Teach Diving.
Change Lives.
Become an SSI Open Water Diving Instructor in Diani Beach, Kenya. Develop the knowledge, confidence and teaching skills to turn your passion for diving into a professional career.
Professional Training in Paradise
Turn your passion for scuba diving into a career at Ocean Tribe on Diani Beach, Kenya.
The program is led by award-winning SSI Instructor Trainer Mark Slingo and supported by Ocean Tribe’s team of Assistant Instructor Trainers. It follows the current SSI curriculum and prepares candidates for the separate SSI Instructor Evaluation.
You complete much of the academic theory through SSI Digital Learning before arriving in Kenya. This allows the live training to concentrate on instructor workshops, teaching presentations, professional conduct and practical in-water demonstration skills.
The Ocean Tribe Instructor Training Course incorporates the SSI Assistant Instructor course and the complete Instructor Training Course. It is followed by a two-day Instructor Evaluation conducted by an incoming SSI Instructor Certifier.
Become an SSI Professional
Discover where SSI professional training can take you and begin preparing for a career that can open doors around the world.
What the Program Includes
A structured pathway from professional dive leader to confident SSI instructor candidate.
Digital Learning
Complete the required SSI Instructor Training Course theory before the live training sessions begin.
Instructor Workshops
Develop your teaching techniques through instructor-led classroom workshops and candidate presentations.
Confined-Water Skills
Complete the confined-water skills circuit and practise professional, demonstration-quality scuba skills.
Rescue Demonstration
Refine your rescue skills and learn to demonstrate rescue procedures clearly and confidently.
Teaching Presentations
Deliver classroom, confined-water and open-water teaching presentations with structured feedback.
Evaluation Preparation
Prepare for the separate two-day SSI Instructor Evaluation conducted by an SSI Instructor Certifier.
Assistant Instructor
The training pathway incorporates the SSI Assistant Instructor course as part of the complete program.
Pool Presentations
Practise teaching and evaluating Open Water Diver, Perfect Buoyancy, rescue and emergency skills.
Open-Water Workshops
Deliver open-water presentations and learn how to control, organise and evaluate student training dives.
SSI ITC Prerequisites
Candidates must meet the professional certification, diving-experience and safety requirements before entering instructor training.
Professional Certification
Hold an SSI Divemaster certification, or:
- Be an instructor member in good standing, renewed or eligible to renew, with another recognised recreational diver training organisation.
- Hold a leadership-level certification in good standing, renewed or eligible to renew, with another recognised recreational diver training organisation.
Logged-Dive Experience
Have at least 100 logged dives with documented experience in night diving, deep diving and underwater navigation.
Minimum Age
Be at least 18 years old before beginning the program.
Enriched Air Nitrox
Hold an Enriched Air Nitrox diver certification.
CPR and First Aid
Hold CPR and First Aid provider certifications completed within the previous 24 months.
Medical Clearance
Provide medical clearance confirming fitness to dive, signed by a physician within the previous 12 months, with no subsequent changes to your medical condition.
Certification History
Have been a certified diver for at least six months.
Non-SSI Certifications
Provide documentation of any qualifying non-SSI certifications, including entry-level, advanced, rescue and leadership-level certifications where required.
Preparation Support
Ocean Tribe provides additional preparation and practice resources to help you begin the ITC feeling confident and properly prepared.
ITC Preparation Course
Focused preparation to help you refresh your knowledge, organise your training and begin instructor development feeling ready.
Online ITC Resource Centre
Access Ocean Tribe’s online learning centre for additional videos, explanations, quizzes and professional dive theory.
Unlimited Practice Access
Unlimited tank refills and pool access give you extra opportunities to practise and polish your demonstration-quality skills.
Training Materials Included
SSI Digital Learning
SSI Instructor Training Course Digital Learning through the MySSI app.
SSI Pro Wetnotes
SSI Recreational Scuba Pro Wetnotes for your professional training.
Professional Mask Strap
An SSI Professional Mask Strap for your personal diving equipment.
Evaluation Slate
A Dive Briefing and Dive Guide Evaluation Slate.
More Included With Your ITC
Your training package provides practical support before, during and after the course.
Included in every ITC packageBecome an instructor.
Build your business skills.
Dive Centre Operations & Management Professional
Every Ocean Tribe ITC package 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
Business skills to complement your instructor training.
Daily Refreshments & Lunch
Free water, tea, coffee and lunch during each training day.
Kenya eVisa Assistance
Help with your Kenya eVisa application where required.
Dive Club Membership
One year of Ocean Tribe Dive Club membership, including free diving and other member benefits.
Team-Teaching Module
Following a successful ITC and IE, teach alongside an experienced professional as you ease into your new role.
Career Development
Professional career guidance and assistance as you enter the industry.
Equipment Discounts
Special discounts on in-store dive equipment, including eligible complete equipment packages.
ITC Polo or T-Shirt
An Ocean Tribe ITC polo shirt or T-shirt is included.
Mask Strap Cover
An Ocean Tribe branded mask strap cover.
Medical Information
You must meet the diver medical questionnaire requirements. Some medical conditions or medications may prevent you from diving or require clearance from a physician.
Take the RSTC Diver Medical Participant Questionnaire to a doctor and submit the completed medical clearance to SSI. Instructor candidates must provide clearance signed within the previous 12 months, with no subsequent changes to their medical condition.
ITC Course Calendar 2026–2027
Ocean Tribe schedules instructor training throughout the year. Additional courses may also be arranged when demand allows.
| Course | Nov/Dec 2026 | March 2027 | May 2027 | July 2027 | September 2027 | October 2027* | Nov/Dec 2027 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assistant Instructor | 28–1 | 4–8 | 4–8 | 15–19 | 4–8 | 19–23 | 28–1 |
| Instructor Training Course | 28–7 | 4–13 | 4–13 | 15–24 | 4–13 | 24–29 | 28–7 |
| Instructor Evaluation | 8–9 | 14–15 | 14–15 | 25–26 | 14–15 | 30–31 | 8–9 |
| Specialty Instructor Training | 12–13 | 18–19 | 18–19 | 29–30 | 18–19 | 1–3 | 12–13 |
| Assistant Instructor Trainer | 28–7 | 4–13 | 4–13 | 15–24 | 4–13 | 19–29 | 28–7 |
ITC means Instructor Training Course. IE means Instructor Evaluation. October 2027 session details are subject to confirmation.
ITC Packages From $2,099
Choose from training-only packages or complete options that add the Divemaster Instructor Seminar, accommodation, essential dive equipment or elite professional equipment.
Available packages include the ITC, Instructor Evaluation, digital materials, instructor crew pack, the Dive Business Manager Dive Centre Operations & Management Professional course and Ocean Tribe professional-development extras. Visit the pricing page for the full twelve-package comparison and optional bolt-ons.
ITC Information Centre
Explore every stage of the instructor pathway, from prerequisites and preparation to equipment, course costs and the final evaluation.
Course experienceWhat Happens on the SSI ITC?
See what to expect from workshops, presentations and practical in-water training.
View the course experience →
Dates and scheduleITC Schedule & Calendar
Check upcoming training dates and review the detailed daily schedule.
View the course calendar →
Entry requirementsSSI ITC Prerequisites
Confirm the qualifications, experience and documents required before training.
Check the prerequisites →
PreparationHow Should I Prepare?
Review the knowledge and practical skills that will help you succeed.
Prepare for your ITC →
Dive equipmentRequired Scuba Equipment
Review the personal equipment and professional accessories needed for training.
View the equipment list →
Training materialsRequired ITC Materials
Learn which digital resources, professional materials and tools you will use.
View required materials →
Agency comparisonSSI vs PADI
Compare the organisations and consider which professional pathway suits you.
Compare SSI and PADI →
Final assessmentInstructor Evaluation
Understand the evaluation format, expectations and final certification steps.
Explore the evaluation →
Course feesITC Costs & Packages
Compare training, accommodation and equipment package options.
View ITC costs →
Additional qualificationReact Right Instructor
Add the ability to teach CPR, first aid and emergency-response programs.
Explore React Right Instructor →
Professional gearDive-Pro Equipment Packages
Explore dependable equipment packages created for new professionals.
View equipment packages →Instructor Training Course FAQs
Find answers about instructor training, entry requirements, package options and preparing for your SSI ITC in Kenya.
How long does the SSI Instructor Training Course take?
Ocean Tribe’s scheduled instructor training runs over 10 days, followed by a separate two-day SSI Instructor Evaluation. Complete your assigned digital learning before arrival so you can focus on workshops, teaching presentations and practical training during the course.
What qualifications do I need to join the ITC?
You must be at least 18 and hold SSI Divemaster certification or an accepted equivalent professional qualification. You also need Enriched Air Nitrox certification, CPR and First Aid certifications completed within the previous 24 months, and at least six months as a certified diver. You must also meet the logged-dive and medical-clearance requirements listed on this page.
How many logged dives do I need before the ITC?
Ocean Tribe requires at least 100 logged dives before starting the ITC, with documented experience in night diving, deep diving and underwater navigation.
Can I join with a Divemaster qualification from another agency?
Yes. Candidates with an accepted equivalent leadership-level qualification from another recognised recreational diver training organisation can join. Send Ocean Tribe your certification details so the team can check your eligibility and identify any preparation needed before the course.
How much do Ocean Tribe ITC packages cost?
ITC packages start from US$2,099. Options range from training-only packages to packages that add accommodation, the Divemaster Instructor Seminar or personal dive equipment. Check the ITC pricing page for the full package comparison and exact inclusions.
Is the Dive Business Manager course included in every ITC package?
Yes. Every Ocean Tribe ITC package includes the Dive Business Manager Dive Centre Operations & Management Professional course. It develops practical business knowledge in areas including dive centre operations, staff management, marketing, sales and finance.
What is the difference between the ITC and the Instructor Evaluation?
The ITC develops your teaching skills, professional knowledge and practical ability through training, workshops and presentations. The Instructor Evaluation is a separate two-day assessment conducted by an SSI Instructor Certifier after your instructor training.
Does the ITC include the Assistant Instructor course?
Yes. Ocean Tribe’s instructor training programme incorporates the SSI Assistant Instructor course and the complete Instructor Training Course, followed by the separate Instructor Evaluation.
How should I prepare before arriving in Kenya?
Complete your assigned SSI Digital Learning, review your dive theory and practise your diving skills. Check that your certification records, logged dives, First Aid and CPR certifications, and medical clearance meet the entry requirements. Ocean Tribe will guide you through the preparation needed for your course.
Where does the instructor training take place?
Training takes place with Ocean Tribe in Diani Beach, Kenya. The programme is led by SSI Instructor Trainer Mark Slingo and supported by Ocean Tribe’s team of Assistant Instructor Trainers.
Become an SSI Instructor in Kenya
Train with an experienced professional team, prepare thoroughly for your Instructor Evaluation and begin the next chapter of your diving career.
