Assistant Instructor
Because Divemasters can go directly into the Instructor Development Course (IDC), people often ask why this rating exists. Simply put, the Assistant Instructor rating is what you get if you successfully complete the IDC but not the Instructor Evaluation (IE) that follows.
AIs can continue to assist with diver training plus teach snorkeling and refresher courses, as well as certain specialties.
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This program generally takes the better part of a week or an equivalent number of days. With sufficient notice, we can usually offer this course when it’s most convenient for you.
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Be certified to at least the Divemaster level.
- Physician’s approval for diving within the past twelve months.
$995/person includes:
- All instruction (eLearning course fee is additional)
- Certification processing when earned
You supply:
- Mask and snorkel
- Adjustable scuba fins and wetsuit boots
- Adequate exposure protection
- Cylinder (one per dive)
- Regulator system with alternate air source
- BC with integrated weight system or weight belt
- Weights
- Dive computer
- Underwater compass
- Dive knife/cutting tool
- Dive light
- SMB
Students are also responsible for gas fills and boat fees or dive site admission.
Because Divemasters can go directly into the Instructor Development Course (IDC), people often ask why this rating exists. Simply put, the Assistant Instructor rating is what you get if you successfully complete the IDC but not the Instructor Evaluation (IE) that follows. There could be several reasons for this:
- There may not be time for IDC grads to take part in the IE.
- IDC grads may want to spend additional time preparing for the IE before actually taking it.
- Candidates may also have attempted to complete the IE but have not done so.
Despite this, the Assistant Instructor (AI) rating is far from a consolation prize for those who do not pass the IE. In fact, some candidates set this as their initial goal with plans to complete the IE later. In the meantime, there are several things AIs can do that Divemasters cannot, beyond just continuing to assist with diver training. Among these:
- Independently teach snorkeling classes.
- Independently teach refresher courses to certified divers.
- With further training, AIs can independently teach a number of Specialty Diver courses to certified divers.
Assistant Instructor is admittedly a rating most instructor candidates will bypass. Nevertheless, it is there as an option if needed.
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