SSI Assistant Instructor – Your First Step Towards Becoming an SSI Diving Instructor

Gain the Skills to Teach and Lead with SSI Instructor Training

The SSI Assistant Instructor Course is your entry into the world of professional scuba diving. As an SSI Assistant Instructor, you will take on an active teaching role, helping new divers gain confidence while developing your own instructional and leadership skills. This course is the first step in the SSI Instructor Training pathway, preparing you for the Open Water Instructor (OWI) certification.

At Dive Systems Malta, our SSI Pro Courses provide real-world training in a busy, high-performance dive centre. You’ll gain the teaching experience, knowledge, and confidence needed to progress towards full instructor certification.

Why Become an SSI Assistant Instructor?

• Start Teaching Right Away – Assist entry-level students and conduct certain training components independently.
• Build Leadership Skills – Gain hands-on experience in diver supervision and training.
• Advance Toward Open Water Instructor – This course is the first part of the full instructor development process.
• Increase Your Employability – Dive centres prefer hiring professionals with hands-on instructional experience.
• Gain a Competitive Edge – Assistant Instructors are more sought-after than Divemasters alone.

As an SSI Assistant Instructor, you’ll be an integral part of a dive education team, gaining practical teaching experience before moving on to becoming a fully certified SSI Open Water Instructor.

What You’ll Learn in the SSI Assistant Instructor Course

This program follows the SSI Instructor Training framework, strongly emphasising real-world teaching scenarios.

Knowledge Development & Instructor Theory

• Understanding Diver Psychology & Learning Techniques
• How to Organise and Conduct SSI Programs
• Effective Communication & Teaching Methods

Practical Teaching Experience

• Assisting in Confined Water Sessions – Learn how to demonstrate skills effectively.
• Supervising Open Water Training – Gain hands-on experience in student control and safety.
• Conducting Academic Presentations – Learn to deliver classroom sessions with confidence.

Teaching Privileges as an SSI Assistant Instructor

Once certified, you can:

• Conduct academic and confined water sessions for entry-level students under an instructor’s supervision.
• Teach certain SSI speciality programs independently.
• Assist with Open Water Diver Courses and other training programs.

By completing this course, you’ll be fully prepared to continue your journey toward becoming an Open Water Instructor.

Who Can Join the SSI Assistant Instructor Course?

• Certified Dive Professionals – Must be an SSI Divemaster or equivalent.
• Divers Who Want to Teach – Perfect for those aiming to become full instructors.
• Future Dive Centre Employees – Many dive centres prioritise hiring Assistant Instructors for their training teams.

📍 Looking to go further? Consider the:

• SSI Open Water Instructor Course – Take the next step toward full instructor certification.
• SSI Divemaster Instructor Combo – A complete training package including Specialty Instructor & React Right Instructor.

Duration & Training Schedule

• 5 Days
• Blended eLearning and Practical Training
• Classroom Sessions, Confined Water Teaching, and Open Water Supervision

Training is conducted in small groups to ensure personalised instruction and real-world experience.

What’s Included?

• Academic & practical training sessions
• Confined water and open water teaching practice
• Professional mentorship from experienced instructors
• Certification as an SSI Assistant Instructor

Not Included

• SSI Digital Learning Materials – These must be purchased separately.
• Diving Equipment – Bring your own or rent from the dive centre.

SSI Fees Not Included

There is a one-time SSI Pro Registration Fee of €100 + VAT, payable directly to SSI, which is not included in our course price. This fee applies only if this is your first time registering as an SSI Professional. If you are crossing over from another agency, such as PADI Divemaster or Open Water Scuba Instructor, you will need to pay this fee. However, if you have already registered as an SSI Pro (e.g., as an SSI Divemaster), you will not need to pay it again for upgrades.

Please note: The SSI Assistant Instructor course does not require participation in the SSI Instructor Examination (IE). However, if you choose to upgrade to Open Water Instructor (OWI) or Divemaster Instructor (DMI) at a later stage, you will need to attend an additional Instructor Training Course (ITC) and complete the 2-day SSI Instructor Examination. Only at that point will the €500 + VAT IE fee, payable directly to SSI, apply. This ensures that your certification as a full instructor is assessed independently by qualified SSI examiners.

What to Bring?

• Complete dive gear (rental available)
• SSI Professional Dive Medical Form

Safety Considerations & Important Notes

• Medical Clearance: A professional dive medical is required before training.
• Flying After Diving: Allow at least 18-24 hours before boarding a flight.
• Professionalism: This is a pro-level course, requiring serious commitment and high standards of diving proficiency and professionalism.