Perfect Your Diving Skills and Prepare for Technical Training

The SSI Extended Range (XR) Foundations course is designed to sharpen and improve core diving skills, making it an essential step for divers preparing to enter the world of technical diving.

This course focuses on perfecting buoyancy, trim, propulsion techniques, equipment configuration, and emergency management, ensuring you build a solid foundation before advancing to deeper, more complex dives. Training sessions are conducted exclusively in a pool or confined water area, with a maximum depth of 12 metres, in a controlled and safe environment.

SSI Extended Range Foundations

Course Prerequisites

To enrol in the SSI XR Foundations course, you must:

Course Duration and Structure

Recommended duration: 16 hours (flexible, based on student needs and instructor evaluation)

The number of daily lessons and sessions will be determined by the instructor, taking into account:

  • The student’s skill level
  • Training needs
  • Weather and environmental conditions (if applicable)

Available Equipment Configurations

During the course, students can choose among three different configurations, depending on their preferences and future technical diving goals:

1. Single Tank Configuration

  • 15-litre cylinder
  • 30 lb wing bladder
  • 2 first stages with Hogarthian configuration
  • Long hose: 2.05 / 2.10 m with snap hook
  • Short hose: 57 cm with bungee
  • Pressure gauge: 50 cm hose with snap hook

2. Twin Tank (Backmount) Configuration

  • Twin set: 7, 10, or 12-litre cylinders
  • 40 lb wing bladder
  • 2 first stages with Hogarthian configuration
  • Long hose: 2.05 / 2.10 m with snap hook
  • Short hose: 57 cm with bungee
  • Pressure gauge: 50 cm hose with snap hook
  • Primary torch with Goodman handle and backup torch

3. Sidemount Configuration

  • Sidemount cylinders: 7, 10, or 12 litres
  • BC with lumbar-positioned wing (e.g., XDEEP model recommended)
  • Left cylinder regulator: 65/67 cm hose with 90° second-stage swivel and bungee
  • Right cylinder regulator: 2 m long hose
  • Two pressure gauges: 20 cm hoses
  • Primary torch with Goodman handle and backup torch

Full equipment rental is available upon request — booking required.

Course Cost

€590 per person

  • Includes:
  • All confined water training
  • Personalised instruction based on chosen configuration
  • Possibility to rent full equipment upon reservation

Why Take the SSI XR Foundations Course?

  • Prepare for advanced technical diving courses (decompression, extended range, trimix)
  • Perfect buoyancy, trim, and propulsion techniques
  • Learn proper gear configuration and safety procedures
  • Build confidence and control in handling advanced equipment
  • Train in a safe and controlled environment before moving to deep or challenging dives

Ready to Take Your Skills to the Next Level?

Contact us today to book your SSI Extended Range Foundations course, write to us at: cecilia@dgportofino.com

Build a solid foundation for technical diving — with Diving Group Portofino!