Open Water Instructor (OWI) Course

East Coast Divers offers the comprehensive SSI Open Water Instructor (OWI) Course, a professional-level certification designed to elevate Assistant Instructors or equivalent to full SSI Open Water Instructors. This rigorous program prepares candidates to independently teach the entire SSI Open Water Diver curriculum, covering academic presentations, confined water training, and open water certification dives. The curriculum emphasizes mastering SSI standards and procedures to ensure consistent, high-quality diver education. Candidates will hone their skills in instructional techniques, dive theory, and risk management under the guidance of experienced SSI Instructor Trainers.

This course focuses on developing the practical ability to manage student divers effectively, provide constructive feedback, and ensure a safe and enjoyable learning environment. Participants will undergo extensive practice teaching sessions, skill evaluations, and theoretical assessments. The goal is to equip future instructors with the confidence and competence to lead entry-level courses, shaping the next generation of certified divers. Successful completion, including the Instructor Evaluation (IE), leads to certification enabling the teaching of the SSI Open Water Diver course and other foundational programs.

East Coast Divers provides a challenging yet supportive atmosphere for OWI candidates, fostering professional growth and instructional excellence. The training environment is geared towards building the necessary skills and knowledge for effective teaching in diverse diving conditions. The program's structure ensures that candidates are well-prepared for the demands of instructor-level responsibilities. This commitment to quality training is a hallmark of the OWI program at East Coast Divers.

Upon successful completion of the OWI course and passing the Instructor Evaluation (IE), candidates will be certified to teach the SSI Open Water Diver course and other entry-level programs. This certification signifies a high level of diving knowledge, skill, and instructional capability, enabling them to shape the next generation of divers. The OWI certification is a significant step in a diving professional's career, opening doors to further teaching opportunities and specialization within the SSI framework.