Become an SDI
Open Water Scuba Diver Instructor
Becoming a scuba instructor with SDI (Scuba Diving International) isn’t just about earning another certification. It’s about opening the door to a different way of life. One that connects you directly with nature, the ocean, and with people who, like you, have chosen to follow their passion: diving.
Make the SEA your office
Escape the routine and turn your passion for diving into a full-time career doing what you truly love every single day.
Work around the WORLD
Travel, teach, and explore new cultures. As an SDI Instructor, the world becomes your workplace and adventure is part of the job.
Make more with SDI
SDI Instructors earn 32.5% more than PADI and 14.6% more than SSI. Get certified, get hired, and start earning more (according to the recent survey conducted by the Business of Diving Institute.)
Make it happen. Your career starts today!
There are two ways to start your journey as an SDI Instructor. You can choose the flexibility of eLearning with an online code, or begin your training directly through a nearby SDI Dive Center. Below, we explain each option so you can choose the one that suits you best.
eLearning Code
With the eLearning course, you’re in control. Study at your own pace — from home, on vacation, or wherever it suits you best. Dive into interactive content, videos, and quizzes designed to get you ready for the water. Once you’re set, we’ll help you choose the perfect dive center, whether it’s close to home or part of your next getaway. When you’re ready to get hands-on, your instructor will guide you through essential skills in a safe, shallow-water environment like a pool. You’ll build confidence step by step. Complete your training dives and experience the magic of becoming a certified diver.
Diving Center
It all starts with the right dive center. Your scuba journey begins by choosing your SDI Dive Center. From day one, they’ll guide you through every step — from starting your eLearning to completing your practice sessions and training dives, all under the supervision of a certified SDI Instructor. Once you’ve selected your dive shop, you’ll purchase your eLearning and dive right in. Learn Where It Works Best for You Pick a dive shop close to home or at your dream vacation spot — wherever you want to begin your underwater adventure, there’s an SDI center ready to welcome you.
Start your journey with SDI!
Flexible Training
Learn at your own pace, on your own terms. SDI adapts to your lifestyle so you can train wherever, whenever.
Easy eLearning
Our intuitive eLearning platform makes studying simple, fast and stress-free. Dive into theory with tools that actually work for you.
Safety First, Always.
SDI is built on real-world diving experience and strict safety standards. Quality training that puts your safety, and your future, first
One Dive Family.
Join the One Dive Family with access to technical diving (TDI), freediving (PFI), and public safety diving (ERDI), all part of something bigger.
Questions? Let’s dive in!
Who this course is for:
- Individuals that wish to share their love for the underwater world with others
Course prerequisites:
- Minimum age 18
- Certified diver for a minimum of 6 months
- Proof of 100 logged dives completed in a number of different environments with varying depths
- Be certified as a SDI Divemaster, SDI Assistant Instructor, or equivalent
- Provide proof of current CPR, first aid and oxygen provider*, where local law permits
* Note: CPR, first aid, and oxygen provider courses may be combined with the IDC Program by qualified instructors
What you can expect to learn:
The SDI Open Water Scuba Diver Instructor course takes an in-depth look at all of the following and more:
- SDI Standards and Procedures
- History of SDI
- Products and procedures
- How to place an order
- Registration procedures
- Yearly renewals
- Liability and insurance
- Risk management
- Waivers and releases
- Filling out an accident report
- Methods of instruction
- Teaching theory, methods and oral communications
- Lesson preparation
- Use of training aids
- SDI home study program, use of knowledge quest
- Successfully selling scuba
- Budgeting courses
- Recruiting students
- Organizing and scheduling a course
- Retail sales
- Instructor ethics
- Physics and physiology of diving
Some of the required skills you will have to demonstrate include:
- Present a minimum of
- Four classroom presentations
- Four lessons in confined water
- Four lessons in open water
- Show preparation, planning and control in
- Dive management
- Diving activities
- Perform, to demonstration quality, one complete rescue scenario
- Perform a 10 minute survival-float, without the use of swimming aids
- Complete a 400 metre swim on the surface, non-stop, any stroke, without the use of swimming aids; swim goggles permitted
- Complete a 800 metre swim with mask, snorkel, and fins non-stop without the use of arms in less than 17 minutes
- Bring a diver, simulating unconsciousness, up from depth, not greater than 6 metres / 20 feet; at the surface swim them 100 metres in less than 4 minutes
- Pool/confined water
- Candidates must perform, to demonstration quality, all skills listed in the SDI Open Water Scuba Diver Course
- Pool/confined water problem solving
- Open Water
- In open water candidates must perform, to demonstration quality, all skills listed in the SDI Open Water Scuba Diver Course
- Open water problem solving
Required Skill Performance for IEC, the student must:
- Present a minimum of
- One classroom presentation, minimum time 15 minutes in duration
- One full lesson in confined water
- One full lesson in open water
- The evaluating instructor trainer must verify all required subjects were covered and skills were performed
What’s in it for you?
Upon successful completion of this course, graduates may:
- Teach the SDI Open Water Scuba Diver, Advanced Adventure Diver Specialty, Computer Diver, Rescue Diver, Divemaster Course and many others.
SDI Open Water Scuba Diver Instructor minimum requirements:
- Satisfactorily complete the SDI Instructor written exam or online equivalent
- Successfully complete the IDC and the IEC
- Demonstrate mature and sound judgment concerning class planning and execution
How to take this course.
- Ditch the books – Start eLearning today!
- Find your local SDI Dive Center: here
- Course Cost: $386.86 USD for eLearning only. Pool and open water training not included. Contact your local dive shop for full course cost.
Review the Course Standards and Procedures
Ready to join the SDI family?
