SDI Assistant Instructor

Professional Rating · Start Teaching · The Step Before Instructor

Go from leading dives to teaching them. SDI Assistant Instructor is the professional step between Divemaster and full Open Water Instructor, and it's the first rating that lets you teach and certify students on your own, running SDI Snorkeling and Refresher courses independently while you build teaching experience alongside active instructors. You'll need to be 18, hold an SDI Divemaster certification, carry current CPR, first aid, and oxygen provider training, and have 60 logged dives (or 50 dives and 25 hours underwater). Because it's a professional course, you'll bring your own complete dive kit.

Veterans can put their GI Bill toward their training, and families can use ESA or ClassWallet funds. See if you qualify.

Starting from

$1750.00

Availability: Contact us for booking information

Description
Additional Information

SDI Assistant Instructor Program

Professional Rating · Start Teaching · The Step Before Instructor

Assistant Instructor is where you go from leading dives to teaching them. It's the professional step between Divemaster and full Open Water Instructor, and it's the first rating that lets you teach and certify students on your own in certain courses. You'll work directly alongside active SDI instructors, learn how a course is planned and run, and build real teaching experience with real students. If Divemaster made you a leader in the water, this is where you start becoming an educator.

What you'll be able to teach

Assistant Instructor comes with real teaching authority, not just an assisting role:

Teach and certify students in the SDI Snorkeling course on your own
Run the SDI Inactive Diver/Refresher course independently
Assist instructors through Open Water courses and student training
Supervise certified divers, and teach approved specialties after instructor training

What you'll develop

The program builds the two sides of a teaching professional: the framework and the classroom craft.

SDI standards, procedures, and the Code of Ethics
The Assistant Instructor role, liability, insurance, and risk management
Course planning, dive management, and briefing and debriefing
Pool and open water instruction techniques with real students

What you'll demonstrate

A teaching rating carries watermanship and rescue standards you'll meet and be able to model.

An 800-metre swim with mask, snorkel, and fins, non-stop and no arms, under 17 minutes
A 400-metre non-stop surface swim, any stroke, no swimming aids
A rescue ascent of an unconscious diver from 20 feet, then a 100-metre tow, under 4 minutes
First aid, oxygen administration, and CPR, both to perform and to teach

Before you enroll

Assistant Instructor is a professional teaching program, so you'll complete these first:

To be at least 18 years old
An SDI Divemaster certification, or equivalent
Current CPR, first aid, and oxygen provider certification (this can be combined with the program)
Proof of 60 logged dives, or 50 logged dives and 25 hours of accumulated underwater time

Not sure where you stand? Call us at (480) 881-4013 and we'll map out your path.

✓ What's included

The full SDI Assistant Instructor program and professional instruction
Teaching workshops and hands-on experience with active SDI instructors
The SDI Assistant Instructor knowledge materials and skills assessment
Your SDI Assistant Instructor professional certification on completion

What to bring

Your own complete dive kit (this is a professional course, so no rental is provided)
BCD, regulator, dive computer, mask, fins, boots, snorkel, and exposure suit
A surface marker buoy, a reel, a whistle, and a cutting device
Your SDI Divemaster card and proof of your logged dives

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I teach as an Assistant Instructor?

You can teach and certify students in the SDI Snorkeling course on your own, and run the SDI Inactive Diver/Refresher course independently. You can also assist instructors through Open Water courses, supervise certified divers, and teach approved SDI specialty courses once you've completed instructor training.

What are the prerequisites?

You'll need to be at least 18, hold an SDI Divemaster certification or equivalent, carry current CPR, first aid, and oxygen provider certification, and show proof of 60 logged dives, or 50 logged dives plus 25 hours of accumulated underwater time.

How is this different from Divemaster?

Divemaster qualifies you to lead and guide certified divers. Assistant Instructor is the next step: you start teaching, with authority to certify students in some courses on your own, and you work hands-on with instructors during Open Water courses.

What are the physical requirements?

An 800-metre swim with mask, snorkel, and fins in under 17 minutes without using your arms, a 400-metre non-stop surface swim with no aids, and a rescue ascent of an unconscious diver from 20 feet followed by a 100-metre tow, completed in under 4 minutes.

What gear do I need?

You provide all of your own equipment for this program, no rental is included: BCD, regulator, dive computer, mask, fins, boots, snorkel, exposure suit, a surface marker buoy, a reel, a whistle, and a cutting device. If you're missing anything, we can help you get set up.

Does this lead to becoming an instructor?

Yes. Assistant Instructor is the required prerequisite for the SDI Open Water Scuba Diver Instructor course, the full rating that authorizes you to certify Open Water divers independently.

Let's. Go. Diving.

Ready to start teaching? If you're a Divemaster ready for the next step, call the shop and we'll map out your path.

📞 Call the shop (480) 881-4013

A professional teaching rating and the step before full instructor. Prerequisites: age 18, SDI Divemaster (or equivalent), current CPR/first aid/oxygen provider, and 60 logged dives (or 50 dives and 25 hours underwater).

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