The SSI Open Water Instructor Course provides candidates with the knowledge and training necessary to organize and conduct entry-level scuba training courses. It is also intended to prepare candidates to successfully complete an Instructor Evaluation (IE). This program is the second half of the Instructor Training Course (ITC). The first half is the Assistant Instructor (AI) Program. First, the Assistant Instructor Program teaches you how to teach. Then this program, the Open Water Instructor Course, teaches you how to teach in an uncontrolled environment such as during emergency skills training or Open Water Checkout dives.
East Coast Divers’ instructors have the knowledge and confidence to run open water training programs here or anywhere else in the world. While the Assistant Instructor program will teach you the methods, philosophies, and applications of teaching theory it is all done in a controlled environment. Whether that be in the classroom or pool, the safety of the students and control of the group is easily managed. In the Instructor Training Course, we build on these teaching techniques and also teach how to safely and efficiently control a group of scuba students. Once completed graduates of the Instructor Training Course are eligible to participate in the final Instructor Evaluation or (IE)
Specialty Instructor
After you have completed your IE when you are certified as an SSI Open Water Instructor, you can also qualify for further SSI Specialty Instructor ratings. To teach additional SSI Specialties, you will need to qualify by attending a Specialty Instructor seminar, co-teaching or by resume. These Specialty programs include Deep Diving, Nitrox Diving, Dry Suit Diving, Ice Diver, Night/Limited Visibility Diving, Search & Recovery, Stress & Rescue, and Underwater hunting & Collecting.
Advanced Open Water Instructor (AOWI)
Once you have four Specialty Instructor certifications and you have issued 15 Specialty program certifications, you will automatically be upgraded to Advanced Open Water Instructor. After certification, Advanced Open Water Instructors are qualified to teach, supervise, or issue certifications for Advanced Open Water/Junior Advanced Open Water, Divemaster and Snorkel Instructor programs, plus any additional Specialties you are qualified to teach.
