Since 1970, SSI has been a leader in professional education. The SSI Dive Guide program is a simple way for divers who want to be more involved, but aren’t ready to take on the responsibility or the commitment of becoming an SSI Instructor. The Dive Guide program is the starting point for the Dive Professional adventure.

The Dive Guide program approaches training using practical application, background information and flexibility. The goal is to create well-prepared, versatile and marketable Dive Professionals.

Completing the Science of Diving specialty is the step to upgrade to an SSI Divemaster. This non-diving specialty incorporates in-depth information on physics, physiology, decompression theory, equipment and the aquatic environment. Science of Diving is the foundation for the SSI Dive Control Specialist Course, should an SSI Divemaster decide to proceed to the next level.

Devoted Dive Professionals motivated to share their love of recreational scuba diving to others will find the SSI Dive Control Specialist program a rewarding experience that will add a new dimension to their diving adventures. The SSI Dive Control Specialist program opens the door to diving instruction.

Dive Guide (DG)

The Dive Guide program approaches training using practical application, background information and flexibility. The goal is to create well-prepared, versatile and marketable Dive Professionals. SSI Dive Guides can lead and guide certified divers. Additionally, after passing the Snorkeling Instructor program, a Dive Guide can teach and issue Snorkeling certifications.

Divemaster (DM)

Dive Guide plus the Science of Diving Specialty program equals Divemaster. Divemasters can perform Try Scuba’s (pool only) and assist SSI Instructors with pool/confined water and open water training under direct supervision.

Dive Control Specialist (DCS)

You have three options: Take Dive Guide, Science of Diving and Dive Control Specialist single or all as one program or enter the program as a Divemaster from any approved agency. As a Dive Control Specialist you can lead and guide certified divers; assist SSI Instructors in the classroom, pool and open water; teach skills in the classroom and pool under the indirect supervision of an SSI Instructor (except the emergency skills); teach the SSI Scuba Skills Update program, the SSI Snorkeling program, and the SSI Try Scuba program (pool only) and upgrade to a Training Specialist.

Training Specialist (TS)

A Dive Control Specialist has the ability to become a Training Specialist by purchasing the outlines and co-teaching certain specialties. These Specialty programs include: Altitude Diving, Boat Diving, Computer Diving, Digital Underwater Photography, Equipment Techniques, Perfect Buoyancy, Shark Diving and Emergency Training (may not be directly offered by SSI)