Better Diver SCUBA Training and Equipment

Now that you’ve completed the Rescue Diver course, and you really love diving, are you thinking about turning professional? Or maybe you’re already a certified Divemaster, or even an Instructor, and now you want to further your education to enhance your professional qualifications. So what’s your next step ?

First, some background information . . .

For currently active instructors, SDI has an online crossover program to make your crossover smooth and informative. We will make it an enjoyable experience and assist you in getting started. Ask us about SDI and let us prove the differences they can make for a dive professional.

Divemaster is the entry-level professional certification. A DM wears many hats, including supervising the activities of certified divers, and serving as an instructional assistant in the training of student divers; in addition, a DM may independently conduct a few selected dive programs. The DM course combines independent study with a number of formal classroom sessions, places an emphasis on developing a thorough knowledge of dive theory while honing personal dive skills, and incorporates practical hands-on experience through a comprehensive internship program.

Assistant Instructor is the next professional level. Through formal presentations and practical application, the AI course introduces instructional and evaluative skills, enabling the AI to become more directly involved in training student divers, and often qualifying the AI to independently conduct a number of specialty diver certification programs. Some training organizations require AI as a prerequisite to Instructor, while it is an optional rating with others.

Instructor is the next rung up the ladder of professional certification programs. The Instructor Development Course (IDC) and subsequent Instructor Examination (IE) focus heavily upon instructional and evaluative skills, in the classroom as well as confined and open water, to develop and verify expertise in the overall administration of recreational training programs. Advanced Instructor ratings typically are based upon continuing education, specialty ratings, and experience.

Specialty Instructor ratings may be achieved through formal Specialty Instructor courses, or alternately they often can be obtained through direct application to the certifying training organization, based upon extensive personal diving experience; in general, a separate Specialty Instructor rating is required for each specialty diver course that is offered.

Technical Divemaster is an upgrade to the candidate’s recreational DM rating, and this program focuses upon the supervision of those involved in technical diving activities; and quite naturally, certification as a technical diver also is a prerequisite for the Technical Divemaster rating.

Technical Instructor is an upgrade to the candidate’s recreational Instructor rating, and similar to the Specialty Instructor ratings, a separate Technical Instructor rating also is required for each level of training that is offered; however in this case, while personal experience is always a prerequisite, the completion of a specific Technical Instructor training program normally is required for each rating.

The SDI/TDI Divemaster Course is the first professional level certification in your journey to become a trusted dive and experienced leader. During this course you'll be challenged to learn what it's like to work with divers as they experience the underwater world for the first time. You'll learn how to lead already certified divers and show them some of your favorite critters or dive sites. Your SDI Instructors will also teach you how to manage divers, work the dive deck of a boat, and conduct safe and enjoyable dives. Other things you can expect to learn are; diving physics, physiology, and Divemaster professionalism. Your skills will be refined to demonstrative quality and your knowledge increased to that of a professional. After you've completed the Divemaster course you can move onto the Assistant Instructor Course where you will learn more about academic presentations and have the ability to teach certain specialties.

Who wants to be a Divemaster?
This course will likely be one of the most challenging diving programs you’ve taken, but at the same time it will be one of the most rewarding. The Divemaster course is made up of three phases:

Academic (knowledge development).

Watermanship (skills demonstrative development)

Skills assessment and practical application (internship).

Preparation is the key to your success. This is easily accomplished with SDI’s online and study materials found in your professional student kit. Your independent learning tools will guide you through all of the necessary material in an easy and efficient manner. There is a tremendous amount of information so you’ll want to get started right away. Next, and most importantly, we want you to have fun! There’s nothing more exciting and gratifying than teaching others about the adventure and fun of diving. We plan to do everything in our power to help you succeed. Please read on about some of the specifics of the course.

As mentioned earlier the Divemaster course is composed of three phases: knowledge development, watermanship & skill assessment and practical application sessions. During the knowledge development phase you will study aspects of diving knowledge theory, in detail, and the principles of being a Divemaster. It’s not rocket science and all information is easily found within the various materials. During the watermanship and skills assessment phase the staff will demonstrate the basic skills, essential to scuba diving. Ultimately you will be evaluated on the “demonstration quality” of each skill. You will also demonstrate general in-water ability, completing a 400 yard/meter free-style swim, 800 yard/meter mask, fin & snorkel swim, 100 yard/meter diver tow, and a 10 minute tread/float, all within acceptable timed guidelines that we will provide for you, (great excuses to get in shape). In addition you will perform equipment exercises, underwater, in the deep end of the pool (this one’s tons of fun). You’ll also learn how to create a map of both underwater and above water topography at a dive site and submit an emergency assistance plan, similar to what you developed in your Rescue Diver course. During the practical application or internship phase, you will assist with one complete Open Water Diver confined water class & pool course, one complete Open Water course, at least one continuing education diving course (single dive minimum), one Scuba Review program, one Discover Scuba and a supervisory situation with certified divers. As you can see the curriculum section is packed! When the course is completed you will have earned the coveted Divemaster Certification.

Six scheduled class and pool sessions for the course. Your internship sessions are scheduled separately. Your instructor will provide you with a calendar and ask you to provide him/her with availability.

In addition to mastery of the information in this course, successful completion of this program requires a significant personal commitment on the part of each candidate, as he or she makes the developmental transition from diver to dive professional. This is done during an internship working with instructors during all phases of actual dive classes.

The academic/on-line portion of this course details the overall body of knowledge and skills that the candidate seeking professional certification as an SDI Divemaster or TDI Technical Divemaster is expected to have a firm understanding of.
The information addressed here will be viewed by the typical reader as both vast in content and varied in scope. As the reader quickly will recognize, each of these topics also is critically important.
Divemaster candidates can now complete the academic portion of their education for SDI and TDI Divemaster ratings ONLINE.

Divemaster on-line program includes a brand-new 420-page student manual plus a 31-Chapter online program.

Divemaster candidates have the option of completing the study and final exam for their first professional level rating on-line. And we are looking forward to hearing feedback on all the new materials.”

“Market research told us that people are extremely happy with on-line training. Diver’s who have used SDI on-line training rather than the traditional classroom and book over the past five years or so, told us it suits their schedule and life-style. “Leadership level academics are the closest thing the scuba industry offers to post-secondary education. It is a tough program and the content is huge. It demands real study and hard work from its participants. The SDI online system is the perfect format for home study. The proven online system is able to move the divemaster candidate through their academics freeing up valuable instructor time to work hands-on with you to refine leadership qualities as well as diving, risk-management, and dive business skills.”

SDI/TDI Assistant Instructor Course is one of the most important steps along the way within an SDI, TDI and/or ERDI Dive Leader’s career, as it is where you will learn to successfully train new and seasoned divers alike. This course has been meticulously crafted to help further your knowledge and experience with regard to the theories and techniques involved in teaching scuba diving as a whole. In this course you will have the opportunity to delve into how and why people learn; common barriers associated with learning and ways to overcome those barriers; the SDI Teaching Philosophy and why it works; risk management and how it applies to being a dive leader; and new ways to successfully market and sell scuba.

Of course, as with all other SDI, TDI and ERDI courses, we believe it’s important that you have the opportunity to fine-tune your current knowledge and skills as well. That’s why we present within this course a review of the knowledge and skills we believe are the foundation on which all dive leaders build. This includes brief but concise information regarding diving physics and pertinent gas laws; diving physiology and related concerns; and most importantly, how it all applies to the dive leader. Further, while we don’t expect that your skills are poor, you will spend time with an instructor in the pool or confined water to hone scuba skills to match those expected of an SDI Dive Leader.

This program’s goal is to provide you with the appropriate tools to be able to transfer knowledge and help shape the experiences of future students. SDI, TDI and ERDI have selected the information that we believe is most vital for you to impart to students and we have gathered proven teaching techniques for delivering that information. In addition, over the duration of this program, you will have the opportunity to gain valuable insights by way of peer education, practice sessions and workshops designed to develop teaching skills. Your instructor will provide feedback based on his knowledge and experiences, and help mold individual teaching style. After all, you are unique and should learn to exploit distinct instructional talents. It will then be up to you — the Assistant Instructor - to deliver this critical core package to the student. Together, this is the fundamental partnership between SDI, TDI, ERDI and the SDI Assistant Instructor.

Over the progression of this course you will experience plenty of opportunities and much room to grow as an SDI Assistant Instructor. There are a host of specialties available for an Assistant Instructor to teach without the supervision of another instructor. Some of those are CPROX1stAED (SDI’s First Aid and CPR Course), Underwater Photography and Video, Marine Eco Systems and Equipment Repair specialties.

A knowledgeable and professional SDI Assistant Instructor is a great asset to an SDI Open Water Instructor and the SDI Facility they work with; however, should you decide that you’re ready for the next step, you can become an SDI Open Water Instructor. This course more than prepares you for the challenges that presents. After the SDI Instructor rating is obtained, even further opportunities will open up to you in the form of the ability to gain instructor ratings in the technical diving field with TDI or emergency response diving with ERDI.

SDI OPEN WATER SCUBA DIVER INSTRUCTOR ONLINE COURSE: Earning the SDI Open Water Scuba Diver Instructor (OWSDI) rating is one of the most important steps of an SDI, TDI and/or ERDI Dive Professional’s career, as it is where you will learn to successfully train new and seasoned divers alike. This course has been meticulously crafted to help further your knowledge and experience with regard to the theories and techniques involved in teaching scuba diving as a whole. In this course you will have the opportunity to delve into how and why people learn; common barriers associated with learning and ways to overcome those barriers; the SDI Teaching Philosophy and why it works; risk management and how it applies to being an industry professional; and new ways to successfully market and sell scuba.

Of course, as with all other SDI, TDI and ERDI courses, we believe it’s important that you have the opportunity to fine-tune your current knowledge and skills as well. That’s why we present within this course a review of the knowledge and skills we believe are the foundation on which all dive leaders build. This includes brief but concise information regarding diving physics and pertinent gas laws; diving physiology and related concerns; and most importantly, how it all applies to the dive leader. Further, while we don’t expect that your skills are poor, you will spend time with an instructor in the pool or confined water to hone scuba skills to match those expected of an SDI Open Water Instructor.

This program’s goal is to provide you with the appropriate tools to be able to transfer knowledge and help shape the experiences of future students. SDI, TDI and ERDI have selected the information that we believe is most vital for you to impart to students and we have gathered proven teaching techniques for delivering that information. In addition, over the duration of this program, you will have the opportunity to gain valuable insights by way of peer education, practice sessions and workshops designed to develop teaching skills. Your instructor trainer will provide feedback based on his knowledge and experiences, and help mold individual teaching style. After all, you are unique and should learn to take advantage of distinct instructional talents. It will then be up to you — the OWSDI - to deliver this critical core package to the student. Together, this is the fundamental partnership between SDI, TDI, ERDI and the SDI OWSDI.

Over the progression of this course you will experience plenty of opportunities and much room to grow as an SDI OWSDI. There are a host of programs for an OWSDI to teach. Some of those are open water scuba diver, specialties and dive professional levels to name a few.

A knowledgeable and professional SDI OWSDI is a great asset to the SDI Facility they work with; however, should you decide that you’re ready for the next step, you can become an SDI Specialty Instructor. This course more than prepares you for the challenges that presents. After the SDI Instructor rating is obtained, even further opportunities will open up to you in the form of the ability to gain instructor ratings in the technical diving field with TDI or emergency response diving with ERDI.

The appendix of the OWSDI Printed Manual includes the outlines you will need to conduct the SDI Open Water Scuba Diver course. Specifically, you will find presentation outlines for the academic, pool/confined water and open water presentations in Appendix A. Appendix B contains the questions and answers for the SDI Open Water Scuba Diver Knowledge Review questions. Appendix C is a quick reference guide for the most common mathematical formulas used in scuba diving. In addition to these outlines, the SDI OWSDI Cue Cards should be used in the pool/confined water and open water sessions as a skills reference.

As a final note, please remember that throughout this and future programs you may participate in, the instructor trainer (IT) or IT Staff Instructor (ITS) is here to help you learn, grow and have valuable experiences. If at anytime you have questions, comments, concerns or need more direction, feel free to contact us.

We welcome you to the SDI OWSDI program and we hope you find it challenging, fun and most importantly…rewarding.

Ten reasons why you should TEACH with Scuba Diving International!

1. ONE-STOP TRAINING SOLUTION
With the International Training family of agencies your divers will never outgrow the training you can offer. Scuba Diving International (SDI Letter Logo) is your divers’ entry point, Technical Diving International (TDI Letter Logo) addresses your divers’ more advanced needs and Emergency Response Diving International lets you contribute to your community while strengthening your most important brand….

YOU build stronger customer relationships from open water, advanced open water and specialties, through closed-circuit rebreathers, mixed gas, and overhead environment diving. Your level of participation is up to you!

2. ONE-STOP BUSINESS SOLUTION
International Training is the simple business solution for you, your dive center and your fellow instructors. You will enjoy the benefits of:

One single annual renewal fee for instructors, yes for ALL three agencies

FREE facility renewals, never a facility membership charge

Competitive low-priced comprehensive insurance policy that covers you to teach ALL programs and even the programs you may choose to teach from other agencies In addition International Training offers an easy-to-follow educational system for personal development as well as many upgrade paths for instructors just like you.

3. GLOBAL RECOGNITION
Scuba Diving International courses and certifications are recognized worldwide. We have more than 28 international offices and are members of World Recreational Scuba Training Council (WRSTC), Recreational Scuba Training Council USA, Canada and Europe. Scuba Diving International programs are also approved by the European Underwater Federation (EUF).

4. INNOVATIVE EDUCATION
As a Pro-level Member of Scuba Diving International you are plugged into the most innovative educational system in the diving industry… worldwide! Scuba Diving International was:

First to make online open water training mainstream

First to present online specialties such as wreck, computer nitrox, deep and navigation

First and only insured sport-level Solo Diver™ program

First to release kids’ diving programs

First to allow you to teach “as they dive,” permitting students to learn to dive utilizing a Personal Dive Computer (PDC)

First to drop the requirement for beginning divers to learn cumbersome tables, while giving you the option to teach tables…or not!

5. FLEXIBLE PROGRAMS
With Scuba Diving International you are part of an organization that is making diving more accessible. For example, our Scubility™ program opens up the adventure of diving to the challenged. What program would you like to launch to help grow our industry?

6. PERSONAL SERVICE
We do not rest on our laurels and are constantly improving our customer service performance. During business hours our phones are answered by real customer service representatives and we offer 48-hour turn-around on C-cards and Diplomas.

7. e-FLUENT PEOPLE
International Training has a fast, efficient and ever growing online member’s area, which streamlines student registration and product ordering. And it’s available when you are, 24/7/365!

8. PROMOTING YOU
Scuba Diving International connects you to new customers by leveraging new technologies and media. We increase your store’s impact with your divers by driving recognition of the Scuba Diving International advantage through electronic newsletters, online presence in diver forums, an optimized website, public appearances and our award-winning glossy magazine, Diving Adventure. Connecting you to new customers and embracing technology.

9. BUSINESS SENSE
Increase profits through increased margins on teaching materials for your facility and your instructors. Consolidation decreases your cost of doing business; work with a business partner who cares about your bottom line.

10. TAKE THE LEAD
You know your market and its needs; our local representatives will listen to you and work with you to grow your name, your brand. We have the tools and the experience to help you to maximize your branding in your community.

If you would like information on becoming a TDI or SDI Instructor or Training Facility, please contact us.