Candidate Prerequisites 

• Minimum age | 18 years old.
• Have the following SSI certifications or an equivalent from a recognized training agency: 
  • Divemaster
• Have the following SSI certifications or an equivalent from a recognized training agency: 
  • Enriched Air Nitrox 40

Assistant Instructor Training Course 

• To begin the course, potential candidates must have logged at least 60 open water dives totaling 40 hours or more.

• Assistant Instructor candidates must have logged at least 75 open water dives totaling 50 hours or more.

Duration 

• Assistant Instructor Training Course | Recommended hours for completion | 35–42.

• The number of classes, hours and sessions per day are set by the individual instructor, based on the candidate’s needs, ability and local water conditions.

Depth Limitations 

• Maximum pool/confined water depth limit | 15 feet.

• Minimum open water depth limit | 15 feet.

• Maximum open water depth limit | 130 feet.

Requirements For Completion 

Assistant Instructor 

• Log at least 75 open water dives totaling 50 hours or more.

• Read and complete Sections 1–6, including reviews and assessments, of the Instructor Training Course digital learning.

• Complete Academic Sessions 1–6 as outlined in the instructor manual for the Instructor Training Course.

• Pass all requirements and evaluations for Practical Application Sessions 1–7 as outlined in the instructor manual for the Instructor Training Course.

• Complete and pass the Assistant Instructor final exam.

Certification 

• Upon completion of training, upload the candidate’s training record with all required documentation into the MySSI System. 

Active Status Qualifications

Active status Assitant Instructors may teach, supervise, and issue recognition or certification cards for the following programs after completing the Assistant Instructor portion of the Instructor Training Course: 

• Try Scuba
• Scuba Skills Update

Active Status Assistant Instructors will also receive the following Specialty Instructor certifications: 

• Perfect Buoyancy

Active Status Assistant Instructors may also complete free online upgrades for the following Specialty Instructor certifications: 

• Computer Diving
• Marine Ecology
• SSI Explorers

Assistant Instructors may also:

• Teach the Open Water Diver academic and pool/confined water sessions under the indirect supervision of an active status Open Water Instructor. 
• Directly supervise and evaluate surface skills during open water training dives for the Open Water Diver programs under the indirect supervision of an active status Open Water Instructor. 
• Qualify to become a Specialty Instructor for some SSI specialty programs
• Qualify to complete the Instructor Training Course.