Professional Development

As the UK’s number one SSI dive centre—and the only one in Dorset—we take pride in delivering professional, top-tier training to help you transition from a passionate diver into an inspiring SSI Instructor.

Meet Your Instructor Trainer: Leon

Leon’s diving journey began in 2011, and he’s been working as a dive professional since 2014. As his passion grew, so did his vision. In 2017, he founded Coast2Coast Scuba Diving. What started out of a garage and a van quickly exploded, leading Leon to acquire Dorset Diving Services. Today, the business is thriving, backed by an incredible team of 19 professionals who all share the same love for the ocean.

Leon brings a wealth of industry knowledge and experience to every course. Here is his story in his own words:

"I never expected to catch the dive bug—let alone have it change my life so quickly! It all started with a try-dive in Turkey. When I got home, I was talked into taking a course at a local centre, and things just snowballed from there. Today, I get to teach amazing people, make lifelong friends, and have a laugh every single day.

Taking over a dive centre that had been run by the previous owners for 37 years was a massive milestone. Since day one, my goal has been to provide top-quality training alongside a brilliant team. I love teaching divers how to become instructors and watching them pass on their own passions. Seeing our students achieve their goals—big or small—is incredibly rewarding. I can't wait to meet you and help you start your next big adventure!"

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What is Professional Development and Where Can it Take You?

Professional development in diving is about transforming your passion into a structured expertise. It takes you from a recreational diver who loves the underwater world to a certified leader who can safely manage groups, teach life-changing skills, and inspire others.

By leveling up your training, you unlock a global passport to adventure. Here is where your professional qualifications can take you:

Global Travel Opportunities: Work at luxury resorts, liveaboards, or dive centers in some of the world's most exotic destinations.
Flexible Income: Supplement your travels or fund your next diving adventure by teaching part-time or working freelance.
A Rewarding Career Path: Build a full-time career in the marine industry, moving up from Instructor to Master Instructor, Course Director, or dive center management.
Transferable Life Skills: Develop high-level leadership, public speaking, risk management, and instructional skills that look incredible on any resume.

What are your next steps?

As a diver you are already well on your way to becoming a professional diver and having plenty of experience is a big advantage.

To start your journey, you must have:

Must be 18 years of age
A minimum of 60 logged open water dives
SSI Stress & Rescue (or equivalent) certification
The following certifications (or 5 logged dives showing experience) - Deep Diving (deeper than 30m), Navigation and Night & Limited Visibility

Divemaster

The SSI Divemaster programme is your entry point into the professional diving world. You'll develop the leadership skills, dive theory knowledge, and practical experience to guide and inspire divers of all levels.

Lead and supervise recreational dives
Assist instructors during courses
Develop your dive theory and rescue skills to a professional standard

Assistant Instructor

Build on your Divemaster qualification and take your first steps into teaching. The SSI Assistant Instructor programme gives you the tools and confidence to begin delivering SSI courses under the supervision of a qualified instructor.

Teach confined and open water skills
Deliver SSI classroom and theory sessions
Develop your own teaching style in a supported environment

Instructor Training

Become a fully certified SSI Instructor and share your love of diving with the world. Our instructor training programme prepares you thoroughly for the SSI Instructor Examination and a rewarding career in dive education.

Full preparation for the SSI Instructor Examination
Mentored by our SSI Instructor Trainer
Ongoing support as you begin your teaching career

Professional Instructor Training

We offer comprehensive professional training from SSI Divemaster all the way to Instructor, including Instructor Specialties. While we host regular courses at our HQ throughout the year, we can also bring the training to you with tailored schedules or overseas options.

Whether you are chasing a personal milestone, training for a flexible income abroad, or advancing your professional career, we are here to support you every step of the way. Leon is more than just your instructor—he is your mentor from start to finish, offering ongoing guidance and support long after you qualify.

The Pro Development Package Includes:

Full SSI Instructor Training Course (ITC) & Online Learning Kit
React Right (First Aid) Instructor Certification
5 Specialty Instructor Ratings
2-Day Instructor Exam
The freedom to travel and teach worldwide!

Ready to Take the Leap?

Leon offers a FREE consultation (via phone or Zoom) to chat through your options and map out your professional career.

Get in touch today to discover where your diving can take you! Click the WhatsApp icon in the corner, give us a call, or follow our social media pages for the latest updates.

Aside from professional training, we also offer recreational courses, gear sales and servicing, equipment hire, an active dive club, and incredible trips throughout the year!

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