Who this course is for:

• This course is designed to have students gain practical teaching experience with an active SDI Instructor

Course prerequisites:

• Minimum age 18
• Certified SDI Divemaster or equivalent
• Provide proof of current CPR, first aid and oxygen provider,* where local law permits
• Provide proof of at least 60 logged dives or 50 logged dives and 25 hours underwater accumulated time
• Possess the minimum instructional equipment, as defined in leadership course standards section two of this manual

* Note: CPR, first aid, and oxygen provider courses may be combined with the IDC Program by qualified instructors

What you can expect to learn:

The SDI Assistant Instructor Diver Course takes an in-depth look at all of the following and more:

• SDI Standards and Procedures
• History of SDI
• Products and procedures
  • How to place an order
  • Yearly renewals
  • SDI requirements for SDI Assistant Instructor certification
  • SDI Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibilities of an SDI Assistant Instructor
• Liability and insurance
  • Risk management
  • Waivers and releases
  • Filling out an accident report
• Course planning
  • Preparation, planning and control in dive management and diving activities
  • Pool/confined water and open water procedures
  • Practical experience in assisting with the training of open water dives
  • Pool/confined water and open water problem solving
  • How to conduct a snorkeling course
  • How to conduct an inactive diver/refresher course
• Emergency procedures
  • First aid
  • Oxygen (O2) administration
  • Cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR)

Some of the required skills you will have to demonstrate include:

• Assist in all required courses
• Demonstrate mature and sound judgment concerning dive planning and execution
• Complete a 400 metre swim on the surface, non-stop, any stroke, without the use of swimming aids, in less than 10 minutes; swim goggles permitted
• Complete a 800 metre swim with mask, snorkel, and fins non-stop without the use of arms in less than 17 minutes
• Provide proof of 60 logged dives
• Bring a diver, simulating unconsciousness, up from depth, not greater than 6 metres/20 feet; at the surface swim them 100 metres in less than 4 minutes

What’s in it for you?

Upon successful completion of this course, graduates may:

• Teach and certify students in the SDI Snorkeling Course
• Conduct the SDI Inactive Diver/Refresher Course
• Conduct the knowledge quest review in the SDI Open Water Scuba Diver course under the guidance of an active SDI Instructor
• Assist an active SDI Instructor during approved diving courses, provided the activities are similar to the graduate’s prior training
• Supervise and conduct dives for certified divers provided the activities are similar to the graduate’s prior training
• Teach approved specialties after receiving instructor training in those specialties

SDI Assistant Instructor Diver minimum requirements:

• Demonstrate all open water diver skills to instructor quality
• Complete the SDI Assistant Instructor exam, or online version, with a minimum score of 80 percent and 100 percent remediation