Classified Diving Instructor
Adapt skills. Remove barriers. Open the underwater world to more people through safe, thoughtful and ability-focused scuba training.
BEFORE
ASSUMPTION
Teach the diver in front of you
The SSI Classified Diver program adapts the established Open Water Diver program to each student’s abilities, pace and support needs.
As a Classified Diving Instructor, you learn how to preserve SSI training standards while adapting communication, equipment, positioning and skill performance. The goal is not to lower the standard—it is to find a safe and effective route to achieving it.
- Teach divers with physical, sensory or cognitive disabilities.
- Modify techniques around what each student can do.
- Use adaptive equipment and alternative communication methods.
- Create safe, dignified and genuinely inclusive experiences.
- Train Classified Divers and Classified Dive Buddies.
Three support levels. One ocean.
A diver’s classification is determined by demonstrated in-water abilities and required support—not simply by a medical diagnosis.
Classified Diver Level 1
The diver can complete most required skills independently and dives with one appropriately trained Classified Dive Buddy.
Classified Diver Level 2
The diver requires a trained support team of two Classified Dive Buddies to provide the necessary in-water assistance.
Classified Diver Level 3
The diver requires two trained buddies plus a qualified Classified Diving Professional as part of the support team.
What you will learn
Develop practical strategies that can be applied before, during and after a dive—not just during skill demonstrations.
Medical considerations
Understand relevant physical, sensory and neurological considerations, risk management and the importance of medical clearance.
Adaptive equipment
Explore weighting, exposure protection, propulsion aids, support equipment, full-face masks, communication systems and DPVs.
Adaptive skills
Modify entries, exits, buoyancy, trim, propulsion and emergency procedures while maintaining required performance standards.
Transfers and support
Practise wheelchair support, safe transfers, assisted entries, equipment handling and respectful physical assistance.
Communication
Use clear briefings, tactile signals and alternative communication strategies, including techniques for visually impaired divers.
Team leadership
Position and manage support teams, control task loading and respond to changing needs in real time.
Your two-day training plan
- Disability awareness and relevant medical considerations
- Risk management and safety planning
- Equipment adaptations and support equipment
- Adaptive teaching strategies
- SSI standards and procedures
- Candidate water fitness and rescue skills
- Level 1 entries, exits, buoyancy and trim
- Level 2 transfers, positioning and equipment handling
- Level 3 team positioning and advanced adaptations
- Instructor awareness, control and buddy teamwork
- Review and knowledge consolidation
- Scenarios and adaptive problem solving
- Course planning and student-centred decisions
- Final Classified Dive Professional examination
- Visually impaired diver training
- Hand signals and tactile communication
- Candidate teaching presentations
- Student positioning and control
- Problem prevention and management
- Final in-water teaching evaluations
Certification requirements
Candidates must meet the applicable requirements and evaluations in the SSI Classified Diving Instructor materials.
- Complete the required dry-land practical session.
- Complete practical applications for Levels 1, 2 and 3.
- Organise and present required in-water skills.
- Achieve the passing score on the In-Water Teaching Evaluation.
- Complete the Candidate Water Fitness Evaluation.
- Complete the Rescue Skills Workshop.
Accessibility is the whole journey
Inclusive diving involves much more than adapting an underwater skill. The seminar considers the complete customer journey—from the first enquiry to the boat, accommodation and digital information.
What is included?
SLINGO SSI Instructor Trainer #76419
Training shaped by lived experience
Mark Slingo became a wheelchair user following an accident in 2004 and has since built extensive international experience in adaptive diver education, professional training and dive-centre accessibility.
His background combines personal experience, instructor-trainer expertise and years of work developing and delivering disabled diving education around the world.
- Adaptive diving trainer since 2005
- First wheelchair-user PADI Course Director
- Contributed to SSI Classified Diving development
- SSI Instructor Trainer
- SSI Elite Instructor Trainer 2025
- International accessibility and training projects
- Ocean Tribe founder
- Accredited SSI Classified Diving Centre
Course investment
Classified Diving Instructor Seminar
- Two days of specialist professional training
- Classroom and confined-water development
- Digital learning resources and handbook
- SSI instructor certification fees
- Professional support after certification
Host the Seminar Worldwide
- Training delivered at your dive centre
- Suitable for professional team development
- Facility accessibility evaluation
- Practical accessibility consultation
- Contact Ocean Tribe to discuss dates and logistics
Classified Dive Buddy Course
- Learn safe and appropriate in-water assistance
- Develop communication and teamwork skills
- Understand the different support classifications
Your Instructor Rating
After successful certification, you may conduct the SSI programs authorised by your new rating, including:
- SSI Classified Diving programs
- SSI Classified Dive Buddy programs
- Your existing Open Water Instructor programs
Open the ocean to everyone
Add adaptive teaching skills to your professional toolkit and create safe, empowering underwater opportunities for a wider community of divers.
mark.slingo@oceantribe.co · Ocean Tribe, Diani Beach, Kenya
