Become a Dive Guide, Assistant Instructor, or Dive Instructor.
Imagine leading divers through the underwater world you love, supporting instructors, or taking the next step to become a certified scuba diving instructor yourself. Begin an exciting new career in diving and start your professional journey today. Start by completing the SSI Dive Guide and SSI Science of Diving programmes to progress towards becoming an SSI Divemaster.
Continue your development by becoming an Assistant Instructor, or combine your training by joining an Assistant Instructor and Instructor Training Course (ITC) to become certified as an SSI Open Water Instructor. Becoming a dive instructor is only the beginning. Continue expanding your knowledge, skills, and experience as you build an exciting and rewarding career in the diving industry.
Continue your professional diving career by becoming an SSI Assistant Instructor, or combine your training by joining an Assistant Instructor programme and Instructor Training Course (ITC) to become certified as an SSI Open Water Instructor. Becoming a dive instructor is only the beginning of an exciting and rewarding career in the diving industry.
The SSI Dive Guide programme is the first step on an exciting professional diving journey. Learn how to safely guide certified divers in a variety of environments and conditions.
Facts and Training Standards
By providing dive briefings, conducting site assessments, and leading dives, you will quickly develop the skills and confidence needed to become a professional Dive Guide. Start your diving career by working as a certified Dive Guide or continue your professional development towards the SSI Divemaster certification.
| Minimum Age | 18 |
| Amount of Academic Sessions | 5 |
| Number of Pool/Confined Water Sessions | 4 |
| Number of Open Water Dives | 5 |
| Maximum Training Depth | 40m / 130ft |
| Suggested duration (h) | 35 - 45 |
The SSI Assistant Instructor rating is the next step after becoming an SSI Divemaster on the scuba diving instructor pathway.
Facts and Training Standards
This rating allows you to gain valuable teaching experience, conduct practical briefings, teach academic sessions, and assist with in-water training. If you wish to continue your career as an SSI Diving Professional, you can complete the Instructor Training Course (ITC), successfully pass the Instructor Evaluation (IE), and become an SSI Open Water Instructor.
| Minimum Age | 18 |
| Amount of Academic Sessions | 6 |
| Number of Pool/Confined Water Sessions | 6 |
| Number of Open Water Dives | 7 |
| Maximum Training Depth | 40m / 130ft |
| Suggested duration (h) | 35 - 42 |
Have you dreamed of travelling the world while working as a scuba diving instructor? With this internationally recognised certification, you can work at SSI Training Centres represented in more than 130 countries.
Facts and Training Standards
This comprehensive programme provides everything you need to become an SSI Open Water Instructor. After certification, you will be qualified to teach new SSI divers, conduct Enriched Air Nitrox and Diver Stress & Rescue programmes, and train future Dive Guides. The opportunities are endless!
| Minimum Age | 18 |
| Amount of Academic Sessions | 4 |
| Number of Pool/Confined Water Sessions | 9 |
| Number of Open Water Dives | 9 |
| Maximum Training Depth | 40m / 130ft |
| Suggested duration (h) | 72 - 85 |
Becoming an SSI Specialty Instructor is simple. Continue your professional development as an instructor by enrolling in a Specialty Instructor Seminar for each diving specialty you would like to teach.
Alternatively, you can co-teach the specialty you are interested in with an experienced SSI Specialty Instructor, or submit an Experience Verification Application directly to SSI for review. Teach more Specialty programmes and you can automatically earn the SSI Advanced Open Water Instructor rating.
| Minimum Age | 18 |
| Number of Pool/Confined Water Sessions | 1 |
| Number of Open Water Dives | 1 |
| Maximum Training Depth | 40m / 130ft |
| Suggested duration (h) | 6 - 8 |
SSI Assistant Instructor Trainers prepare Assistant Instructors to teach academic sessions and conduct in-water training.
Facts and Training Standards
As an SSI Assistant Instructor Trainer, you are also qualified to assist SSI Instructor Trainers, gaining valuable experience along the scuba instructor pathway. When you are ready, you can complete the Instructor Trainer Seminar, allowing you to become an SSI Instructor Trainer.
| Minimum Age | 18 |
| Amount of Academic Sessions | 3 |
| Number of Pool/Confined Water Sessions | 6 |
| Number of Open Water Dives | 7 |
| Maximum Training Depth | 40m / 130ft |
| Suggested duration (h) | 30 - 45 |
Becoming an SSI Instructor Trainer is the ultimate professional achievement. Connect with other SSI Instructors from around the world through the Instructor Trainer Seminar.
Facts and Training Standards
SSI Instructor Trainers are qualified to conduct the Instructor Training Course (ITC) and prepare ITC candidates for their Instructor Evaluation (IE). Instructor Trainers can also teach Specialty Instructor Seminars and the Assistant Instructor Trainer programme.
| Minimum Age | 21 |
| Amount of Academic Sessions | 12 |
| Number of Pool/Confined Water Sessions | 6 |
| Number of Open Water Dives | 2 |
| Maximum Training Depth | 40m / 130ft |
| Suggested duration (h) | 70 - 80 |
One thing is absolutely essential for safe breathing underwater: properly mixed breathing gas.
Facts and Training Standards
In the SSI Gas Blender Instructor programme, you will learn everything you need to organise and conduct Nitrox and Trimix Gas Blender courses, providing customised gas mixtures for technical diving. Earn your certification to teach divers how to safely blend customised breathing gases based on Nitrox and helium with this valuable professional programme.
| Minimum Age | 18 |
| Amount of Academic Sessions | 4 |
| Maximum Training Depth | 0m / 0ft |
