Becoming a scuba diving instructor is about far more than collecting certification cards. It is about confidence in the water, experience with real students, and understanding how a professional dive centre actually works. That is why our dive instructor internship packages are designed to train more than just courses.
Based in Diani Beach, Kenya, these internships take you from any level to professional dive instructor, while immersing you in day-to-day dive centre operations. Whether you arrive as a non-diver or an experienced Divemaster, the focus stays the same: real experience, strong skills, and professional readiness.
From Any Level to Dive Instructor
Ocean Tribe offers instructor internship packages that start from multiple entry points. You do not need to be an experienced diver to begin.
Internships are available for:
- Complete beginners with no prior certification
- Certified Open Water or Advanced divers
- Rescue Divers or Divemasters ready to go professional
Your training path is tailored to your starting level. Courses are completed in logical progression, with time to practice skills properly. There is no rush and no shortcuts.
Real Dive Centre Experience From Day One
Interns do not train in isolation. You become part of a working dive centre.
Throughout your internship you will:
- Assist instructors on real courses
- Support student divers in confined and open water
- Help with dive briefings, logistics, and preparation
- Gain experience with certified divers and fun dives
- Learn safety management and professional conduct
This hands-on exposure is what separates an internship from a short professional course.
Unlimited Diving and Skill Development
Time in the water matters. Interns dive regularly throughout the program.
This includes:
- Two-dive boat trips
- Training dives linked to courses and specialties
- Supervised fun dives outside formal training
- Skill-focused dives for buoyancy, trim, and propulsion
Diving is not limited to minimum numbers. The goal is comfort, consistency, and confidence.
Instructor Internship Packages and Inclusions
Ocean Tribe offers structured internship packages depending on your starting level. All packages include training, diving, and professional mentoring.
Package 1: Zero to Divemaster Internship
Ideal for non-divers or entry-level divers
Includes:
- SSI Open Water Diver
- SSI Enriched Air Nitrox
- SSI Navigation
- SSI Deep Diver
- SSI Night & Limited Visibility
- React Right CPR & First Aid
- SSI Diver Stress & Rescue
- SSI Dive Guide/ Divemaster
- SSI Science of Diving
- SSI Computer Diving
- SSI Marine Ecology
- SSI Specialty Diver Rating
- SSI Advanced Specialty Diver Rating
- SSI Master Diver Rating
- All SSI Materials & Fees
- Instructor mentoring and skills coaching
- Real dive centre assisting experience
- Full set of your own scuba equipment to keep
Package 2: Zero to Instructor Internship
Complete professional pathway from beginner to instructor
Includes everything in the Zero to Divemaster package, plus:
- SSI Open Water Diver
- SSI Enriched Air Nitrox
- SSI Navigation
- SSI Deep Diver
- SSI Night & Limited Visibility
- React Right CPR & First Aid
- SSI Diver Stress & Rescue
- SSI Dive Guide/ Divemaster
- SSI Science of Diving
- SSI Computer Diving
- SSI Marine Ecology
- SSI Instructor Training Course
- SSI Instructor Evaluation
- SSI Specialty Diver Rating
- SSI Advanced Specialty Diver Rating
- SSI Master Diver Rating
- All SSI Materials & Fees
- Unlimited training and fun dives during internship
- Instructor mentoring and skills coaching
- Real dive centre assisting experience
- Full set of your own scuba equipment to keep
This package is ideal for those who want a single, continuous pathway to instructor level.
Package 3: Divemaster to Instructor Internship
For certified Divemasters or equivalent
Includes:
- SSI Instructor Training Course
- SSI Instructor Evaluation
- Internship assisting real student courses
- Teaching presentations and skill circuits
- Specialty instructor options
- Mentoring focused on teaching confidence and professionalism
- Real dive centre assisting experience
- Full set of your own scuba equipment to keep
Equipment, Workshops, and Configuration
Interns have access to Ocean Tribe training and rental equipment during the program.
This includes:
- Use of BCs, regulators, and exposure protection during training
- Guidance on correct weighting and setup
- Equipment configuration workshops
- Multiple skills-circuit workshops
- Introduction to backplate and wing systems and sidemount
- Advice on building your own professional kit over time
- Job search assistance and CV writing workshop
You are not expected to arrive fully equipped.
Conservation and Environmental Experience
Interns are encouraged to participate in Ocean Tribe’s environmental initiatives.
This may include:
- Reef and beach clean-ups
- SSI ecology programs
- Responsible diving practices
- Environmental awareness training for professionals
Why Train in Kenya?
Diani Beach offers ideal conditions for professional training:
- Warm water diving year-round
- Short boat rides to dive sites
- Healthy coral reefs and marine life
- A relaxed but professional learning environment
Training in Kenya also gives you the chance to combine your internship with wildlife safari experiences, adding a unique dimension to your journey.
What’s Not Included
To keep expectations clear, the following are not normally included unless stated in a specific package: However we can assist with sorting out all of them.
- Accommodation and meals
- Flights and travel costs
- Visa fees or work permits
- Personal dive equipment purchases
- Medical exams and insurance
- Safari trips unless booked as an add-on
Full details are provided before booking so you can plan accurately.
More Than a Certification
By the end of your internship, you leave with:
- Recognised professional qualifications
- Strong buoyancy, trim, and control
- Real teaching and assisting experience
- Understanding of dive centre operations
- Confidence to work as a dive professional worldwide
That is why Ocean Tribe internships train more than just courses.
Start Your Dive Career with Ocean Tribe
If you want professional training that focuses on real experience, skill development, and long-term success, the Ocean Tribe dive instructor internship packages offer a proven pathway.
Explore full details here: