Assistant Instructor

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Assistant Instructor (AI)

Completing this course as an Assistant Instructor, you will open the door into teaching all aspects of skin and scuba diving under the supervision of a certified Instructor. Through this course you will learn how to provide instruction effectively and safely. Your learning may lead you into becoming a licensed instructor. Find your calling within the diving community and get excited on these next steps.

Overview

The Assistant Instructor is leadership-level certification. This program is an introduction to instruction basics and will test individuals in their fundamentals and capabilities. This certification allows individuals to assist active-status Instructors in dive training. The Assistant Instructor certification is an important step in the progression to Instructor.

Qualifications of Graduates

• A current Assistant Instructor is qualified to assist active-status Instructors in teaching skin and scuba diving during sanctioned diving courses provided the activities and locale are similar to those of the training. Additional training or experience is to be obtained by the Assistant Instructor who desires to assist in highly specialized training activities, such as deep, wreck penetration, cavern or ice dives.

• An Assistant Instructor can be counted toward student-instructor ratios.

• An active-status Assistant Instructor who completes a DAN First Aid Instructor orientation, who has completed all required DAN orientation modules and is using the DAN training and support materials, may teach the DAN First Aid programs.

• After assisting an active-status Instructor with at least one complete Scuba Diver course, a current Assistant Instructor is qualified, if all other prerequisites are met, to enter a Divemaster Training Course (DMC) and/or Instructor Training Course (ITC).

Prerequisites for Entering the Course

• Minimum age is 18 years by the water phase of the course.
• Current certification as an Open Water Scuba Diver or the equivalent
• Current certification as a Rescue Scuba Diver or the equivalent
• Current certification as a Nitrox Diver or the equivalent
• Current certification as a Master Scuba Diver or the equivalent
• Current certification in First Aid for the Diving Professional or equivalent.

• A minimum of 50 logged open water scuba dives with a minimum of 25 hours bottom time. Dives shall be varied in environment, depth, and activities.

• Medical Approval – Verification of good physical condition as documented by a medical examination and unconditional approval for diving by a licensed physician within the preceding 12 months.

• Materials – Contact your instructor for current requirements.