Assistant Instructor Trainer Course

SSI Assistant Instructor Trainer

Train the trainers. Shape the future of diving.

Move from teaching divers to mentoring dive educators. Develop the leadership, evaluation and coaching skills needed to support SSI Instructor Training Courses.

Am I eligible?

Duration10 days

Designed forDivemaster Instructors

Practical training8 dives

Course priceFrom $999

Your professional pathway

Your next leadership step within SSI

Progress from teaching recreational divers to developing the instructors who will train the next generation.

Stage 1Open Water Instructor

Stage 2Divemaster Instructor

Stage 3Assistant Instructor Trainer

Next recognitionMaster Instructor

Ocean Tribe SSI instructor training team on Diani Beach — **Professional training in Diani**Learn through real instructor-development activity with the Ocean Tribe team.

Eligibility

Is this the right course for you?

This programme is intended for experienced dive professionals ready to take greater responsibility for mentoring and developing other educators.

To enrol, candidates must meet the following SSI age, professional-rating and certification-experience requirements.

Professional ratingDesigned for SSI Divemaster Instructors or a currently accepted equivalent.

Teaching experienceA strong, verifiable record of teaching and developing divers.

Current credentialsValid first-aid and CPR qualifications as required by SSI.

Pre-course verificationOcean Tribe confirms your active ratings and eligibility before enrolment.

Minimum age

18 years old.

Required SSI certification

Divemaster Instructor.

At least 50 certifications issued

30 Open Water Diver certifications
3 Diver Stress & Rescue certifications
2 Dive Guide/Divemaster certifications
15 Advanced Open Water Diver and/or specialty programme certifications

Qualifying Open Water equivalencies

Completed Try Scuba, Basic Diver, Referral Diver and Scuba Diver programmes may be applied toward the minimum Open Water Diver certification requirement:

12 Try Scuba recognition cards equal 1 Open Water Diver certification
6 Basic Diver certifications equal 1 Open Water Diver certification
2 Referral Diver or Scuba Diver certifications equal 1 Open Water Diver certification

Please note: SSI training standards can change. Contact the Instructor Training team before booking travel so your current ratings and experience can be verified.

What you will master

Mentor. Evaluate. Lead.

The course develops the three capabilities that distinguish an experienced instructor from an effective instructor trainer.

Mentor

Coach future instructors, respond to different learning styles and deliver feedback that produces measurable improvement.

Evaluate

Observe academic, confined-water and open-water teaching while applying consistent SSI performance standards.

Lead

Plan professional-level training, manage candidate groups and model the judgment expected of senior dive educators.

The course experience

A practical progression from observation to contribution

Training runs alongside a scheduled SSI Instructor Training Course, giving you the opportunity to support real candidate development.

Prepare

Refresh SSI standards, align evaluation criteria and plan how you will support instructor candidates.

Co-train

Participate in academic, pool and open-water teaching activities during the ITC.

Evaluate and debrief

Practise observation, scoring, candidate feedback and professional-development conversations.

Ocean Tribe instructor candidates completing practical pool training

Ocean Tribe SSI Instructor Trainer Mark Slingo

ITC course calendar

2026–2027 instructor-training dates

Assistant Instructor Trainer dates follow the ITC schedule so candidates can participate in live instructor development.

View the detailed daily schedule →

Nov / Dec 2026Next Diani intake

Assistant Instructor28 Nov–1 Dec
ITC28 Nov–7 Dec
Instructor Evaluation8–9 Dec
Specialty Instructor12–13 Dec
Assistant Instructor Trainer28 Nov–7 Dec

March 2027Diani

Assistant Instructor4–8 Mar
ITC4–13 Mar
Instructor Evaluation14–15 Mar
Specialty Instructor18–19 Mar
Assistant Instructor Trainer4–13 Mar

May 2027Diani

Assistant Instructor4–8 May
ITC4–13 May
Instructor Evaluation14–15 May
Specialty Instructor18–19 May
Assistant Instructor Trainer4–13 May

July 2027Diani

Assistant Instructor15–19 Jul
ITC15–24 Jul
Instructor Evaluation25–26 Jul
Specialty Instructor29–30 Jul
Assistant Instructor Trainer15–24 Jul

September 2027Diani

Assistant Instructor4–8 Sep
ITC4–13 Sep
Instructor Evaluation14–15 Sep
Specialty Instructor18–19 Sep
Assistant Instructor Trainer4–13 Sep

October 2027*Location TBC

Assistant Instructor19–23 Oct
ITC24–29 Oct
Instructor Evaluation30–31 Oct
Specialty Instructor1–3 Nov
Assistant Instructor Trainer19–29 Oct

Nov / Dec 2027Diani

Assistant Instructor28 Nov–1 Dec
ITC28 Nov–7 Dec
Instructor Evaluation8–9 Dec
Specialty Instructor12–13 Dec
Assistant Instructor Trainer28 Nov–7 Dec

* October 2027 session details are to be confirmed. Course dates and availability should always be checked before arranging travel.

Course package

What your $999 package includes

The professional materials and practical resources supplied with the Assistant Instructor Trainer course.

✓Assistant Instructor Trainer Digital Learning

✓Scuba In-Water Professional Evaluation Slate

✓SSI Recreational Scuba Pro Wetnotes

✓Dive Briefing & Dive Guide Evaluation Slate

✓SSI Professional Mask Strap

✓SSI Team Backpack and beach towel

Course questions

Before you reserve your place

Who is the course designed for?

It is designed for experienced SSI dive professionals—typically Divemaster Instructors—who are ready to mentor and help train future SSI instructors. Ocean Tribe will verify your current rating and eligibility.

How long is the course?

The published course format is ten days and includes practical involvement alongside an SSI Instructor Training Course.

What will I learn?

You will develop advanced teaching, mentoring, course-planning, evaluation and leadership skills while deepening your understanding of professional-level SSI training.

Can Ocean Tribe help with accommodation?

Accommodation options may be available for professional-course candidates. Contact the team with your preferred course dates for the latest choices and prices.

Should I book travel immediately?

Please wait until Ocean Tribe has confirmed your eligibility, course availability and location before purchasing non-refundable travel.

Divemaster Course

SSI Professional Training · Diani Beach, Kenya

Go Pro.
Lead the Dive.

Turn your passion for scuba diving into professional-level leadership. Train on coral reefs, wrecks and tropical dive sites while developing the knowledge, confidence and real-world experience of an SSI Divemaster.

Professional dive leadership
Real dive-centre experience
Personal instructor mentorship
Unlimited diving opportunities

Explore the Program

📆 14–28 Days Course duration

🎂 18+ Minimum age

🌊 40 metres Maximum depth

🤿 60 Dives Required to certify

⚡ $950 Course price

Your professional journey

More Than a Course. A Complete Dive-Pro Experience.

The SSI Divemaster course is the first professional level in the SSI Diver System. It combines specialist training, dive theory, practical workshops, stamina tests, skill assessments and real dive-centre experience.

Why not complete your Divemaster course in Kenya? Ocean Tribe’s dive base is located on Diani Beach, where white sand, palm trees and warm Indian Ocean water meet fringing coral reefs just offshore.

Your course is structured progressively. You will build stronger diving skills, improve your leadership and learn how a professional dive operation works while enjoying coral reefs, a shipwreck and the marine life of Kenya’s coast.

You will work with divers from around the world and can dive as much as you want during the course, giving you the opportunity to log substantial experience rather than simply meeting the minimum requirements.

Diver exploring the MV Alpha Funguo wreck in Diani Beach

Scuba diver practising underwater navigation

Train in Diani Beach, Kenya

See where it can take you

Start Your Professional Diving Journey

Discover how Dive Guide and Divemaster training develops the skills needed to brief, supervise and confidently lead certified divers.

Before you begin

Course Requirements

Check that you meet the entry requirements and choose the training pace that best supports your professional goals.

Duration

Choose between an intensive 14-day program and our preferred one-month training option.

Express 14 days

Recommended 1 month

The express option meets the minimum course requirements. The longer program gives you more time to practise, gain experience and develop into a stronger Divemaster.

Who Is It For?

The course is open to certified Diver Stress & Rescue divers and above, or divers holding an equivalent certification from a recognised training agency.

Minimum age of 18 years
Rescue-level diver certification
Current O2 Provider, First Aid and CPR training completed within the past two years
Proof of Deep Diving experience
Proof of Night Diving experience
Proof of Navigation Diving experience

Medical Information

You must meet the diver medical questionnaire requirements. Certain medical conditions or medications may prevent you from diving or require clearance from a doctor.

Please take the RSTC Diver Medical Participant Questionnaire to a doctor and submit the completed medical clearance for your SSI training records.

Included in your training

Everything You Need to Go Pro

Your package combines professional training, digital learning, useful Divemaster resources and your initial SSI professional registration.

Included with your Divemaster course

Dive Business Manager

Go pro.
Build your business skills.

Dive Centre Operations & Management Professional

Your Ocean Tribe Divemaster course includes this Dive Business Manager course. Develop practical skills for the day-to-day running of a dive centre and prepare for more responsibility in your diving career.

Dive centre operations
Staff management
Marketing & sales
Finance

Explore the Included Course

Dive Business Manager Dive Centre Operations and Management Professional course

Business skills to complement your Divemaster training.

🎓

Professional Courses

Dive Guide Course, Science of Diving Course and Computer Diving Course.

🗺️

Buddy Team & Briefing Slate

A Buddy Team and Briefing Slate for planning and delivering professional dive briefings.

🤿

SSI Professional Mask Strap

An SSI Professional Mask Strap for your professional diving equipment.

🌍

Blue Oceans Collection Bag

A Blue Oceans Collection Bag to support cleaner and healthier oceans.

📱

Digital Learning

Divemaster Digital Learning including Dive Guide, Science of Diving, Computer Diving and Marine Ecology.

✅

Professional Registration

SSI Professional Registration plus the initial year’s professional renewal.

Scuba diver developing professional underwater skills

Professional theory

Knowledge Development

Develop the theory, leadership knowledge and practical understanding you will use throughout your professional diving career.

Begin with the SSI Dive Guide Digital Learning, completing each chapter and knowledge review. Your SSI Instructor will review the material with you and fill any gaps in your knowledge.

You will also complete the SSI Science of Diving Specialty and SSI Computer Diving Specialty before completing your final exam.

This knowledge supports your Divemaster role and provides a foundation for future professional training, including the SSI Instructor Training Course. You can also use the Ocean Tribe Dive Theory Learning Centre for additional videos, quizzes and explanations.

Dive planning and environmental considerations

Dive physics, buoyancy, pressure and gas laws

Dive physiology, decompression sickness and narcosis

Dive equipment and computer use

Decompression theory and dive planning

Emergency procedures and rescue techniques

Leadership skills and diver management

The role, conduct and duties of an SSI Divemaster

Do I need Science of Diving? Yes. Science of Diving must be completed in addition to Dive Guide to become an SSI Divemaster. You need strong dive-theory knowledge to answer questions and explain diving concepts accurately. Your MySSI app keeps the digital learning available as a reference library.

14-day intensive program

Divemaster Course Schedule

This is the minimum timeline for a prepared and committed candidate. When possible, we recommend spreading the training over a longer period to gain more practice and real-world leadership experience.

Certification requirement You must have at least 60 logged dives before certification. If you need additional dives, plan extra diving days or consider an Ocean Tribe Divemaster internship.

7:30 AM Dive-day start

9:00 AM Academic start

5:00 PM Approx. finish

60 Dives To certify

Day 1 Welcome & Orientation Academic day +

8:00 AM: Meet, welcome and course introduction.

9:00 AM–12:00 PM: Academic Session 1 — What is a Divemaster? Lessons 1.1–1.4.

12:00–1:00 PM: Lunch.

1:00–5:00 PM: Continue Academic Session 1.

Day 2 Dive Skills & Fitness Pool and academics +

7:30 AM–12:00 PM: Candidate Water Fitness Evaluation and pool skills.

12:00–1:00 PM: Lunch.

1:00–5:00 PM: Academic Session 2 — Preparing for the Dive, Lessons 2.1–2.3.

Day 3 First Leadership Dives Boat diving and academics +

7:30 AM–12:30 PM: Assist and lead dives — first leadership dive day.

12:30–1:30 PM: Lunch.

1:30–5:00 PM: Continue Academic Session 2, Lessons 2.4–2.6.

Day 4 Dive Centre Operations Practical workshops +

9:00 AM–12:00 PM: Dive Centre Operations Module.

12:00–1:00 PM: Lunch.

1:00–5:00 PM: Retail skills, rental equipment and weighting workshops.

Day 5 Second Leadership Dives Boat diving and academics +

7:30 AM–12:30 PM: Assist and lead dives — second leadership dive day.

12:30–1:30 PM: Lunch.

1:30–5:00 PM: Academic Session 3 — Conducting the Dive, Lessons 3.1–3.3.

Day 6 Equipment Maintenance Workshop and academics +

9:00 AM–12:00 PM: Troubleshoot and repair equipment workshop.

12:00–1:00 PM: Lunch.

1:00–5:00 PM: Continue Academic Session 3, Lessons 3.4–3.5.

Day 7 Third Leadership Dives Boat diving and evaluation +

7:30 AM–12:30 PM: Assist and lead dives — third leadership dive day.

12:30–1:30 PM: Lunch.

1:30–5:00 PM: Dive briefing evaluation.

Day 8 Rest Day Recovery +

A full day off to rest, recover and recharge.

Day 9 Dive Emergencies Academics and rescue +

9:00 AM–12:00 PM: Academic Session 4 — Dive Emergencies, Lessons 4.1–4.3.

12:00–1:00 PM: Lunch.

1:00–5:00 PM: Rescue workshops including panicked-diver response and stress recognition.

Day 10 Fourth Leadership Dives Boat diving and deep planning +

7:30 AM–12:30 PM: Assist and lead dives — fourth leadership dive day.

12:30–1:30 PM: Lunch.

1:30–5:00 PM: Dive guiding evaluation preparation for a deep dive.

Day 11 Science of Diving I Professional theory +

9:00 AM–12:00 PM: Diving physics and diving physiology.

12:00–1:00 PM: Lunch.

1:00–5:00 PM: Decompression theory and dive-equipment systems.

Day 12 Science of Diving II Theory and examination +

9:00 AM–12:00 PM: The aquatic environment.

12:00–1:00 PM: Lunch.

1:00–5:00 PM: Science of Diving examination and review.

Day 13 Final Guiding Evaluations Open water and night diving +

7:30 AM–12:30 PM: Open-water dive guiding evaluation.

12:30–1:30 PM: Lunch.

1:30–5:00 PM: Night-dive planning and pre-briefing.

6:30–9:00 PM: Night-dive guiding evaluation.

Day 14 Computer Diving & Graduation Final course day +

9:00 AM–12:00 PM: Computer Diving Course academic sessions 1–3.

12:00–1:00 PM: Lunch.

1:00–3:00 PM: Computer Diving Course academic sessions 4–5.

3:00–5:00 PM: Dive-log finalisation and graduation ceremony.

Real-world professional training

Assisting in Diver Training

One of an SSI Divemaster’s main responsibilities is assisting an SSI Instructor during diver training. You will regularly assist Ocean Tribe Instructors during real courses. When a suitable course is not running, realistic training simulations may be used instead.

Control & Supervision

Help the Instructor supervise the dive group. When the Instructor works with one student on a mobile exercise, the Divemaster monitors and supports the rest of the group.

Group supervision Student safety

Demonstration Assistance

Skills such as air sharing are easier to demonstrate with a Divemaster assisting. Students receive a clear view, reducing repetition and making training more efficient.

Clear demonstrations Efficient training

Course Logistics

Prepare spare parts, help students gear up, organise ascent or descent lines and ensure cylinders are filled, ready and loaded onto the boat.

Equipment preparation Boat loading Student support

Dive Guiding

Lead the tour section of an SSI course while the Instructor observes students and assesses performance. Guiding certified divers is also a key role for qualified SSI Divemasters.

Underwater tours Assessment support

Equipment Troubleshooting

Learn to resolve minor equipment problems and adjustments using suitable spares. Good preparation reassures students and helps training run safely.

Minor adjustments Essential spares Problem-solving

An Approachable Role Model

Students may ask you for advice, hints and reassurance. A good Divemaster listens, supports the student and reinforces the Instructor’s teaching without contradicting or replacing it.

Professional conduct Communication Reassurance

Stay observant. Anticipate what is needed. Help every diver feel safe, supported and confident.

Go Pro with Ocean Tribe

Choose Your Professional Diving Pathway

Start from beginner level or build on your current certifications. Train in Diani Beach, gain experience inside a working dive centre and follow a structured route toward the professional level that matches your goals.

Professional leadership pathway

Divemaster Internship

Develop the knowledge, confidence and real-world experience needed to guide certified divers and work as an SSI dive professional.

Any Starting level

4–12 Typical weeks

100+ Dives often logged

18+ Minimum age

Your pathway can include:

Training from your current certification level through SSI Divemaster
Unlimited diving throughout the internship
Experience assisting courses and leading real dive trips
Workshops in dive logistics, equipment and guest care
One-year Ocean Tribe Dive Club membership

Explore Divemaster Internships

Professional teaching pathway

Dive Instructor Internship

Progress from your current level to SSI Open Water Instructor and prepare to teach, lead and work in dive centres around the world.

Any Starting level

8–12 Typical weeks

100+ Real experience

18+ Minimum age

Your pathway can include:

Core diver courses, rescue training and the complete Divemaster pathway
SSI Instructor Training Course and Instructor Evaluation preparation
Hands-on teaching practice alongside Ocean Tribe professionals
Unlimited diving, learning materials and certification fees
Package options with a new personal scuba equipment set to keep

Explore Instructor Internships

Already certified? Your internship can be tailored to your existing qualifications and experience so you can join the pathway at the right stage.

Your questions answered

Divemaster Course FAQs

Find answers about training time, certification requirements and what is included in your Ocean Tribe Divemaster course.

How long does the Divemaster course take?

Ocean Tribe offers an intensive 14-day course and a preferred one-month training option. The longer option provides more time to practise, assist courses and gain experience in a working dive centre. Additional time may be needed to meet the logged-dive requirements.

What qualifications do I need to join?

You must be at least 18 and hold SSI Diver Stress & Rescue certification or an equivalent qualification from a recognised training agency. You also need current First Aid, CPR and Oxygen Provider training completed within the past two years, plus proof of deep, night and navigation diving experience.

How many logged dives do I need to qualify?

You must have at least 60 logged dives before certification and successfully complete the required training and assessments. If you need more dives, allow additional diving days or consider an Ocean Tribe Divemaster internship.

How much does the Divemaster course cost?

The Ocean Tribe Divemaster course costs US$950. This includes the course digital learning and materials, the SSI Professional Application Fee and the initial year’s professional renewal.

Is the Dive Business Manager course included?

Yes. Your Ocean Tribe Divemaster course includes the Dive Business Manager Dive Centre Operations & Management Professional course. It covers practical business subjects including dive centre operations, staff management, marketing, sales and finance.

Do I need to complete Science of Diving?

Yes. You must complete Science of Diving in addition to Dive Guide to become an SSI Divemaster. Science of Diving is included in Ocean Tribe’s Divemaster course and develops your understanding of diving physics, physiology, decompression theory, equipment and the aquatic environment.

Where does the Divemaster training take place?

Training takes place with Ocean Tribe in Diani Beach, Kenya. You gain experience in a working dive centre and develop your practical skills on local coral reefs, wrecks and other Indian Ocean dive sites.

Can I start a Divemaster internship as a beginner?

Yes. Ocean Tribe offers Divemaster internship pathways from any starting level, including beginner. Your programme includes the diver training needed to progress towards Divemaster. The duration depends on your existing qualifications and experience.

Ready to lead?

Start Your Divemaster Adventure in Kenya

Train in a working dive centre, gain practical leadership experience and take your first major step into the professional diving world.

$950

Includes all digital learning and materials, plus the SSI Professional Application Fee and initial year’s professional renewal.

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Where would you like to go?

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Go Diving in Diani

Diani Dive Trips

Plan Your Dive

Diani Dive Sites

Professional Dive Training in Diani

Become a Divemaster

Become an Instructor

Develop as an Instructor

Internships & Crossovers

Explore Kenya

Ocean Adventures

Dive & Safari

Discover Diani

Plan Your Adventure

About Ocean Tribe

Our Dive Centre

Why Ocean Tribe?

Inclusive Diving

Equipment

Training Facilities

SSI Pro Recognition Levels & Pro Rewards Program

A professional system that rewards experience

Qualifications and experience work together

What are you qualified to teach?

How much experience have you built?

Build qualifications, experience and influence

Open Water Instructor

Specialty Instructor

Divemaster Instructor

Master Instructor

Required instructor qualifications

Teaching experience

Entry-level program equivalents

Recognition built through leadership and experience

Get rewarded for the training you already deliver

How high can you climb?

Teach, certify, track and grow

Complete professional training

Teach SSI programs

Issue certifications

Track your progress

SSI Pro Rewards FAQ

Where could your SSI career take you next?

Assistant Instructor Trainer Course

Your next leadership step within SSI

Is this the right course for you?

Mentor. Evaluate. Lead.

Mentor

Evaluate

Lead

A practical progression from observation to contribution

Prepare

Co-train

Evaluate and debrief

2026–2027 instructor-training dates

What your $999 package includes

Before you reserve your place

SSI Specialty Instructor Course

Turn your favourite areas of diving into courses you can teach

Teach advanced skills

Build your career

Keep divers active

Learn it. Present it. Teach it in the water.

Specialty Instructor options

Check that you are ready to enrol

Standard Specialty Instructor

Ecology Specialty Instructor

Work toward Divemaster Instructor

Choose one specialty—or build a broader teaching toolkit

Training—and support beyond the course

Assistant Instructor Course

SSI Assistant Instructor Course

Turn your dive experience into teaching ability

One focused step at a time

Divemaster