SDI Course Director Course

SDI Course Director Course: Train the Next Generation of SDI Instructors

Reach the pinnacle of SDI professional development and gain the qualifications to train future dive leaders with the SDI Course Director Course. This program is the first crucial module of SDI’s Instructor Trainer (IT) Development Program, designed for highly experienced SDI Instructors ready to teach others "how to teach" scuba diving.

As an SDI Course Director, you play a vital role in shaping the quality and consistency of SDI training worldwide. This intensive course prepares you to independently conduct the SDI Instructor Development Course (IDC). You will also learn how to conduct the SDI Non-Diving Specialty Instructor Course and qualify SDI Instructors/Assistant Instructors to teach SDI Specialties for which you hold the Instructor Trainer rating.

The curriculum covers a wide range of advanced topics essential for training instructors:

• SDI/TDI/ERDI Systems: In-depth review of standards, procedures, products, and the history/philosophy of the agencies.
• Instructional Mastery: Advanced methods of instruction, evaluation techniques, presentation skills, and managing the learning process.
• Leadership & Risk Management: Professional responsibilities, ethics, liability, insurance considerations, and risk management for dive leaders.
• Business Acumen: Aspects of marketing, budgeting, and managing instructor-level courses.
• Course Conduct: How to effectively teach specific SDI courses, including the IDC, crossover programs, Rescue, Divemaster, Assistant Instructor, and various specialties.

This program involves significant evaluation, including pre-course study, written exams, demonstration-quality personal skills (including Open Water and rescue skills), rigorous watermanship tests, and multiple teaching presentations and evaluations at the instructor trainer level.

Watermanship Requirements:

• 400-meter surface swim (any stroke, no aids, approx. < 12 min)
• 800-meter swim with mask, snorkel, fins (no arms, < 17 min)
• 100-meter unconscious diver tow at surface (< 4 min)
• 10-minute survival float/tread water

Prerequisites (Strictly Enforced):

• Minimum age 21
• Active SDI Open Water Scuba Diver Instructor (or equivalent) for a minimum of 2 years
• No quality assurance issues within the past 12 months
• Minimum of 200 logged dives
• Minimum of 150 SDI (or equivalent) diver certifications issued across various levels (Suggested: 100 OW, 25 Rescue, 20 Specialty, 5 DM/AI)
• Proof of current CPR, First Aid, and Oxygen Provider certifications
• Current medical examination for scuba diving signed by a licensed physician (< 12 months)

What You Gain: Upon successful completion, you will be qualified to independently conduct the SDI IDC, conduct SDI Non-Diving Specialty Instructor courses, and issue SDI Specialty Instructor ratings (subject to specific IT qualifications). This also prepares you for the final step – the SDI Instructor Trainer Workshop (ITW).

Ready to reach the highest level of SDI instruction and mentor future dive leaders? Inquire about the SDI Course Director Course today!

Key Topics

• First module of SDI Instructor Trainer (IT) Development Program
• Qualifies graduates to conduct SDI Instructor Development Course (IDC)
• Qualifies graduates to conduct SDI Non-Diving Specialty Instructor Course
• Qualifies graduates to issue SDI Specialty Instructor ratings (subject to IT qualifications)
• Prepares candidates for SDI Instructor Trainer Workshop (ITW)

Covers: SDI/TDI/ERDI Standards & Procedures, IT Manual use, Professionalism, Risk Management, Instructional Methods, Evaluation Psychology, Business of Diving, Marketing, Teaching specific SDI leadership/specialty courses, Crossovers, Exams/Remediation.

Evaluations: Pre-course study, Written Exams, Skill Demos (OW & Rescue), Watermanship Tests (400m swim, 800m M/S/F swim, 100m tow, 10min float), Teaching Presentations (Academic, Confined, Open Water), Evaluation Practice.

Prerequisites:

• Min. age 21
• Active SDI OWSI 2+ yrs (no QA issues <12mo)
• 200+ logged dives
• 150+ certs issued (suggested breakdown: 100 OW, 25 Rescue, 20 Spec, 5 DM/AI)
• Current CPR/FA/O2 Provider certs
• Current diving medical (<12 mo)

Outcome: SDI Course Director rating; Ability to conduct IDC, Non-Diving Spec Instructor courses, issue Spec Instructor ratings; Preparedness for ITW.