SSI Assistant Instructor eLearning

SSI Assistant Instructor — eLearning & Certification Credit Only

Take the next big step in your professional diving career with the SSI Assistant Instructor programme. This eLearning course provides your academic training and certification credit only, preparing you with the theoretical knowledge, teaching standards, and leadership principles required to begin teaching under the supervision of an SSI Open Water Instructor.

What you’ll learn online

• SSI training philosophy, teaching methods, and professional conduct
• Structure and standards of SSI programmes and digital learning systems
• Risk management, legal responsibilities, and environmental awareness
• Student control, supervision, and effective in-water communication
• Academic teaching techniques and confined/open water teaching concepts
• Evaluating diver performance and providing constructive feedback
• Professional development, dive centre operations, and team collaboration

Required practical training (booked separately)

To earn your full certification as an SSI Assistant Instructor, you must complete the in-person training component with an SSI Instructor Trainer or Dive Professional at an authorised SSI Dive Centre. The practical programme includes:

• Confined water teaching presentations and skill demonstrations
• Academic presentations and evaluation techniques
• Open water teaching experience under supervision
• Classroom and briefing practice using SSI teaching materials
• Professional-level rescue skills and dive management exercises

These sessions are not included in the eLearning product and must be booked separately with Dorset Diving or another SSI Instructor Training Centre that offers the Assistant Instructor course.

Important prerequisites

• You must be certified as a Divemaster (or equivalent) and meet SSI’s minimum logged dive requirements before starting the practical training.
• A valid first aid and CPR certification (within 24 months) is required prior to certification.
• Before booking, confirm that the dive centre you plan to use offers the SSI Assistant Instructor programme and has an Instructor Trainer available for your practical sessions.
• You will need to complete an SSI Professional Application and meet professional medical fitness standards.

Free registration

To begin your eLearning, create your free SSI account and affiliate with our dive centre here:
Register with Dorset Diving.

What’s next?

After completing the Assistant Instructor course, you can continue directly into the SSI Open Water Instructor programme to become a fully qualified diving instructor — teaching and certifying students independently.