Open Water Instructor

The SSI (Scuba Schools International) Open Water Instructor Course is designed to equip certified Assistant Instructors with the skills and knowledge needed to teach the SSI Open Water Diver course. The program encompasses both theoretical and practical components, ensuring candidates can effectively impart diving knowledge and skills to students.

Upon successful completion, candidates become certified SSI Open Water Instructors, authorized to teach and certify new divers, conduct try scuba sessions, and lead specialty courses. This certification opens doors to various professional opportunities in the dive industry globally.

What's Included with the Course?

• Academic Class Review Sessions
• Pool Training Workshops
• Conducting Open Water Dives with Students
• Learning Group Control in Open Water
• Evaluation Fees (paid to your Certified Instructor Trainer)

Teaching Privileges: Active Open Water Instructors can teach, supervise, and issue certifications for Try Scuba, Basic Diver, Referral Diver, Indoor Diver, Scuba Diver, Open Water Diver, Experienced Diver Test, Scuba Skills Update, and Advanced Open Water Diver.

Additionally, graduates automatically receive the following Specialty Instructor certifications: Perfect Buoyancy, Enriched Air Nitrox, Science of Diving, and Dive Guide/Divemaster.

Start Your Professional Diving Career with SSI

SSI started in 1970 with a vision of making it possible for anyone to learn to dive. With more than 3,500 Training Centers in over 150 countries and 100,000+ Professionals, it is easy to make a career with SSI wherever you choose. SSI is the name to trust in the diving industry as an RSTC founding member and globally ISO certified.

A progressive approach to personalized training and a close cooperation of all SSI affiliated Professionals and Training Centers and Resorts around the world ensures you will have access to global career opportunities and get the best training possible. SSI’s Professional network is growing every day. We look forward to working with you and welcoming you to the SSI Professional community!

How the Training Works

• Digital Learning & Academics: SSI has mastered the use of digital technology to make your learning experience easy. You can start by studying the academics anytime, anywhere at your own convenience via the Instructor Training Course digital learning portal. Your selected Training Center will schedule your formal review and classroom evaluation sessions.
• In-Water Training: During your pool/confined water modules and open water teaching presentations, you will learn how to confidently demonstrate skills and manage student groups in real-world environments under direct instructor supervision.
• Instructor Evaluation (IE): Candidates undergo a comprehensive evaluation that includes written exams, water skills assessments, and teaching presentations to verify total mastery.

Facts and Training Standards

• Minimum Age: 18 years old
• Amount of Academic Sessions: 4
• Amount of Pool/Confined Water Sessions: 9
• Amount of Open Water Sessions: 9
• Maximum Training Depth: 40 meters / 130 feet
• Suggested Duration: 72 to 85 hours

Candidate Prerequisites

To start the Instructor Training Course (ITC), you must:

• Be an Open Water Diver or higher for at least six (6) months prior to starting the program.
• Hold an active Divemaster certification (or equivalent from a recognized training agency).
• Hold an Enriched Air Nitrox 40 certification.
• Have logged at least 60 open water dives totaling 40 hours or more.

To attend the official Instructor Evaluation (IE), you must:

• Successfully complete all requirements, exams, and assessments from the Instructor Training Course.
• Have logged at least 100 open water dives totaling 65 hours or more.