SDI Instructor

Professional Rating · Go Pro · Teach and Certify Divers

Certify divers of your own. The SDI Open Water Scuba Diver Instructor course is the top of the recreational ladder, the rating that lets you run courses, sign the cards, and launch new divers into the sport. It comes in two phases: the Instructor Development Course, where you learn to teach, and the Instructor Evaluation, where you prove you can. You'll need to be 18, have been certified for at least 6 months, have 100 logged dives, hold a Divemaster or Assistant Instructor certification, and carry current CPR, first aid, and oxygen provider training. 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

$2500.00

Availability: Contact us for booking information

Description
Additional Information

SDI Open Water Scuba Diver Instructor Course

Professional Rating · Go Pro · Teach and Certify Divers

This is the top of the recreational ladder: the rating that lets you certify divers of your own. As an SDI Open Water Scuba Diver Instructor, you run the courses, sign the cards, and launch other people into the sport the way someone once did for you. The program comes in two phases, the Instructor Development Course where you learn to teach, and the Instructor Evaluation where you prove you can. It's the natural next step after Assistant Instructor, and it's how a diving hobby becomes a diving career.

What you'll be able to teach

A full instructor rating opens up most of the recreational catalog:

SDI Open Water Scuba Diver, the full entry-level certification
Advanced Adventure Diver and the Computer Diver specialty
Rescue Diver, one of the most important courses you'll teach
Divemaster and Assistant Instructor, training the next leaders

Two phases to instructor

Instructor Development Course

Learn to teach

The IDC builds the complete instructor skill set, in and out of the water.

SDI standards and teaching theory
Dive physics and physiology at teaching depth
Business management for a dive program
Organizing and scheduling courses, and recruiting students

Instructor Evaluation Course

Prove you can

The IEC is where you demonstrate you're ready to teach on your own.

A classroom presentation of at least 15 minutes
A confined water teaching lesson
An open water teaching lesson
Assessment against SDI instructor standards

Before you enroll

This is the top professional rating, so the prerequisites are the highest of any course we run. You'll need all five:

To be at least 18 years old
To have been a certified diver for at least 6 months
Proof of 100 logged dives across a variety of environments and depths
An SDI Divemaster or SDI Assistant Instructor certification, or equivalent
Current CPR, first aid, and oxygen provider certification

Building toward it? Call us at (480) 881-4013 and we'll map out the whole path with you.

✓ What's included

The full Instructor Development Course and Instructor Evaluation
Professional teaching instruction, workshops, and mentoring
The SDI instructor knowledge materials and skills assessment
Your path to the SDI Open Water Scuba Diver Instructor rating 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 Divemaster or Assistant Instructor card, and proof of 100 logged dives

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I teach once I'm certified?

As an SDI Open Water Scuba Diver Instructor you can teach and certify students in the SDI Open Water Scuba Diver, Advanced Adventure Diver, Computer Diver, and Rescue Diver courses, and you can teach the Divemaster and Assistant Instructor programs.

What are the prerequisites?

All five: you'll be at least 18, have been a certified diver for at least 6 months, show proof of 100 logged dives across a variety of environments and depths, hold an SDI Divemaster or Assistant Instructor certification or equivalent, and carry current CPR, first aid, and oxygen provider certification.

What's the difference between the IDC and the IEC?

The Instructor Development Course teaches you how to teach: standards, theory, and running a dive program. The Instructor Evaluation Course is the assessment, where you deliver a classroom presentation, a confined water lesson, and an open water lesson to prove you're ready.

How long is the presentation requirement?

During the evaluation you deliver a classroom presentation of at least 15 minutes, along with a confined water teaching lesson and an open water teaching lesson.

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 need to complete your kit, we can help.

Do I need to be an Assistant Instructor first?

You need to hold an SDI Divemaster or Assistant Instructor certification, or equivalent, to enroll. If you're a Divemaster deciding on your next step, call us and we'll talk through the best path for you.

Let's. Go. Diving.

Ready to teach the sport you love? If you meet the prerequisites, or want to build toward them, call the shop and we'll map out your path to instructor.

Call the shop (480) 881-4013

The full SDI instructor rating, delivered as an Instructor Development Course and Instructor Evaluation. Prerequisites: age 18, certified diver for 6 months, 100 logged dives, SDI Divemaster or Assistant Instructor (or equivalent), and current CPR/first aid/oxygen provider.

By enrolling, you agree to our Terms & Conditions.