Learn to be a Scuba Instructor the "SSI Way." Most instructor programs focus only on teaching diving. However, most dive businesses require much more of 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

Why SSI Instructors are More Marketable

• SSI Instructors possess business knowledge that instructors from other agencies don't. The expanded course content of the SSI ITC gives you an edge over "teaching only" programs and makes you a much more valuable, well-rounded employee.
• SSI Instructors represent the best of both worlds. You are trained to use the award-winning SSI Teaching System and you are trained to be a skilled educator.
• SSI Instructors are able to conduct the Universal Referral Program. This program allows you to complete referral dives through six different agencies: IDEA, NASDS, NAUI, PDIC, SSI and the YMCA. This is particularly valuable to resorts that receive customers affiliated with various certification agencies.

What Else Can You Teach?

• Open Water Diver
• Passport Diver Program
• Try Scuba
• Scuba Skills Update
• Scuba Rangers (after completing the Scuba Rangers Instructor training)

SSI Authorized Scuba Schools and the New Instructor.
As a new Instructor, your first few classes can be a little intimidating. When you work for an SSI Authorized Scuba School, you are teaching in an established scuba school with experienced instructors. They can assist with your first few courses and they have a wealth of knowledge to help you progress.

Already an Instructor and Just Need to Crossover?

SSI has a convenient crossover program for instructors affiliated with recognized agencies. Our premise is that since you are already an instructor, you only need to learn how SSI's Teaching System and Education Philosophy function.

Open Water Instructor Course Details

Prerequisites
Before applying to the Instructor Training program, candidates must meet the following:

• Dive Control Specialist or equivalent rating
• 75 or more logged dives
• have personal scuba diving equipment
• 18 years of age or older
• current medical exam for diving signed by a physician

Requirements
By the end of the course, candidates must have current training in CPR and First Aid and logged 100 dives or more.

Training Program and Evaluation
The Instructor Training program consists of 60 to 100 hours of classroom theory, practice teaching presentations, observations, water work in pool and open water, and examinations. As a final step, Instructors must pass an Open Water Instructor Evaluation, conducted by an SSI Instructor Evaluator or Certifier.

Program Materials
The program requires a variety of SSI diver and instructor manuals, videos, dive tables, DiveLogs and study guides.

After Graduation
Upon graduation, SSI Open Water Instructors are authorized to conduct the Open Water Diver, Scuba Skills Update, Try Scuba and Snorkeling courses. They can also attend an SSI Advanced Open Water instructor course.

Active Status
To maintain active status, Instructors must be affiliated with an SSI Dealer and have current insurance.

Program Cost
Due to variances in content, duration and training needed, you should contact the Training Facility for the cost of your program.