PRO PATHWAY · SSI AI

SSI Assistant
Instructor Course

The first stage of the Instructor Training Course. At diveshack Malta the AI portion runs concurrently with the full ITC. You do not need to complete it as a separate standalone course first.

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Certified by SSI

Pricing

^€1,150

€650 course fee + €500 SSI eLearning · SSI pro registration fee not included

✓AI certification and registration

✓Knowledge development modules

✓Confined and open water teaching sessions

✓Academic presentation practice

✓Written exams and teaching evaluation

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At diveshack the AI course runs concurrently with the full ITC. You can achieve both AI and Open Water Instructor certification in a single training period.

Call +356 9999 3483 to discuss course dates

Course Overview

First stage of the Instructor Training Course

The SSI Assistant Instructor (AI) course is the first stage of the Instructor Training Course (ITC). It can be taken as a standalone certification or as part of the full ITC pathway leading to Open Water Instructor.

As an AI you are authorised to assist qualified instructors in confined water and open water sessions, conduct academic theory presentations under supervision, and in some cases lead introductory dive experiences independently. Most candidates continue through to full Open Water Instructor certification.

Assist qualified instructors in confined water sessions
Assist qualified instructors in open water training dives
Conduct academic and theory presentations under instructor supervision
Lead Try Scuba and Try Scuba programmes (once endorsed)
Co-teach entry-level courses alongside a qualified instructor
Work toward full Open Water Instructor rating via ITC and Instructor Evaluation

At diveshack: AI runs concurrently with the full ITC

You do not need to complete the Assistant Instructor course as a separate standalone programme before joining the ITC. At diveshack, both run concurrently. This is the most time-efficient route to Open Water Instructor. Enquire for the next combined AI and ITC date.

Pricing for the AI course depends on whether it is taken as a standalone certification or as part of the combined AI and ITC programme at diveshack. Contact us for a quote tailored to your current level and goals.

Programme Structure

Five modules covering teaching foundations

The AI programme builds the teaching competencies required to assist and eventually lead dive sessions. Each module prepares candidates for the practical and academic skills assessed during the programme evaluation.

Module 01

Knowledge Development

Teaching theory, SSI programme standards, risk management, dive planning, and equipment. The academic foundation for working as a teaching assistant in any SSI dive centre.

SSI teaching system and programme standards
Risk management principles and diver safety
Dive planning at student-training depths
Equipment familiarisation for teaching contexts
Student record-keeping and certification procedures

Theory · Knowledge reviews

Module 02

Confined Water Teaching Skills

Demonstrate and teach confined water skills under instructor supervision. Practice skill presentation, student positioning, and error identification in sheltered water conditions.

Confined water session planning and setup
Skill demonstration to instructor performance standard
Student observation and error correction techniques
Out-of-air and emergency ascent skill presentation
Supervised debrief of confined water sessions

Pool / sheltered water sessions

Module 03

Open Water Teaching Skills

Assist with open water dives, conduct pre-dive briefings, and apply emergency procedures under qualified instructor oversight. Work with student divers in real Mediterranean conditions.

Assisting with open water dive planning and briefings
In-water supervision alongside a qualified instructor
Emergency procedures and student diver management
Post-dive debrief participation and logbook procedures
Site assessment and student safety considerations

Open water dives · Supervised

Module 04

Academic Presentations

Deliver theory sessions using SSI academic materials. Develop public speaking confidence and structured teaching methodology for classroom and group settings.

Lesson planning using SSI academic guides
Presenting dive theory modules to student groups
Questioning techniques and knowledge review facilitation
Handling student questions and managing group dynamics
Using SSI digital training materials effectively

Academic · Classroom delivery

Module 05

Practical Exams and Final Evaluation

Written exams, watermanship assessment, and a final teaching demonstration evaluated against SSI Assistant Instructor performance criteria. Successful completion earns SSI AI certification.

SSI programme knowledge written exams
Watermanship and in-water competency assessment
Confined water skill teaching demonstration
Academic presentation final assessment
Review and feedback session with supervising instructor

Exams · Final evaluation

AI Authorisation

What you can do as an SSI Assistant Instructor

SSI Assistant Instructor is a recognised professional rating in its own right. These are the teaching and guiding activities you are authorised to undertake on completion.

Assist in Confined Water Sessions

Support a qualified instructor during pool and sheltered water sessions. Observe students, assist with skill demonstrations, and help manage group safety under direct supervision.

Under instructor supervision

Assist in Open Water Training Dives

Participate in supervised open water training dives alongside a qualified instructor. Assist with briefings, in-water student management, and post-dive debrief sessions.

Under instructor supervision

Conduct Academic Presentations

Deliver theory sessions and knowledge reviews to student groups under instructor oversight. Teach dive physics, physiology, and environment modules using the SSI teaching system.

Under instructor oversight

Lead Try Scuba and Try Scuba

Once endorsed by a supervising instructor, lead introductory Try Scuba and Try Scuba experiences independently. High-volume beginner-facing activity common at resort centres.

Once endorsed by supervising instructor

Co-Teach Entry-Level Courses

Work alongside a qualified instructor to co-teach Open Water Diver and Scuba Diver courses. Gain practical teaching experience on real student programmes while building toward full OWI status.

Alongside qualified instructor

Pathway to Full OWI

AI certification is stage one of the ITC. At diveshack both run concurrently so you complete AI and continue directly to full Open Water Instructor certification without an additional waiting period.

AI + ITC + IE = OWI

Requirements

What you need before the AI course

Prerequisites must be met before joining the programme. If you are taking AI as part of the concurrent AI and ITC programme at diveshack, the same prerequisites apply.

RequiredSSI Divemaster certification or recognised equivalent from another major agency
RequiredMinimum 75 logged dives
RequiredMinimum 50 hours total dive time
RequiredOpen Water Diver certification held for at least 6 months
NoteCandidates from other training agencies must demonstrate equivalent knowledge; additional preparation may be required

Not yet at Divemaster level?

The SSI Divemaster programme at diveshack is the direct prerequisite for AI and the full ITC. Divemaster candidates need Advanced Open Water Diver and Stress and Rescue certifications with 40+ logged dives. Contact us to plan your full pathway from your current level. View Stress and Rescue Diver

Prerequisites checklist

CheckDivemaster cert card (digital or physical)
CheckDive log showing 75+ dives
CheckDive log showing 50+ hours total dive time
CheckOWD cert issued at least 6 months ago
PlanDiscuss concurrent AI and ITC option with diveshack

Fees

€1,150

SSI Assistant Instructor Course

€1,150 · €650 course fee + €500 SSI eLearning

The Assistant Instructor course fee is €1,150, which includes the €650 course fee and €500 SSI eLearning programme. SSI professional registration fees are not included and are paid directly to SSI. Pricing is the same whether the AI course is taken as a standalone certification or as part of the combined AI and ITC programme.

Standalone AI course includes:

All five programme modules
Confined and open water teaching sessions
Academic presentation practice and assessment
Written exams and watermanship assessment
Final teaching demonstration evaluation
SSI AI certification and registration fees

Combined AI and ITC (recommended):

AI programme runs concurrently with the full ITC
No additional standalone AI course required
Most time-efficient route to OWI
AI certification issued as part of the ITC progression
Continue directly to Instructor Evaluation
Enquire for combined programme pricing

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SSI professional registration fees are paid directly to SSI and are not included in the course fee. To discuss the best route for your current certification level, contact diveshack directly. Most candidates take AI as part of the combined ITC programme.

Certification Standard

SSI: a globally recognised dive training agency

FAQ

Common questions

Do I need to complete the AI course before the full ITC? ▼

At diveshack, no. The AI portion runs concurrently with the full Instructor Training Course. You can join the ITC and complete AI certification as part of that same programme, saving time and getting the full OWI qualification in one training period.

What can I do with an AI certification on its own? ▼

As an SSI Assistant Instructor you can assist qualified instructors in confined and open water sessions, conduct academic presentations, and in some cases lead introductory experiences. It is a recognised SSI professional rating in its own right, though most candidates continue to full OWI.

How does the AI course differ from the full Instructor Training Course? ▼

The ITC covers everything in the AI programme plus additional modules required for the Open Water Instructor evaluation. AI covers the teaching foundations; OWI adds the full instructor sign-off authority. At diveshack both are run together.

What are the prerequisites? ▼

Divemaster certification (SSI or recognised equivalent from another major agency), 75 logged dives, 50 hours total dive time, and Open Water Diver certification held for at least 6 months.

Is SSI Assistant Instructor recognised worldwide? ▼

Yes. SSI is one of the world's largest dive agencies. AI certification is recognised at SSI dive centres globally. If you plan to work at SSI-affiliated dive centres in other countries, your AI rating will be valid as a professional credential.

Related Courses

Build your pathway to the ITC

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SSI Assistant
Instructor Course

First stage of the Instructor Training Course

At diveshack: AI runs concurrently with the full ITC

SSI Assistant Instructor

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