Active Service Military or Veteran

For bookings and more info, email our team:
training@ecdivers.com

  • ✅ Use your GI Bill® to pay for future SSI courses

  • 🧾 Already trained with us? You may qualify for reimbursement

  • 🔑 Log in to Checkfront to access your receipts

  • 🔍 Look up approved reimbursement amounts

  • 📨 Submit VA Form 22-0803 with your invoice to the VA

East Coast Divers is Now VA GI Bill® Approved!

Turn your service into certification.

We’re thrilled to announce that East Coast Divers is now part of the VA GI Bill® Reimbursement Program through Scuba Schools International (SSI). This means eligible U.S. veterans and active service personnel can now get reimbursed for their SSI recreational and professional-level scuba certifications—including Divemaster and Instructor programs—through the GI Bill®.

What This Means for You

  • Any SSI certification class taken at East Coast Divers—whether it’s your first open water course or a full dive pro track—can be reimbursed under your GI Bill® benefits.

  • You pay for the class up front, then file for reimbursement with the VA using VA Form 22-0803.

  • Reimbursement includes mandatory test fees, registration fees, and proctoring costs.

  • Whether you’re starting fresh or continuing your journey in diving, this benefit helps reduce the financial burden.

✅ Eligible Programs at East Coast Divers

All SSI-affiliated programs qualify, including:

  • Open Water Diver

  • Advanced Adventurer

  • Enriched Air Nitrox

  • Rescue Diver

  • Dive Guide / Divemaster

  • Assistant Instructor / Instructor

  • Extended Range & Technical Diving (XR) – Coming soon!

Note: Courses must be taught through SSI to be eligible.

How It Works

  1. Check Eligibility
    Confirm your GI Bill® status at va.gov/education/eligibility

  2. Register with SSI & East Coast Divers
    Create your free account at divessi.com and affiliate with East Coast Divers

  3. Train & Get Certified
    Enroll in your desired course(s) and complete training with our certified instructors

 

Step-by-Step: Get Reimbursed for a Class (includes classes already taken!)

1. Log in to Your Booking Account
Go to our Checkfront portal and sign in using the email address you used to book your training.

2. Download Your Receipt
Navigate to “My Bookings” and select the course you took. Download the receipt — you’ll need this for your VA paperwork.

3. Confirm VA Reimbursement Amount
Visit the VA’s Approved Licensing & Certification Search Tool.

  • Change the LAC Category to “Certification”

  • Enter the name of the course you took (e.g., “Open Water Diver”, “Divemaster”)

  • Click Search

  • Look for your course in the results — it must begin with “SSI” to be eligible

  • The reimbursement amount will be listed next to it

4. Submit VA Form 22-0803
Fill out VA Form 22-0803, attach your receipt and certification proof, and mail it to the VA office listed for your region (included on the form).

💬 Need Help?

We’re here to guide you every step of the way. Whether you’re just starting your diving journey or aiming for professional certification, our team is honored to support your transition and growth.

📧 Email: info@ecdivers.com
📞 Call: (617) 277-2216
📍 Visit us: 213 Boylston St, Brookline, MA

Before Class

Before You Enroll

Before committing to a course, we strongly recommend you check how much the VA will reimburse for your specific SSI certification.

  • 🔍 Go to the VA Licensing & Certification Search Tool

  • 🗂️ Set the LAC Category to “Certification”

  • 🧠 Type in your intended course name (e.g., “SSI Open Water Diver”)

  • ✔️ Make sure the result starts with “SSI” and check the approved reimbursement amount

This ensures there are no surprises and helps you make the most of your GI Bill® benefits.

What the VA Will Cover — and What It Won’t

Before applying for reimbursement, it’s important to know exactly what the GI Bill® will and won’t cover regarding your SSI scuba training.

✅ Covered by the VA (Reimbursable)

These must be required parts of your course:

  • ✔️ Certification exam/test fees

  • ✔️ Course registration fees

  • ✔️ Required proctoring or evaluation fees

  • ✔️ Mandatory administrative fees included in your invoice

  • ✔️ Any SSI training program listed on the VA site that begins with “SSI”

  • ✔️ Re-certification or upgrade certifications (if VA-listed)

❌ Not Covered by the VA (Non-Reimbursable)

These are considered optional or supplemental, and the VA will not reimburse them:

  • ❌ Gear rental or purchase (unless part of a mandatory course fee)

  • ❌ Pre-tests or practice exams (e.g., mock written tests)

  • ❌ “Expedited” scoring or optional convenience fees

  • ❌ Travel, lodging, or meals

  • ❌ Specialty gear or accessories not required by the certifying agency

  • ❌ Courses not marked "SSI" in the VA L&C search tool

💡 Pro Tip

Only fees directly tied to your SSI certification that are listed on the receipt and VA Form 22-0803 will be reimbursed. Be sure to keep your receipts and review the approved list of courses before submitting.