumer choices.
Training Innovation

As digital learning becomes the norm, both SSI and PADI are likely to invest more in online education platforms. SSI’s initial advantage in digital integration suggests it may maintain a lead unless PADI significantly modernizes its approach.
Implications for Dive Centers

European dive centers will need to adapt by diversifying their offerings and aligning with the certification agency that best meets their financial and operational needs. Centers that can cater to multiple agencies may benefit the most, attracting a broader range of divers and minimizing reliance on a single organization.
Regulatory Influence

European regulations on safety and the environment are becoming increasingly strict, potentially influencing certification standards. Agencies that can quickly adapt to these changes while maintaining economic accessibility are likely to gain favor.
Conclusion

The evolving relationship between SSI and PADI is reshaping the diving industry, particularly in Europe, where businesses must balance cost efficiency with brand reputation. While PADI’s recognition remains strong, SSI’s adaptability and competitive pricing are challenging the status quo. The future will depend on how both organizations innovate and respond to market demands, but for dive centers, the priority remains clear: flexibility, quality, and aligning with customer preferences will be key to thriving in this dynamic landscape.

TAGS: Diving courses Malta , Corsi di immersione a Malta , Cours de plongée à Malte, Tauchkurse Mal, Ok Diving Malta

January 21, 2025

10 reasons to practice diving in Malta

By beaDiving Malta

Diving in Malta is undoubtedly one of the best options in the Mediterranean Sea. If you are thinking of taking a diving trip, we are going to tell you several reasons why Malta is a good destination to dive under its waters.

1. Diving conditions in Malta are very good almost all year round

Diving in Malta can be done throughout the year, with optimal conditions between May and November, where the water temperature rises between these dates above 20 degrees. In summer they reach up to 28 degrees maximum. Visibility being one of its strong points, many days you can reach up to 40 or more meters of visibility, making diving an incredible experience.
There are hardly any currents as a general rule, which makes diving quite easy and pleasant.
The dive sites in Malta are well prepared and most of them are accessible from the coast by vehicle which is very convenient, especially for those who get seasick.
And budget the light. Malta enjoys 300 days of sunshine a year, with overcast skies unlikely to dive.

2. You can dive in Malta up to 200 different dives sites

Diving in Malta is undoubtedly a very good option and offers many possibilities. It houses more than 200 diving points in its waters in a not very extensive radius, making it easy to move between the different sites. From wrecks from World War I and II to caves and rock formations, passageways and tunnels that amaze anyone.
During World War I and especially World War II there were innumerable bombardments that left the Maltese waters littered with underwater relics in the form of ships, submarines and small planes sunk below the surface. Examples of this are the shipwrecks HMS Maori or X127 waterlighter A whole underwater museum that is waiting for the most adventurous. In addition, more boats were subsequently sunk for the same purpose, that of recreational diving. Good and spectacular examples are Faroud or Rozi and P29.

Being a limestone island, diving in Malta is characterized by the many different underwater formations in the form of caves, many of them with access to the surface inside the rock, such as the Anchor bay cave in Popeye village.
Blue hole and Inland sea in Gozo and the caves of Sta. Maria in Comino are other hot spots to consider and worth a visit if you plan to come to visit these islands.

3. Diving safety in Malta is optimal

For a long time now, the Maltese government, in cooperation with the different diving centers and diving associations in the country, have been preparing plans and legislation that requires the centers to always be under control and an optimal level of maintenance for safety reasons. From mandatory requirements for emergency material in case of accidents to control of divers and sea conditions, these are checked by the authorities at the different dive sites and diving centers to verify that they comply with the regulations, thus ensuring the safety of divers who come to Malta every year to dive. Medical documentation is mandatory before diving to ensure the good condition of the divers, in addition to diving certifications for those already certified. There is also a local rule that is somewhat more restrictive than in the rest of the countries for safety reasons that requires independent divers to be at least qualified as level 2 or advanced divers, if they are not accompanied by local guides. In addition, Malta has several hyperbaric chambers both on the island of Malta and on Gozo. Housing the Malta hospital chamber with a capacity of up to 20 people, with advanced technology.

4. Destination suitable for everyone

Whether you are an experienced diver or a complete beginner, you will have access to a wide spectrum of possibilities and different diving sites with easy access where you can enjoy this special activity such as diving in incredible sites such as shipwrecks or underwater caves. You can access the one-day diving courses with activities such as try dives or Discover scuba diving ,or complete the Open Water course which is a certified course of 3 days, without having any type of previous experience.
If you are already a certified diver, you can continue your training with the different courses such as the Advanced course and the different specialties, highlighting the shipwreck spec., Deep Diving and Nitrox specialties due to the large number of wrecks.
Another option for certified divers is guided dive day/s or dive packages.

5. Diving in Malta for an affordable price

Due to its geographical location, Malta is a stone’s throw from any European country, which together with the wide range of low-cost airlines makes flying to Malta quite cheap. There is also a wide range of accommodation that will allow you to find accommodation adjusted to your budget. The courses and guided dives are some of the cheapest you can find in all of Europe, being the quality-price ratio if not the best one of the best options on the European continent.
If you are able to book in advance and not in the high season period July – August the price can be really cheap.

6. Diving in Malta means diving in one of the most renowned and award-winning international destinations

Malta, third best diving destination in the world.

The Maltese islands achieved third place in the ‘Best Diving Destination’ category at the Diver Awards Ceremony held at the International Dive Show in London.

This prestigious award positions the Maltese archipelago as the most popular diving destination in the entire Mediterranean, as voted by thousands of Diver Magazine readers in 2014.

It has not also been the only one at the international trade fair, BOOT, a top international event for aquatic activities that takes place in the German city of Dusseldorf every year. Malta was named as a top destination by the prestigious web portal taucher awarded as the best destination 2018.

7. Very stable sea

10 reasons to practice diving in Malta

Due to its location, the climatic conditions are almost always favourable. There are hardly any currents and generally the sea conditions are always good, with little waves. As it is not a very large island, it is easy to find shelter from the winds and waves even if the conditions are not the most favorable, thus guaranteeing diving options practically 365 days a year.
Except in winter when the temperature drops to a minimum of 14 degrees, the rest of the year you can dive in Malta in very pleasant water temperatures, especially between May and November.

8. Its geographical location

It is another of the advantages, since Malta is located in the middle of the Mediterranean, the journeys are around 2-3 hours of flight which is not very far. Being in southern Europe, coming to visit Malta to dive means finding a warmer climate than in other European countries. As a whole and due to its proximity to Africa and Italy, they also make Malta an interesting destination on a cultural level. Not everything is diving on this island!

9. Its history

Malta is undoubtedly a worldwide tourist destination and it is partly due to its history. Due to its geographical situation, Malta has always been a strategic destination for the different civilizations that have left their mark to this day. The result of this is the great heritage that Malta houses in its limited and not very extensive territory. From megalithic temples over 4,000 years old to the latest constructions carried out during the world wars, visiting Malta above the water will not leave you indifferent either.

10. Diving in your language

Last but not least, at ok diving Malta we offer courses and guides in different languages which makes your diving experience in Malta safer and more rewarding. Especially for beginners, since being able to do the activity in your language will make you feel much more comfortable and fun 😀

February 2, 2023

Diving at Um El Faroud shipwreck

By beaDiving Malta, shipwrecks

To practice diving in Malta is not only to be impressed by what everyone expects to see but to appreciate what cannot be seen and that we know is present, in that boat that hides the voice of 9 men in a story.

Where is the shipwreck Um El Faroud?

In the depths of the Island of Malta is this compulsory diving point for those who wish to live an unforgettable experience in their visit to the Maltese Archipelago which becomes one of the favorite places to dive in the region. It is exactly in the southwest area of the island, more specifically in the town of Zurrieq, famous enclave also due to the presence of the famous Blue Grotto.

Information about the Um El Faroud

The shipwreck Um El Faroud has become one of the best diving experiences in Malta as it shares with all those who visit it a story. Built in 1969 in Middlesbrough, in England by the Smith Dock Company Co. Ltd and owned by the General National Maritime Transport Company of Tripoli, this ship received on any given day for maintenance, it boarded 9 Maltese workers who were in charge of maintaining it. Float and in the security of the docks of the Malta Shipyards nobody imagined that it would be the perfect scenario for the explosion of a tank while operating just in the line between Italy and Libya transporting fuel.

The Um El Faroud suffered extensive damage to its entire structure, damage that would not allow it to sail again and allowed to be declared as a sinister ship in its entirety, after 3 years in 1998 the authorities of Malta decided to use the ship to create an artificial reef that will allow you to contemplate its beauty and live a new experience, where everyone would know its history and those 9 Maltese souls that died during the explosion in 1995 while performing their tasks. On the bridge, their names are engraved on a commemorative plaque.

Diving Conditions

The Um El Faroud is located a few meters from the coast which allows us to easily access it from the coast, like most of the Maltese archipelago diving spots. The access is made from a platform that is in the valley of Zurrieq jetty also where the boats leave and enter, to make the tour of the famous Blue Grotto, so it requires great care when entering and leaving the water since the valley is quite narrow. To reach the sunken ship means to skirt a wall that oscillates between 5 and 30 meters deep. Bordering it and once out of the valley and already in the open sea you can witness two spectacular caves and the famous monument to divers, a statue of a diving helmet that is at a 30 meters deep, located halfway between the wreck and the reef. A few meters away we are separated to reach the impressive stern and propeller of Um El Faroud, this being the deepest point of the dive located 35 meters deep. The highest part of the ship that are the chimneys are located about 18 meters. We must be aware of the sea conditions because especially at this dive point there are currents that sometimes make it difficult to return to the reef where the exit stairs are located. The boat is more than 110 meters long, which requires at least a couple of dives to enjoy all its parts in detail, although more could be done if its interiors could be accessed. Only the part of the bridge where the engine rooms are located plus cabins and kitchens are made up of 4 floors. An adventure for the most experienced!

To be able to do this immersion, the Advanced course is required, for more information please click here.

Marine species that can be seen diving near Um El Faroud

Arriving to the shipwreck it is a spectacle of nature, not only because of the beauty of the ship but also because of the presence of millions of fish surrounding it, such as the damselfish that run from the inside, scorpions that hide waiting to go unnoticed by their combination of colors next to the boat, larger fish such as mackerels and amberjacks in addition to the groupers and barracudas that use it as a refuge for their attack. These are concentrated mainly in the area of the bridge where it is possible to contemplate them a few meters or even centimeters away. Sometimes it is possible to see triggerfish and some rays in the sandy bottom that surrounds the boat. You can also find big Morey eels in the different holes of the boat.

Best months to go

Having the open invitation to visit this wonderful place at any time of the year, enjoy this show is even better in the months from April to mid-November where you can enjoy the most pleasant temperature of the water and the perfect view for the Um El Faroud. In August it is possible to reach 28 degrees on the surface, although it must be borne in mind that sometimes thermoclines in the bottom can lower the temperature to 20 degrees or less.

If you are interested in discovering these, there are many shipwrecks do not doubt to contact us. Here you will find the diving packs offered by OK Diving Malta.

March 17, 2018

Diving at the shipwreck Rozi

By beaDiving Malta, shipwrecks

The Mv Rozi gives a new shine to diving in Malta by expanding the options of visiting in a very interesting route between reef walls, posidonia platforms and swim troughs between the rocks, until you reach this beautiful shipwreck that rests in the crystal clear waters of Malta.

Where is the Rozi shipwreck?

Mv Rozi located in Cirkewwa it was sunk in 1992 in front of the port of Cirkewwa in Malta, being this one of the main attractions in the reef of Cirkewwa on the island of Malta. Along the route, there is a great marine life that gives a lot of beauty. The wreck is located in the northern part of the reef, the most recommended entrance is the platform that is right next to the tower-lighthouse. From here the route over posedonia platforms and vertical walls bring us closer to the shipwreck.

Information about the Rozi

The MV Rozi is a 40-meter long tugboat that was built in Bristol in 1958 by Charles Hills & Sons ltd. Its original name was Rossmore. In 1969 it was sold to Rea Towing Company being renamed Rossgarth. In 1972 he resold to Mifsud Brothers Ltd, operating for the Malta Ship Towage Ltd, starting here his career in Maltese waters.

In 1981 it was sold to Tug Malta being renamed again as Rozi, the name that keeps to this day. After many years operating in the great marine harbor, it was sunk in September 1992 as an artificial reef, attracting a large amount of aquatic life.

Diving Conditions

To visit the Mv Rozi, is to witness this 40-meter-long tugboat, through a pleasant journey along the Cirkewwa reef which offers us vertical walls of more than 15 meters high, beautiful posidonia platforms and swim troughs that will make this dive along with the wreck one of the most complete and varied in the islands of Malta.

The wreck is located a few meters from the reef, being possible to see from the wall when conditions and visibility are good. Mv Rozi rests on a flat sandy bottom at a maximum depth of 35 meters being the shallow part of about 20 meters. The conditions are almost always very good although on rare occasions currents can appear that make it difficult for us to return to the reef.

To be able to do this immersion, the Advanced course is required, for more information please click here.

Marine species that can be seen diving near the Rozi

The Mv Rozi, after having completed his time of service afloat becomes the home of millions of sea creatures, coming to him you can witness beautiful fish species such as, breams and damselfish that are accustomed to receiving divers Upon arrival at the wreck they are used to be feed by the divers. It is very common also the presence of flabellins and nudibranchs, in addition to big rockfish, moray eels, octopus, common rays in the sand surrounding the boat, and large fish as well as for example the dentex, sea bream, barracudas, groupers and with luck some triggerfish. On very rare occasions someone has managed to spot turtles and dolphins. We may feel lucky to have spotted a large common dolphin this summer around the wreck: D

Best months to go

Taking advantage of the summer in Malta, is a time where you can enjoy even more the marine beauty and identify the excellent visibility that you have when diving in its crystalline waters and friendly for the tourist, it is recommended to schedule a visit in the months from April to mid of November.

If you are interested in discovering these, there are many shipwrecks do not doubt to contact us. Here you will find the diving packs offered by OK Diving Malta.

January 21, 2018

Diving in Malta at the shipwreck P 29

By beaDiving Malta, shipwrecks

Diving has become more than just a hobby or a sport, the appreciation, respect, and charm of marine life need a story to tell those who visit it.

Where is the shipwreck P29?

Being one of the best diving spots in the North of the island of Malta, the Shipwreck P29 is located in the depths of Cirkewwa, just opposite the ferry station. Cirkewwa is surely the most important diving point of the entire archipelago, with at least four diving points quite differentiated. It has an exclusive parking for divers and also has facilities such as showers, toilets and food and drinks stand.

Information of the P29

Known by all as the Shipwreck P 29 and being a tourist Jewel for Diving in Malta, this was baptized with the name of Boltenhagen in the East of Germany after its construction in Peene Werft Wolgast, the ship is about 60 meters long. Highlighting his machine gun in the bow, point of all the looks and photographs.

It was intended to be identified as P29 Patrol boat, mine digger, and fishing controller. After fulfilling its patrol activity in September 2005, it was sold to the Malta Tourism Authority to turn it into a wreck. Work that lasted two years to be completed until August 14, 2007, when it was prepared for divers and was shipwrecked because of artificial reefs and to this day has been one of the biggest diving attractions in Cirkewwa.

Diving Conditions

To access to the place where the P 29 Boat is located, access to the sunken ship is made from the coast, there are 3 different entry points and 2 exit points perfectly equipped with stairs and railings for your safety. The most recommended is the entrance 2 right in the middle of the reef, which is closer to the shipwreck. In summer there are yellow marking buoys on the surface that serve as a reference for navigation up to. From the entrance to the boat, dive into the west direction, after leaving the reef at a depth of 5-6 meters, you can find a vertical wall which falls more than 20 meters down. After 5 minutes of navigation, we will arrive at the shipwreck. The Patrol boat wreck in concrete is on a flat sandy bottom about 35 meters depth, with the top part of the ship about 20 meters. Sometimes there is a little current that can turn us off course during navigation.

To be able to do this immersion, the Advanced course is required, for more information please click here.

Marine species that can be seen diving near P 29

Accessing this place in addition to enjoying the beauty of the P 29 Boat also gives us the opportunity to observe reef fish such as sea breams and thousands of damselfish that abound around the ship. Also common are rockfishes or large scorpionfish both in rocky areas and around the ship. Common rays on the sand around the boat are sometimes possible to spot. In addition, large fish such as dentex and snappers are visible to the public. Sometimes it is also possible to see the barracudas that usually go in a group and some triggerfish but less common. Groupers and moray eels are quite common although the latter hide quite well and are difficult to find. The nudibranchs are also part of the marine fauna in the wreck, which lives attached to the hull of the ship.

When to go?

To have an unforgettable experience in Malta, the invitation is open at the best time of the year, to enjoy between Spring and Autumn in Malta from the month of April to October as it maintains a temperature of more than 20 degrees Celsius at the beginning of May reaching up to 29 degrees in Summer in shallow waters. Visibility is one of the virtues of diving in Malta, often reaching more than 30 meters of visibility, making diving in this shipwreck a more than pleasant activity.

If you are interested in discovering these, there are many shipwrecks do not doubt to contact us. Here you will find the diving packs offered by OK Diving Malta.

January 21, 2018