Professional Programs

Assistant Instructor (ISO 24802-1) | Instructor Training Course

Intent

The SSI Assistant Instructor program provides candidates with the knowledge and training necessary to perform the duties of an Assistant Instructor.

Minimum Instructor Rating

An active status Assistant Instructor Trainer may conduct the Assistant Instructor portion of the program.

Candidate Prerequisites

Minimum age | 18 years old.

Have the following SSI certifications or an equivalent from a recognized training agency:

Divemaster

Enriched Air Nitrox 40

Instructor Training Course

Have logged at least 60 open water dives totaling 40 hours or more.

Be an Open Water Diver or higher for at least six (6) months prior to starting the Instructor Training Course.

Duration

Instructor Training Course | Recommended hours for completion 70–80.

Depth Limitations

Maximum open water depth limit | 40 meters.

Minimum Supervision

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.

Requirements For Completion

Log at least 75 open water dives totaling 50 hours or more.

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 1–4 as outlined in the instructor manual for the Instructor Training Course.

Complete and pass the Instructor Training Course final exam.

Note | The Scuba Professional final exam is only required if the candidate has not completed it previously.

Certification

Upon completion of training, upload the candidate’s training record with all required documentation into the MySSI System.

Active Status Qualifications

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:

Try Scuba

Scuba Skills Update

They will receive the following Specialty Instructor certifications:

Perfect Buoyancy

They may also complete free online upgrades for the following Specialty Instructor certifications:

Computer Diving

Marine Ecology

SSI Explorers

Assistant Instructors may also:

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.

Qualify to become a Specialty Instructor for some SSI specialty programs.

Complete the Instructor Training Course.

Assistant Instructors must not:

Issue Open Water Diver certifications.

Independently conduct open water training dives for entry-level scuba training.

Teach any emergency ascent skills.

Emergency ascent skills

Emergency Swimming Ascent

Emergency Buoyant Ascent

Gas-Sharing Ascent

Rescuing an Unconscious Diver

Certifying Professionals from Other Training Agencies (Onboarding)

Professionals from other training agencies may earn the equivalent SSI Professional certification.

Completion Requirements

Before beginning training, each candidate must:

Hold the equivalent certifications from their current training agency as outlined in the SSI Training Standards. See SSI Training Standards > Equivalency Charts.

Register for the applicable professional certifications.

Purchase the applicable physical materials if they are available for the program.

Upload digital copies of all required documentation and existing certifications into MySSI.

All candidates must:

Read and complete all sections, including reviews and assessments, from the Instructor Training Course digital learning.

Complete and pass the Instructor Training Course final exam.

Complete Academic Sessions 1–6 as outlined in the instructor manual for the Instructor Training Course.

Pass all requirements and evaluations for Practical Applications Sessions 2 and 4 as outlined in the instructor manual for the Instructor Training Course.