How to become a diving instructor? All the steps
The importance of a diving instructor
Diving instructors play a fundamental role in the diving community, as they are responsible for training and guiding new divers, ensuring that they acquire the necessary skills safely and effectively.
Their knowledge and experience not only guarantee that students learn proper techniques but also promote a culture of safety and responsibility in diving.
Additionally, diving instructors act as ambassadors of the marine environment, promoting conservation, cleanliness, and respect for aquatic ecosystems.
Through their teaching, they inspire divers to explore and protect the ocean, instilling a lifelong passion. Their role is vital in maintaining high standards of safety and professionalism in both recreational and technical diving, contributing to the growth and sustainability of this exciting sport.
Scuba Schools International (SSI)
Scuba Schools International (SSI) is one of the most prominent diving organizations worldwide, with a presence in over 130 countries and more than 3,300 affiliated dive centers. Founded in 1970, SSI is dedicated to offering high-quality diving education, focusing on safety, enjoyment, and environmental responsibility.
SSI provides a wide range of programs and certifications, from basic courses for beginners to advanced and professional training for instructors. With a progressive and personalized approach, SSI ensures that divers acquire the necessary skills at their own pace, promoting continuous training and marine conservation.
How to become a diving instructor with SSI: previous requisites
Becoming a dive instructor is a process that requires dedication, experience, and the fulfillment of certain prerequisites. Below are the main requirements you must meet before starting the instructor course with SSI:
1. Certifications you need to have
Before embarking on the journey to become a scuba diving instructor, it is crucial that you obtain certain basic and advanced certifications.
This is the initial certification that allows you to dive independently. You will learn the fundamental skills and necessary safety rules for diving in open waters.
This specialization prepares you to dive safely at greater depths, typically up to 40 meters. You will learn how to manage nitrogen narcosis and air consumption at greater depths.
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Night Diving
This certification teaches you how to dive at night, handling navigation and communication in low visibility conditions. It's a completely different experience that enhances your skills and confidence as a diver.
With this certification, you will learn to use compasses and other methods of natural navigation to orient yourself underwater. It is crucial for conducting safe and planned dives.
This certification is essential as it teaches you how to handle emergency situations and assist other divers in distress. The course includes training in first aid and underwater rescue techniques.
Becoming a Dive Master is an important step as it prepares you to take on leadership and guiding roles in diving. You will gain experience in supervising and leading other divers, as well as in organizing and planning dives.
- Assistant Instructor
This advanced course prepares you to assist in teaching and provides an introduction to SSI instructional methodology. You will learn to teach and evaluate specific diving skills under the supervision of a qualified instructor.
2. Minimum Diving Experience
Experience is a key factor in becoming a competent diving instructor. SSI requires instructor candidates to have a minimum of 75 logged dives before starting the Instructor Training Course (ITC). This experience ensures that you have a solid understanding of various diving conditions and potential situations you may encounter as an instructor.
3. Physical Fitness and Health Suitable
Diving is a physically demanding activity, so it is crucial to be in good physical and health condition. Before starting your instructor training, you will need to undergo a medical examination to certify your fitness for diving. This examination should be conducted by a physician familiar with diving medicine to ensure you do not have any conditions that could jeopardize your safety or that of your future students.
4. Other Considerations
Minimun age: You must be at least 18 years old to start the Instructor Training Course.
Good conduct & ethics: As a future instructor, you must maintain ethical and professional conduct at all times, both in and out of the water. This includes respect for the marine environment and promoting sustainable diving practices.
Meeting these requirements will prepare you to take on the responsibility of teaching others to dive safely and enjoyably. Once you have completed these steps, you will be ready to start SSI's Instructor Training Course and embark on an exciting career as a diving instructor. The ocean awaits you!
Tips from SSI Instructors and Instructor Trainer (IT)
Steps to become a diving Instructor SSI
Becoming a scuba diving instructor with SSI is a process filled with learning, adventures, and personal growth. Here, we guide you through the main stages to achieve this goal. While these stages include becoming a Dive Master and Assistant Instructor, as mentioned earlier, these are part of the necessary requirements to begin your Instructor Training Course (ITC) and Instructor Evaluation (IE).
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Instructor Training Course (ITC)
The ITC is where the real journey to becoming an instructor begins. This course will equip you to teach diving with confidence and safety. Here's what you can expect:
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Theoretical Modules: You will learn to effectively teach diving theory. This includes how to present information clearly and understandably to your future students.
Confined Water Practices: This is where you put your learning into practice. You will practice teaching skills in a controlled environment, learning to demonstrate techniques and correct student errors.
Open Water Dives: You will apply your teaching skills in the ocean, guiding your students through real dives. You will learn to manage groups and ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants.
Teaching Skills Development: During the ITC, you will refine your communication and presentation skills. You will learn to adapt your teaching style to different types of students, ensuring that everyone understands and enjoys diving
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Instructor Evaluation (IE)
After completing the ITC, it's time to put everything you've learned to the test in the Instructor Evaluation. This is an official assessment conducted by SSI evaluators to ensure you're ready to teach independently. Here's what it involves:
Theoretical evaluations: You will be assessed on your theoretical knowledge of diving and your ability to teach this theory to students. This includes written exams and oral presentations.
Confines water practical evaluations:Evaluators will observe how you teach and demonstrate diving skills in the pool. They will assess your ability to correct errors and guide students safely and effectively.
Open Water evaluations: You will be evaluated in a real diving environment, where you will demonstrate your teaching skills in the ocean. This includes managing groups and responding to unexpected situations.
Completing the ITC and passing the IE will certify you as a scuba diving instructor through SSI. This not only allows you to teach diving to new enthusiasts but also opens doors to many exciting opportunities in the diving industry.
Continuing Certifications and Specializations
Becoming an instructor is just the beginning of the adventure. SSI offers a wide range of additional certifications and specializations that you can obtain to continue growing professionally. These specializations enable you to teach advanced courses and keep you updated with the latest diving techniques and knowledge.
Some of the most popular specializations include:
- Deep Diving Instructor: Teach your students to safely explore the depths of the ocean.
- Wreck Diving Instructor:Guide divers through the thrilling exploration of underwater wrecks.
- Nitrox Instructor: Specialize in teaching diving with enriched oxygen mixes.
Continuous Behaviors and Responsibilities
Being a scuba diving instructor is a rewarding career that comes with significant responsibilities. It's not only important to acquire necessary certifications and pass initial courses, but also crucial to maintain a high level of competence and stay updated on the latest developments and advancements in the diving world. Here's why continuous training is vital and how you can actively contribute to the diving community:
The importance of continue education
The world of diving is constantly evolving, with new techniques, equipment, and knowledge emerging regularly. As an instructor, it is your responsibility to stay up-to-date with these changes to ensure you provide the best possible training to your students. Here's how you can stay current:
Update Courses: These courses are essential for keeping up with changes in diving regulations, techniques, and equipment. Participating in update courses regularly ensures that you are teaching with the most recent and relevant information.
At the SSI Scuba School International you can find information about the update courses, seminars, and workshops offered by SSI.
At the diversalertnetwork.org website you will find courses and seminars on diving safety and health.
Specializations: Obtaining additional certifications and specializations allows you to teach a wider variety of courses and keep your resume appealing. From technical diving to marine conservation, there are many areas in which you can expand your knowledge and skills.
All the information about the technical courses you can take, don't forget you must keep an updated insurance!
Staying Informed on the Latest News and Advances in the Diving World
Diving is a discipline that greatly benefits from technological and scientific advancements. Here are some ways to stay informed about the latest news and developments
Diving Publications and Magazines: Subscribing to specialized diving magazines and publications is an excellent way to receive updated information on new equipment, techniques, and discoveries.
Scuba Diving Magazine contains information on new equipment, techniques, and trends in the diving world.
You can join online communities such as diving forums and social media groups allows you to share experiences and knowledge with other diving professionals.
Chris Massaad's Technical Diving and Rebreather IT page, where various interesting posts about courses can be found
One of the largest and most active diving forums is Scubaboard, where discussions cover a wide range of diving topics, from equipment to dive destinations and its European version.
A UK-based forum, called thediveforum, covering all aspects of diving, including equipment reviews, diving techniques, and travel.
Dive Buddy is a platform offering discussion forums and tools for finding dive buddies and sharing experiences
You can also join a specific group for technical divers to share experiences and knowledge about technical and advanced diving.
Participation in the Diving Community and Contribution to New Diver Development
Mentorship: Becoming a mentor to new divers or aspiring instructors is an excellent way to share your knowledge and experience. Helping others achieve their diving goals is one of the most rewarding ways to contribute to the community.
Event Organization: Participating in local events such as beach clean-ups, marine conservation campaigns, and diving gatherings strengthens the community and promotes environmental responsibility.
Collaboration with Dive Centers: Working closely with dive centers to enhance teaching quality and student experience ensures high and consistent standards in diver training.
Continuous Professional Development: Always seek opportunities to improve your skills and knowledge through new courses, attending conferences, or participating in research projects.
Continuous training, staying informed, and being an active member of the diving community are essential aspects of being a successful and respected diving instructor. By committing to these behaviors and responsibilities, you will not only enhance your own skills but also inspire and guide the next generation of divers. Your dedication and passion for diving will make a significant difference in the lives of many!
For Those Pursuing This Career
Becoming a diving instructor is more than just a profession; it's a passion that allows you to explore and share the wonders of the underwater world. If you feel the call of the ocean and the desire to guide others on this incredible adventure, there's no limit to what you can achieve. Each day brings new opportunities to learn, teach, and grow, both professionally and personally.
So, dare to take the plunge, immerse yourself in this career, and discover the immense impact you can have on your students' lives and the preservation of the marine world. The ocean awaits you with open arms!
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