Assistant Instructor

Stop Just Leading. Start Teaching.

Description: You have mastered the art of leading certified divers as a Divemaster. Now, it’s time to shape the next generation. The SSI Assistant Instructor course is your first step into the world of teaching scuba diving.

While a Divemaster manages the logistics and safety of a group, an Assistant Instructor is an educator. In this course, you will learn the psychology of learning, how to present academic lectures, and how to teach in-water skills. You become the Instructor's "right hand," capable of handling classroom sessions and pool training, making you an invaluable asset to any dive center.

Why Become an SSI Assistant Instructor?

• Teach Independently: As an Assistant Instructor, you don't just carry tanks. You are qualified to independently teach Scuba Skills Updates (refreshers), Try Scuba experiences (pool), and the Perfect Buoyancy specialty.

• The "ITC" Stepping Stone: The Assistant Instructor course is actually the first half of the full Instructor Training Course (ITC). You can earn this rating now, gain valuable teaching experience, and finish your full Open Water Instructor rating later.

• Public Speaking Skills: You will learn how to command a room, giving you confidence that applies to your career both underwater and on land.

• Increased Value: Dive Centers love Assistant Instructors because they can take the workload of "Refresher" courses off the main schedule, allowing the shop to run more efficiently.

What You Will Learn:

• Academic Teaching: How to use the SSI digital system to give engaging, effective classroom presentations.

• In-Water Teaching: How to demonstrate skills for students (which is different than doing it for yourself) and how to catch and correct student errors safely.

• Evaluation: How to grade a student's performance objectively.

• Risk Management: Advanced duty of care and student safety protocols.

Prerequisites:

• Current Rating: Active SSI Divemaster (or equivalent from another agency).

• Experience: 60 logged dives to enroll (75 logged dives required to certify).

• Medical: Current medical exam signed by a physician (within 12 months).

• Gear: Total Diving System (must own your own professional-grade gear).