What Equipment Do I Need for the SSI ITC?
Check the personal scuba equipment, safety accessories and teaching tools required for your SSI Instructor Training Course and Instructor Evaluation.
Your equipment becomes part of your teaching
During the SSI Instructor Training Course and Instructor Evaluation, you will use your diving equipment while delivering confined-water and open-water teaching presentations.
Your equipment needs to be complete, reliable, correctly configured and familiar to you. You should be able to locate and operate every component without distracting yourself from student supervision.
Equipment can sometimes be hired, but owning a suitable personal setup allows you to practise consistently and begin your professional career using equipment you already know.
Professional equipment should support your teaching
Keep your configuration tidy, streamlined and easy for students to understand. Avoid loose hoses, inaccessible accessories or unfamiliar equipment changes immediately before the course.
Practise demonstrating skills while wearing the same configuration you intend to use during the ITC.
Your complete ITC equipment checklist
Candidates should have access to a complete personal scuba system and all safety equipment required by current SSI training standards.
Buoyancy compensator
A correctly fitting BC with a working low-pressure inflator and oral inflation system.
Regulator system
A suitable first stage and primary second stage in reliable, serviced condition.
Alternate air source
An octopus, integrated alternate or other approved alternate-air-source configuration.
Depth gauge
A clear method of monitoring depth, whether independent or integrated into your system.
Dive computer
A personal dive computer or suitable timing device that you understand and can operate confidently.
Submersible pressure gauge
A clearly readable SPG for monitoring your remaining cylinder pressure.
Compass
A suitable underwater compass for navigation demonstrations and open-water training.
Cutting tool
An accessible and appropriate line cutter, dive knife or diving shears.
Mask
A properly fitting mask suitable for repeated removal, replacement and clearing demonstrations.
Snorkel
A snorkel that can be fitted securely and used during surface skills and demonstrations.
Fins
Comfortable fins appropriate for pool, confined-water and open-water training.
Exposure protection
A suitable wetsuit or other exposure protection for local water conditions and long training sessions.
DSMB and reel
A delayed surface marker buoy and reel or spool suitable for open-water use.
Surface signalling devices
Appropriate visual and audible surface-signalling devices.
Weight system
A secure, releasable weight system appropriate for skills demonstrations and your equipment setup.
Configure your equipment for teaching
Your configuration should allow you to demonstrate skills clearly while maintaining control of your students and training environment.
Secure gauges, alternate air sources and accessories so nothing trails or hangs loose.
Place safety equipment where it is visible, accessible and easy to deploy.
Practise removing and replacing the same equipment you will use during training.
Make sure students can clearly see each control and action during your demonstrations.
Check that your equipment is appropriate for local conditions and current SSI standards.
Do not forget the small but essential items
These additional tools are used during rescue, navigation, knot-tying, lift-bag and dive-planning workshops.
Measuring tape
A durable measuring tape suitable for use in and around the water.
Pocket mask
A CPR pocket mask suitable for rescue training and emergency demonstrations.
Calculator
A simple calculator for dive-theory, physics and planning exercises.
Suitable rope
Good-quality rope for practising and demonstrating the required knots.
The best route for most professionals
Your equipment is part of your professional toolkit. Owning and practising with your setup helps you become faster, calmer and more confident while teaching.
- You already understand how everything operates.
- Your fit and configuration remain consistent.
- You can practise before and after formal training sessions.
- You begin your professional career with suitable personal equipment.
Arrange it before the course
Equipment rental may be available, depending on sizing, package and availability. Contact Ocean Tribe well before your course starts.
- Confirm which items are available to hire.
- Provide accurate sizing information.
- Ask which personal items you must bring yourself.
- Allow time to become familiar with the rental configuration.
Your final equipment check
Complete this check early enough to arrange servicing, replacements or hire equipment without disrupting your course.
Regulators, BC and gauges have been checked and serviced where required.
Dive-computer batteries are healthy and you understand the computer’s settings.
Mask, fins, exposure protection and weight system fit correctly.
DSMB, reel, compass, cutting tool and signalling devices are present and accessible.
Pocket mask, measuring tape, calculator and knot-tying rope are packed.
Spare parts, charging cables and any specialist batteries have been prepared.
Any required rental equipment has been confirmed with Ocean Tribe.
Equipment ready? Start your instructor journey.
Choose your ITC dates and prepare to develop the teaching, supervision and professional skills needed to become an SSI Instructor.
