SSI Open Water Instructor – Teach, Inspire, and Lead the Next Generation of Divers

Become a Professional Scuba Instructor with SSI

The SSI Open Water Instructor Course is the final step in the SSI Instructor Training pathway, allowing you to teach and certify new divers. As an SSI Open Water Instructor, you’ll gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence to train students independently, conduct entry-level courses, and develop the next generation of divers.

At Dive Systems Malta, we offer a hands-on, real-world training experience, ensuring that you graduate with the teaching expertise and leadership skills needed to succeed in the dive industry.

Why Become an SSI Open Water Instructor?

Becoming an SSI Open Water Instructor is the gateway to a professional career in diving. As a certified instructor, you can independently train and certify Open Water Divers, Scuba Divers, and Try Scuba participants, opening up a world of career opportunities. Dive centres worldwide actively seek instructors over Divemasters, and with SSI’s global recognition, you’ll be able to work and teach in some of the most stunning dive locations on the planet.

Unlike other agencies, SSI has no annual renewal fees, making it a cost-effective path to becoming a professional dive educator. Whether you want to travel the world, work in a high-end dive resort, or even open your own dive school, this course is the key to unlocking that future.

What’s Included in the SSI Open Water Instructor Course?

The SSI Open Water Instructor Course is an intensive five-day training program designed to refine your teaching skills, develop your leadership ability, and prepare you for real-world instruction.

Knowledge Development & Instructor Training

• Advanced diving physics, physiology, and decompression theory.
• Effective teaching techniques for in-water and classroom-based learning.
• Course planning and student management to ensure structured, safe training.

Practical Teaching Experience

• Confined Water Training – Learn to demonstrate and evaluate student skills with confidence.
• Open Water Instruction – Conduct real-world training scenarios under supervision.
• Emergency Management & Problem-Solving – Develop proficiency in handling student issues underwater.

Who Can Join the SSI Open Water Instructor Course?

This course is designed for dive professionals ready to take the next step in their careers. You must be:

• A certified SSI Assistant Instructor or equivalent.
• An experienced Divemaster looking to advance into full instructor status.
• A PADI Divemaster or Instructor looking to cross over into the SSI system.

📍 Looking to expand your career further? Consider:

• SSI Specialty Instructor Course – Teach specialty courses and increase your employability.
• SSI Assistant Instructor Trainer – Train the next generation of SSI Assistant Instructors.

Duration & Training Schedule

• 5 Days of intensive instructor-level training.
• Blended eLearning & Practical Training.
• Confined Water, Open Water, and Classroom Instruction.

Training is conducted in small instructor groups, ensuring maximum hands-on experience.

What’s Included?

• SSI Instructor Training Course (ITC).
• Confined Water & Open Water Instructor Training.
• Professional Mentorship from SSI Instructor Trainers.
• Instructor Certification Processing.

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.

Additionally, at the end of the Instructor Training Course (ITC), all new instructors must complete the 2-day SSI Instructor Examination (IE). This is conducted by independent SSI examiners who assess your knowledge and teaching ability before awarding certification. The IE fee is €500 + VAT, payable directly to SSI, and is not included in the course price.

Start Your SSI Instructor Career Today!

Take the next step in your professional diving journey and become an SSI Open Water Instructor. With international job opportunities, career growth, and the ability to teach anywhere in the world, this is the ultimate certification for those looking to make diving a career.

📍 Book Your Course Now – Get ready to start teaching and inspiring new divers today!