SDI Assistant Instructor
The SDI Assistant Instructor Course at OCD Divers is the next step for divers who want to move from leadership into teaching. This program bridges the gap between Divemaster and Instructor, giving you real experience assisting with classes, teaching portions of courses, and developing the communication and demonstration skills needed to become a professional scuba educator. It is the ideal transition for divers preparing for the SDI Open Water Scuba Diver Instructor Course.
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SDI ASSISTANT INSTRUCTOR
Course Description
The SDI Assistant Instructor Course at OCD Divers is the essential bridge between Divemaster and the SDI Instructor Development Course (IDC). This program develops the teaching, communication, and demonstration skills needed to transition from leadership into professional scuba instruction. You will work directly with an SDI Instructor or Course Director, gaining real experience assisting with classes, teaching portions of courses, and preparing for the SDI Open Water Scuba Instructor pathway.
What You’ll Learn
This course follows SDI standards and provides hands‑on experience working directly with an SDI Instructor or Course Director. Training includes:
- Teaching experience — Assist with real students and learn how to teach diving under supervision.
- Skill demonstration — Perform all core scuba skills at instructor‑level quality.
- Classroom & briefing techniques — Deliver academic presentations and conduct student briefings.
- Student management — Supervise, coach, and support new divers during training.
- Leadership development — Strengthen communication, problem‑solving, and group‑handling skills.
- Professional responsibilities — Understand SDI standards, ethics, and the role of an Assistant Instructor.
Program Overview
The SDI Assistant Instructor Course includes academic development, confined water teaching sessions, and open water leadership evaluations. You will work alongside an active SDI Instructor or Course Director, gaining real teaching experience without the full responsibility of an instructor.
Prerequisites:
- Minimum age 18
- SDI Divemaster or equivalent
- Current CPR, First Aid, and Oxygen Provider certifications
- Minimum 60 logged dives (or 50 dives with 25 hours underwater time)
Where Training Takes Place
Training is conducted at OCD Divers in Colleyville, local Texas lakes, and additional dive locations as needed for teaching evaluations and student‑assistance sessions.
Required Gear
Assistant Instructor candidates must have a complete set of personal scuba equipment suitable for local training conditions, including exposure protection, cutting tools, surface signaling devices, and a dive computer. Additional professional‑level gear may be required.
Gear packages and rental options are available:
Continuing Education Diver Add‑On Options
What You Can Teach After Certification
Upon successful completion, SDI Assistant Instructors may:
- Teach and certify SDI Snorkeling students
- Conduct the SDI Inactive Diver / Refresher Course
- Conduct Knowledge Quest reviews for the SDI Open Water Scuba Diver Course under instructor supervision
- Assist SDI Instructors during approved scuba courses
- Supervise certified divers in environments similar to their training
- Teach approved specialties after completing specialty instructor training
What Comes Next
After completing the SDI Assistant Instructor Course, many candidates continue on to:
- SDI Open Water Scuba Diver Instructor
- Specialty Instructor training
- Instructor Trainer development for qualified professionals
This certification is the ideal stepping stone for divers pursuing a full professional teaching career.
