Go Pro with a Dive Instructor Course on Koh Tao

The theory section of the SSI Instructor Training Course (ITC) is designed to provide future instructors with the comprehensive knowledge and teaching tools needed to deliver high-quality, standardized scuba education. This portion of the course ensures candidates not only understand the academic content of SSI programs but also learn how to teach it effectively and professionally.

During the theory component, candidates will cover:

SSI Education System & Philosophy

You’ll explore the structure of SSI’s flexible and modern teaching approach, focusing on student-centered learning, digital materials, and performance-based progression.

Dive Theory Review

A detailed review of key dive theory topics including:

• Physics (how pressure, volume, and gas laws affect divers)
• Physiology (effects of diving on the human body)
• Decompression Theory (understanding dive tables and computer use)
• Equipment (function and maintenance)
• Environment (marine ecosystems and conservation)

This section ensures that instructor candidates have a solid grasp of the science behind diving, enabling them to confidently teach students and answer questions.

Standards & Procedures

A vital part of becoming a dive professional is understanding how to work within SSI’s international training standards, safety protocols, and administrative procedures. You’ll learn how to plan and run courses in full compliance with SSI guidelines.

Throughout the theory portion, candidates are assessed through written exams, presentations, and instructor-led discussions, preparing them for real-world teaching scenarios and the Instructor Evaluation (IE) at the end of the course.

The theory section isn’t just about knowledge, it’s about transforming experienced divers into confident, capable educators.

The classroom presentation is a key part of the SSI Instructor Training Course (ITC) and focuses on developing your ability to teach dive theory and course content clearly, confidently, and effectively in a classroom setting.

What It Involves

As an instructor candidate, you will be assigned topics commonly covered in SSI academic sessions—such as buoyancy control, dive planning, gas laws, or equipment use. Your task is to prepare and deliver a short academic presentation that explains the topic in a way that is easy for students to understand, even if they’re hearing it for the first time.

What You’ll Learn

How to structure a lesson using SSI’s tried-and-tested format, including an engaging introduction, clear explanation of key points, visual support (like slides or digital materials), and a solid conclusion.

How to identify and explain performance requirements from the SSI digital materials and ensure students meet the learning objectives.

How to use questions, examples, and real-world scenarios to check student understanding and keep them engaged.

How to manage classroom dynamics, address misunderstandings, and handle common student questions with professionalism and confidence.

Why It’s Important

Classroom presentations prepare you for teaching real students, where your ability to explain dive theory effectively can make the difference between confident, safe divers and students who struggle to grasp the material. SSI emphasizes clarity, confidence, and student engagement—and the classroom presentation helps you build all three.

Assessment & Feedback

You’ll be evaluated by your Instructor Trainer on key areas like:

• Lesson structure and flow
• Accuracy of information
• Communication skills
• Student interaction
• Use of training materials

You’ll receive constructive feedback after each presentation, helping you refine your delivery and become a more effective educator.

The classroom presentation is not about memorizing facts—it’s about learning how to teach them. It’s your chance to take what you know as a diver and start sharing that knowledge with the next generation, in a way that’s clear, confident, and truly inspiring.

The in-water training component of the SSI Instructor Training Course (ITC) is where you take the step from skilled diver to effective educator. This practical, hands-on portion of the course focuses on developing your ability to demonstrate, supervise, and evaluate scuba diving skills in both confined and open water environments.

Confined Water Training

In the pool or a pool-like environment, you’ll practice:

• Demonstrating basic scuba skills with clear, slow, and exaggerated movements so students can easily follow.
• Conducting confined water sessions, including giving effective briefings, managing student performance, providing in-water support, and debriefing after each exercise.
• Handling student problems and skill difficulties, learning how to correct mistakes safely and confidently while maintaining control of the group.
• Supervising multiple divers and maintaining awareness and positioning as a professional instructor.

This portion of the course is focused on skill precision, control, and student interaction. You’ll also receive feedback to help refine your demonstration techniques and overall in-water presence.

Open Water Training

In the ocean (or suitable open water site), the training continues with a focus on:

• Applying teaching techniques in real-world environments, where conditions like current, visibility, and depth vary.
• Supervising diver groups safely while maintaining adherence to SSI standards and safety protocols.
• Evaluating student performance and providing meaningful feedback and corrections.

You’ll rotate through roles, sometimes acting as the instructor, other times as a “student” diver, giving you insight into both perspectives and helping you better anticipate and respond to student needs.

Key Objectives

Build confidence in leading and supervising dives

Learn to apply SSI’s standards in practical teaching scenarios

Develop the ability to assess diver performance fairly and consistently

Handle stress and problem-solving situations with calm professionalism

Assessment & Feedback

Your Instructor Trainer will evaluate your performance throughout confined and open water sessions based on your demonstration quality, control, communication, safety awareness, and problem handling. You’ll receive detailed feedback and coaching after each session to help you grow into a capable, confident dive instructor.

You must be at least 18 years old to enrol in the Instructor Course. This is a standard requirement for all professional-level training programs worldwide.

To begin your training, you’ll need at least 60 logged dives totaling 40 hours underwater. However, in order to sit the Instructor Examination, you must have completed a minimum of 100 logged dives with at least 65 hours of bottom time. If you’re short on dives when you arrive, we’ll help you build those up as part of your dive instructor training package in Thailand.

You must also have completed student-level Enriched Air Nitrox Specialty training.

To start the course, you must hold an active Divemaster certification (from SSI or a recognised agency) and have completed React Right training or an equivalent first aid course that includes oxygen provider training within the last 24 months.

All candidates must be medically fit to dive. A valid diving medical certificate, signed by a physician within the last 12 months, is required to participate in the course. You can download the official medical statement form here.