The SSI Instructor Training Course provides candidates with the knowledge and training necessary to organize and conduct entry-level recreational scuba training courses and the specialty programs taught by an SSI Open Water Instructor.
The SSI Assistant Instructor program provides candidates with the knowledge and training necessary to perform the duties of an Assistant Instructor.
- An active status Assistant Instructor Trainer may conduct the Assistant Instructor portion of the program.
- An active status Instructor Certifier may conduct the Instructor Evaluation (IE), if they do not have a direct involvement with the candidates training during their Instructor Training Course.
- Assistant Instructor candidates must have logged at least 75 open water dives totaling 50 hours or more.
- Be an Open Water Diver or higher for at least six (6) months prior to starting the Instructor Evaluation.
- The number of classes, hours and sessions per day are set by the individual instructor, based on the candidate’s needs, ability and local water conditions.
- An active status Instructor Trainer must directly supervise all academic and in-water activities for the Instructor Training Course.
- An active status Assistant Instructor Trainer may directly supervise all academic and in-water activities for the Assistant Instructor portion of the Instructor Training Course.
- An active status Instructor Certifier must directly supervise all academic and in-water activities for the Instructor Evaluation.
- Read and complete all sections, including reviews and assessments, from the Instructor Training Course digital learning.
- Complete all academic sessions, requirements, and evaluations as outlined in the instructor manual for the Instructor Training Course.
- Pass all requirements and evaluations listed in the instructor manual for the Instructor Evaluation.
- Read and complete Sections 1–6, including reviews and assessments, of the Instructor Training Course digital learning.
- Complete Academic Sessions 1–6 as outlined in the instructor manual for the Instructor Training Course.
- Pass all requirements and evaluations for Practical Application Sessions 1–7 as outlined in the instructor manual for the Instructor Training Course.
- Upon completion of training, upload the candidate’s training record with all required documentation into the MySSI System.
- Upon completion of the Instructor Training Course, candidates may participate in an Instructor Evaluation. The Instructor Evaluation must be conducted within six (6) months of the completion of the Instructor Training Course.
- If it has been more than six (6) months, an Instructor Trainer will need to conduct a reevaluation to determine if the candidate still has proficient knowledge and skills before attending an Instructor Evaluation.
Active status Open Water Instructors may teach, supervise, and issue certifications for the following programs after completing the Instructor Evaluation:
- Complete free online upgrades for Computer Diving, Marine Ecology, and SSI Explorer Specialty Instructor.
Active status Assistant Instructors may teach, supervise, and issue recognition or certification cards for the following programs after completing the Assistant Instructor portion of the Instructor Training Course:
- Teach the Open Water Diver academic and pool/confined water sessions under the indirect supervision of an active status Open Water Instructor.
- Directly supervise and evaluate surface skills during open water training dives for the Open Water Diver program under the indirect supervision of an active status Open Water Instructor.
- Complete free online upgrades for Computer Diving, Marine Ecology, and SSI Explorer Specialty Instructor.