SDI Assistant Instructor Course

Take the First Step Toward Becoming a Scuba Instructor

The SDI Assistant Instructor Course is the perfect bridge between Divemaster and Open Water Scuba Instructor. Designed for dive professionals who want to expand their teaching knowledge and leadership abilities, the Assistant Instructor rating allows you to gain valuable instructional experience while working alongside active instructors and continuing your professional development.

Whether your goal is to become a full-time instructor, work part-time in the dive industry, or simply become a more capable dive leader, the SDI Assistant Instructor Course provides the foundation needed for future instructor-level training.

At Eco Dive Center, our Assistant Instructor program combines classroom learning, teaching workshops, confined water training, open water teaching experience, and mentorship from experienced SDI Course Directors and Instructor Trainers.

Why Complete Your Assistant Instructor Course at Eco Dive Center?

Choosing where to begin your instructor development journey is an important decision.

For more than 20 years, Eco Dive Center has been developing dive professionals throughout Southern California. As one of the region's most active training facilities, we issue more than 1,000 scuba certifications annually across recreational, leadership, and professional levels.

Unlike many leadership development programs that rely on a single instructor trainer, Eco Dive Center maintains a team of multiple SDI Course Directors, Instructor Trainers, and experienced dive professionals. This depth of leadership provides consistent course availability, diverse teaching perspectives, and ongoing mentorship throughout your professional development journey.

Assistant Instructor candidates benefit from:

• Training within a highly active dive center

• Exposure to real-world instructional environments

• Multiple Course Directors and Instructor Trainers

• Ongoing mentorship beyond certification

• Access to a team with thousands of combined certifications, dives, and instructional experiences

• A clear pathway toward SDI Open Water Scuba Instructor certification

Our goal is not simply to help you earn another certification. We aim to prepare you to confidently assist with training, supervise students, and begin developing the skills required of successful dive instructors.

What You'll Learn

Throughout the Assistant Instructor Course, candidates develop the knowledge, skills, and professionalism required to assist with diver training and prepare for future instructor-level responsibilities.

Assistant Instructor candidates will complete:

• Classroom Teaching Presentations

• Confined Water (Pool) Teaching Presentations

• Open Water Teaching Presentations

• Standards and Procedures Workshops

• Risk Management and Student Control Techniques

• Dive Theory Review

• Student Evaluation Techniques

• Professionalism and Dive Industry Best Practices

• Instructor-Level Watermanship Skills

• Course Organization and Administration

Upon successful completion, candidates will be qualified to perform the duties and responsibilities outlined in current SDI Assistant Instructor standards.

Course Schedule

Eco Dive Center offers Assistant Instructor training throughout the year, often in conjunction with our professional development programs and Instructor Development Courses.

The standard Assistant Instructor format typically includes:

• Classroom Development Sessions

• Pool Training Workshops

• Open Water Teaching Evaluations

• Supplemental Zoom Sessions and Enrichment Workshops

Specific schedules may vary based on candidate availability and program format.

What's Included

Your standard Assistant Instructor tuition includes:

• SDI Assistant Instructor eLearning Program

• Assistant Instructor Training

• Instructor Trainer Mentorship

• Classroom, Pool, and Open Water Evaluation Sessions

• Professional Development Workshops

SDI Professional Membership and Registration Fees are not included and are paid directly to SDI International upon successful completion of the program.

Private Assistant Instructor Course

Need a more flexible schedule?

Eco Dive Center offers a fully customized Private Assistant Instructor Course designed for professionals seeking accelerated training and individualized coaching.

Private Course Benefits

• Flexible Scheduling

• Personalized One-on-One Coaching

• Customized Training Timeline

• Dedicated Instructor Trainer Support

• Accelerated Completion Options

Private Course Pricing

Private Assistant Instructor programs are available for an additional fee above the standard group course tuition.

Please contact Eco Dive Center for current private training options and scheduling availability.

Prerequisites

Candidates must meet current SDI Assistant Instructor requirements:

• Minimum age of 18 years

• SDI Divemaster or equivalent leadership certification

• Current CPR, First Aid, and Oxygen Administration certifications (or equivalent)

• Current medical examination signed by a licensed physician

• Required instructional equipment as outlined in SDI leadership standards

Please contact Eco Dive Center if you would like assistance determining your eligibility or creating a professional development plan toward becoming an SDI Open Water Scuba Instructor.

Continue Your Professional Journey

The SDI Assistant Instructor rating is often the next step toward becoming an SDI Open Water Scuba Instructor. Many candidates use this program to gain teaching experience, build confidence, and prepare for the SDI Instructor Development Course (IDC).

Whether you are looking to advance your career, expand your leadership capabilities, or take the next step toward instructor certification, the SDI Assistant Instructor Course provides the knowledge, mentorship, and real-world experience needed for success.