PADI Assistant Instructor

The PADI Assistant Instructor (AI) course not only provides valuable preparation for Open Water Scuba Instructor training, but also expands skills that enhance an AI's professional capacity. During the course you'll concentrate on developing an academic presentation style that allows you to effectively conduct classroom sessions for any PADI course. Upon completion, you may choose to go on to an Instructor Development Course, or use your practical knowledge and skills as a professional Assistant Instructor.

Having a PADI Assistant Instructor on staff at PADI Dive Centers and Resorts is desirable since you may conduct several PADI programs independently or with minimal guidance from a PADI Instructor. Your qualifications allow the dive center or resort to offer a new dimension in training services to fulfill customer needs. Beyond the responsibilities already earned as a PADI Divemaster, Assistant Instructor teaching opportunities include:

• certifying students as PADI Peak Performance Buoyancy Specialty Divers
• conducting the complete Discover Scuba pool experience
• conducting the MEDIC FIRST AID Course (after additional training as a MEDIC FIRST AID Instructor)
• certifying students in nondiving specialties such as Equipment Specialist (after earning PADI Specialty Instructor certification)

Course Key Standards:

Prerequisite Certification: Be certified as a PADI Divemaster or leadership level with another recreational diver training organization
Prerequisite Dives: Have completed and logged at least 60 dives as verified by log book
Minimum Age: 18 years by course start date and  be fit for diving and submit a Medical Statement for a diving medical examination conducted within the past 12 months signed by a licensed physician.  Successfully complete a knowledge and skill preassessment. This preassessment includes the Instructor Preassessment Exam and PADI Skill Evaluation in confined water.

Maximum Candidate-to-Instructor ratio for confined and open water training activities: 6 students to 1 instructor.
Minimum Instructor Rating: PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor

Performance Requirements:

1.  Attend the seven Module One Academic training sessions.
2.  Complete and review for master the ten Module Two independent study reading assignments and       Knowledge Reviews.
3.  Score a 3.5 or higher on at least one academic teaching presentation during Module Three
4.  Score a 3.4 or higher on at least one confined water teaching presentation during Module Three
5.  Score 3.5 or higher on at least one open water teaching presentation during Module Three
6.  Demonstrate acceptable performance on the Assistance Instructor Standards Examination by scoring 100 percent initially or scoring 75 percent or higher and having missed items reviewed for mastery.