Dive Guide

Lead the Way Underwater: Empower Your Passion for Diving!

The SSI Dive Guide (non-commercial) course is an advanced diving program designed for divers who wish to enhance their underwater skills and knowledge, while also preparing to lead other divers in a non-commercial capacity on recreational dives. This course focuses on dive leadership, safety, and environmental awareness, providing participants with the necessary tools to assist certified divers during recreational excursions.

Completing the SSI Dive Guide course can also serve as a stepping stone towards additional certifications within the SSI framework, such as Divemaster or Instructor training for those interested in a more professional diving career path.

This course not only enriches the diver’s experience but also contributes to the development of responsible dive practices and the promotion of underwater conservation. It’s an excellent opportunity for passionate divers to deepen their understanding and appreciation of the underwater world while giving back through guiding others.

​Course content includes in-depth training in:

• Dive Planning: Learn to plan dives effectively, including route selection, assessing dive conditions, and managing potential hazards.

• Guided Dives: Gain practical experience in leading guided dives, including techniques for effective communication, group management, and ensuring the safety of all divers.

• Diving Physiology and Safety: Study the physiological effects of diving and how to recognize and respond to diving emergencies, enhancing your ability to manage risks while leading others.

• Environmental Awareness: Understand the importance of marine ecosystems and best practices for responsible diving to minimize your impact on underwater environments.

Upon completion, canditates will be able to:

• Conduct thorough dive briefings and ensure divers are well-prepared for their underwater experience.

• Demonstrate effective dive leadership skills while prioritizing safety and enjoyment for all participants.

• Successfully plan and execute guided dives while respecting and protecting marine environments.

• Enhance their own diving skills and confidence through practical leadership experiences.

• NOTE: In order to upgrade to Divemaster, the first level of a dive professional, candidates must also have:
  • Completed the Science of Diving course
  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Have logged at least 60 open water dives totally 40 hours or more
  • Pay the SSI professional registration fee

​Prerequisites:

• Open Water Diver (or equivalent)
• Diver Stress & Rescue (including Reat Right)
• Certification or proof of experience (at least 5 logged dives of each):
  • Deep Diving (deeper than 100 feet)
  • Navigation
  • Night & Limited Visibility
• Minimum age: 15 years old
• Have logged 40 open water dives totaling 25 hours or more

​What to bring:

• Full scuba kit
• If you do not own your own equipment, you may rent it for this class

​Where:

• The classroom and pool sessions are held at Ski/Scuba Center.
• Open Water Training dives take place at a local quarry.

​Training Materials:

• Upon making a deposit for this program, you will receive an email with a link to your digital training programs (all 4 specialties). You must complete all quizzes with a score of 100% before you arrive for class.  There will be a multiple-choice exam at the end of the classroom portion.  You must pass the final exam with a score of 80% or higher.

​Training Dives:

• To complete your certification, you will need to complete a minimum of 2 training dives completed in 1 day.
• Candidates must also complete a Water Fitness evaluation

​Schedule/Duration:

• Total duration is 35-40 hours (class, pool, and open water)
• ~4-5 hours of online material review
• Several evenings (6pm-10pm) of classroom instruction (dates and times to be discussed during classroom sessions)
• Several evenings (6pm-10pm) of pool sessions (dates and times to be discussed during classroom sessions)
• One day (9am~3pm) of open water quarry dives

​Cost:

• Total class fees are $550
• Equipment not included
• Quarry fees not included