Professional Dive Training: Become a SSI Divemaster

Turn your passion for diving into a career. Scuba Schools of America & Swim (SSA) delivers the most sought‑after professional pathway in the USA, blending workshops, in‑water evaluations, and real‑world practicums so you can work confidently wherever divers gather.

Tiered Career Path

Master Diver Dive Guide Divemaster
Assistant Instructor Open Water Instructor Instructor Trainer

Master Diver

What you learn:

Core specialties plus Diver Stress & Rescue— your gateway to leadership-level safety skills


Key SSI References

Diver Stress & Rescue, Navigation, Deep, Night

Dive Guide (ISO 24801-3)

What you learn:

Plan, brief, lead, and debrief shore, night, deep, and boat dives


Key SSI References

Science of Diving + real
charter guiding

Divemaster

What you learn:

Supervise certified divers, assist instructors, manage dive logistics


Key SSI References

Dive Guide + Science
of Diving

Assistant Instructor (ISO 24802-1)

What you learn:

CTeam-teach entry-level courses, run Try Scuba & Perfect Buoyancy solo


Key SSI References

SSI Standards & pool teaching

Open Water Instructor (ISO 24802-2)

What you learn:

Conduct full scuba courses, issue certifications, teach selected specialties


Key SSI References

Instructor Training Course + Evaluation

Instructor
Trainer

What you learn:

Mentor new instructors and run ITCs/Evaluations


Key SSI References

Instructor Trainer Seminar

Why Diver Stress & Rescue Matters

Stress is the #1 trigger in scuba accidents. The SSI Diver Stress & Rescue specialty 2–4 days of digital study, pool scenarios, and open‑water drills is now embedded in our Master Diver requirement so every future pro can:

  • Recognize, prevent, and manage stress underwater
  • Execute surface rescues, panic diver assists, and unconscious‑diver ascents
  • Boost confidence before leading students or guiding paying clients


Pairing Stress & Rescue with Navigation or Search & Recovery fast‑tracks your professional resume and satisfies prerequisites for Divemaster candidacy.

Why Choose SSA?

  • Quality over quantity — small ratios, fully insured SSI pros, 62 years of proven training.
  • Heated, on‑site salt‑water pool — free practice every day except Sunday, for life.
  • All rental life‑support gear supplied for pool work — pay rental only when it goes to the ocean.
  • National reputation — positioned to be the number‑one dive shop and training facility in America.


Professional Diver Pathway FAQ

What’s my first step toward becoming a pro?

Earn Master Diver with Diver Stress & Rescue, then enroll in Dive Guide.

Why is Diver Stress & Rescue required?

 It equips you to handle emergencies, lead dives safely, and satisfies the rescue prerequisite for Divemaster.

What can a Dive Guide do once certified?

Lead certified divers, handle pre‑dive briefings, guide night/deep/boat dives, and issue Snorkel Diver cards (pro status).

How do I qualify as an SSI Divemaster?

Complete Dive Guide plus science of Diving; Diver Stress & Rescue is already baked into your Master Diver foundation.

Which programs can an Assistant Instructor run solo?

Try Scuba pool sessions, Scuba Skills Updates, and Perfect Buoyancy; all entry‑level courses still need an OW Instructor.

What does the Instructor Training Course add beyond teaching skills?

Recruiting techniques, dive‑industry business know‑how, legal responsibilities, and universal referral authority—skills resorts demand.

Is practice time extra?

No. SSA’s heated pool and rental training gear stay free for current and past students whenever the shop is open (Mon‑Fri 10:30‑6:30, Sat 9‑6).

With promotional financing from SCUBA SCHOOLS OF AMERICA & SWIM, major purchases don't have to wait. Get what you want now and pay over time.

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