Becoming a Dive Leader
The first step in becoming a Dive Leader is to earn your Master Diver certification, then you can begin your journey into becoming a dive professional.
Dive Guide:
Becoming a Dive Guide and then a Dive Master will allow you to work with certified divers with a dive operator and work on your Assistant Instructor Rating.
The SSI Dive Guide program was developed to create well-prepared, versatile, and marketable Dive Professionals.
The program meets or exceeds ISO 24801-3 which means you’ll complete the program with the knowledge and training necessary to supervise and guide certified divers on recreational scuba dives around the world. The Dive Guide program is also your introduction to the world of dive professionals. As a dive guide, you are in charge of pre-dive planning, briefings, the safe execution of dives, and debriefings with divers under your leadership. You’ll learn about the particular nuances of planning and executing shore dives, night dives, deep dives, and boat dives.
- Teach, supervise, and issue recognition cards for the SSI Snorkel Diver program.
- Qualify for the SSI Divemaster rating after completing the SSI Science of Diving Specialty program.
Why Become a Dive Guide?
Dive Guide is an introduction to what it’s like to be a dive professional. Many people who are considering whether or not being a dive professional would be a good fit for them use this program as a “litmus test” to get a feel for what it’s like to work with and be in charge of one or more divers on a dive excursion. This program is also part of the pathway toward becoming a dive instructor. While Dive Guide is built for, and tailored to, divers interested in becoming a dive professional the course also offers you a chance to become more prepared and confident to plan and conduct your own dives with your friends and family. This program can result in either a professional or non-professional ranking depending on what you prefer.
Assistant Instructor:
An assistant instructor is allowed to teach in a supervised environment and help with Open Water Diver classes and teach some specialties
Assistant Instructor Course (ISO 24802-1)
The purpose of the Assistant Instructor (AI) course is to develop teaching skills and methods while bringing diving skill demonstrations up to a professional standard. You’ll learn how to access and execute SSI training standards, lead active learning sessions, deliver skill briefings, and train divers on the basic skills required to safely dive. As an active status AI you can develop professional experience by conducting entry-level scuba training under the supervision of an Open Water Instructor, and independently conducting Scuba Skills Updates (pool refreshers), Try Scuba sessions, and Perfect Buoyancy programs.
Open Water Instructor:
Instructor Evaluation (ISO 24802-2)
The Instructor Evaluation is an objective review of instructor candidate skills that, upon successful completion, results in their certification as an Open Water Instructor (OWI). OWIs may teach, supervise and issue Open Water Diver certifications as well as some additional specialty programs.
Learn to be a Scuba Instructor the “SSI Way.” Most instructor programs focus only on teaching diving. However, most dive businesses require much more instructors than merely teaching. The SSI Instructor Training Course (ITC) prepares you to become an active member of the scuba industry, a successful educator, and a valuable dive business employee. Your training includes:
- Techniques for recruiting, teaching, and evaluating students
- The SSI Education System and Education Philosophy
- How dive industry stakeholders interact (manufacturers, media, agencies, retail, and travel)
- How successful dive retailers and resorts operate Effective techniques for teaching in the pool and open water
- Legal aspects of teaching
- The basics of educational sales using SSI’s Customer Loyalty Cycle