One of the major roles of an SSI Divemaster is to act as an assistant in training to an SSI Instructor. This can consist of many roles including control, demonstration assistance, course logistic preparation, dive guiding, equipment troubleshooting, and more. During the SSI Divemaster course, you will be frequently assisting Ocean Tribe SSI Instructors during real SSI dive courses (if there is not a required course happening at that time then simulations will substitute).
Assisting in Training- What Roles Might an SSI Instructor Assign a Divemaster to Help With?
Control
A Divemaster’s key role is to assist the SSI Instructor in controlling the dive group. When the instructor works with a student on a mobile exercise, the Divemaster supervises the rest of the group. In larger classes, SSI standards require additional professionals in the water. This ensures safety, organization, and effective training.
Demonstration Assistance
SSI skills like air sharing are easier to demonstrate with a Divemaster assisting. When the Divemaster joins the demonstration, all students get a clear view. This eliminates the need for multiple demonstrations, making training more efficient.
Course Logistic Preparation
Assisting in training roles often requires the Divemaster to make sure that all the course logistics are in place. This can include packing the spare box, gearing up student divers, and making sure a CESA or descent line is available. SSI Divemasters help ensure tanks are filled, ready, and loaded onto the boat. They assist with course logistics in many ways, so staying alert is essential.
Dive Guiding
A Divemaster might be called upon to lead the tour section of SSI courses, while the SSI Instructor pays close attention to the students and their reactions, meeting performance requirements. Dive guiding is also a job that is frequently performed by SSI Divemasters with certified divers.
Equipment Troubleshooting
On a dive boat, nothing is more disappointing than a canceled dive. Nothing is more worrying to an inexperienced student than a malfunctioning piece of dive equipment. An SSI Divemaster assisting in training should make sure that they have the knowledge and spares to ensure that dives do not get canceled and minor equipment adjustments can be made.
Assisting in Training- The Divemaster is Often More Approachable in the Dive Student’s Mind
It is often the case with student divers that they seem to ask the SSI Divemasters for advice, hints, and tips during diver training. This is rather than approach their SSI Instructor who they find not as approachable as the friendly Divemaster. The key is in the title! DiveMASTER….
