Description
From the SSI scuba standards
SSI Dive Guide
I. Intent
The SSI Dive Guide program provides candidates with the knowledge and training necessary to supervise and guide certified divers on recreational scuba dives.
Note: Upon completing the Dive Guide program, candidates may receive a professional or non-professional certification.
II. Minimum Instructor Rating
An active status Dive Guide Instructor may conduct the Dive Guide program.
III. Candidate Prerequisites
- Minimum age: 15 (Must be 18 years old to be certified as an active status Professional Dive Guide).
- Have logged at least 40 open water dives totaling 25 hours or more.
Have the following SSI certifications or equivalent from a recognized training agency:
Have the following SSI certifications, an equivalent from a recognized training agency, or provide proof of experience by showing at least five (5) logged experience dives in each of the following areas:
- Deep Diving
- Navigation
- Night & Limited Visibility
Note: The candidate is not required to be certified in the applicable specialty if they provide proof of the experience dives. The instructor can verify the candidate’s ability to exhibit mastery of the skills required by the specialty.
Recommendation: SSI recommends all SSI Dive Professional candidates become certified in Enriched Air Nitrox 40.
IV. Duration
- Recommended hours for completion: 35-45.
- The individual instructor sets the number of classes, hours, and sessions per day based on the candidate’s needs, ability, and local water conditions.
V. Depth Limitations
- Minimum open water depth limit: 5 meters.
- Maximum open water depth limit: 40 meters.
VI. Minimum Supervision
An active status SSI Dive Guide Instructor must directly supervise all academic, pool/confined water, and open water activities.
VII. Requirements For Completion
- Log at least 50 open water dives totaling 32 hours or more.
- Pass all requirements and evaluations listed in the instructor manual for Dive Guide.
- Complete the Candidate Water Fitness Evaluation as outlined in the SSI Training Standards.
- Complete the program’s final exam.
- Complete at least two (2) open water training dives as outlined in the instructor manual for Dive Guide.
VIII. Certification
- Upon completion of this program, candidates receive the Dive Guide rating.
- To certify the candidates as Professional Dive Guide, send the candidate’s Dive Guide Training Record with all required documents to the responsible SSI Service Center, which will issue the certification.
- Dive Guides can dive autonomously with a group of certified divers in a non-commercial capacity, in environments, and to a depth equivalent to their training.
IX. Active Status Qualifications
Dive Guides may guide certified divers on recreational scuba dives.
Active status Professional Dive Guides may also: Teach, supervise and issue recognition cards for the SSI Snorkel Diver program.
Qualify for the SSI Divemaster rating after completing the SSI Science of Diving Specialty program.
Dive Guides must not: Conduct, teach, or assist in any SSI training programs for non-certified divers.
