The Dive Guide course is the first step on an exciting journey. You will learn to safely guide certified divers in various environments and conditions. Through dive briefings, assessing dive conditions, and leading dives, you will quickly develop into a confident Dive Guide. Begin your professional diving career as a Dive Guide or further qualify as a Divemaster.
The SSI Dive Guide program provides every candidate with the necessary knowledge and skills to accompany and guide certified
divers on recreational dives. The Diveguide level is not a Pro certification, meaning you do not receive SSI Pro Access and status (No annual fee to SSI)
Prerequisites:
Dive Guide
Candidate Prerequisites
• Minimum age 15 years (must be at least 18 years old to work in active status as a Professional Dive Guide).
• A minimum of 40 logged open water dives, with at least 25 hours of dive time.
Possesses the following SSI certification, or an equivalent certification from an SSI recognized dive training organization:
• Diver Stress & Rescue
Possesses the following SSI certifications, equivalent certifications from a recognized association, or can provide proof of at least 5 experience dives in the following categories:
• Deep Diving
• Navigation
• Night & Limited Visibility
Duration (DiveGuide/Divemaster)
approx. 5 days theory and pool, open water, (training accompanying approx. 2-6 weeks depending on appointment) open water with rescue scenario, guidance, briefing and debriefing, creation of a dive site map
Additional costs
SSI Diveguide/Divemaster Kit, entrance fees, possibly equipment
Prerequisites for passing:
• Has logged at least 50 open water dives, with at least 32 hours of dive time.
• All prerequisites met and all evaluations passed as described in the Instructor Manual for the respective
program.
• Pass the water fitness evaluation as described in the SSI Training Standards.
• Pass the program-specific final exam with at least 90%.
Privileges in active status:
Dive Guides may accompany and guide certified divers on recreational dives (Guidance).
Professional Dive Guides in active status may also:
• Teach, supervise, and certify the SSI Snorkeling program.
• Qualify for the SSI Divemaster Level by successfully completing the Science of Diving Specialty program.
Dive Guides may not:
• Conduct, teach, or assist SSI training programs for non-certified divers.
The SSI Divemaster Level distinguishes candidates who have the knowledge and training to perform the duties of a
certified assistant. The duties include assisting SSI Instructors in conducting entry-level and continuing education courses. As a Divemaster, you receive SSI Pro Access, meaning you are an SSI Pro, receive professional access with corresponding job and further training offers, for which an annual fee is due to SSI.
Prerequisites:
• Minimum age: 18 years
• Minimum of 60 logged open water dives with a dive time of at least 40 hours.
Must possess at least the following SSI certification(s) (no equivalents allowed):
• Science Of Diving
Possess the following SSI certification and be in active status (no equivalent certification allowed):
• Professional Dive Guide
Privileges in active status:
In addition to the duties of a Professional Dive Guide in active status, the Divemaster in active status may:
• Act as a certified assistant in all SSI recreational diving programs.
• Assist with open water training dives by accompanying no more than two (2) students at a time on underwater excursions.
• Qualify as a Training Specialist for the SSI Ecology Specialty Programs.
• Participate in the SSI Instructor Training Course.
The SSI DiveGuide / Divemaster Kit can be used for both courses.
Duration (DiveGuide/Divemaster)
approx. 4-5 days theory and pool, open water, (training accompanying depending on appointment) open water with rescue scenario, guidance, briefing and debriefing, creation of a dive site map
Additional costs
Entrance fees, possibly equipment
Here is an SSI video that shows you some reasons to become an SSI Professional:
Here are some more videos of the Divemaster Skills, demonstrated by our Divemasters:
Swimming without a mask, Divemaster Anne:
Partially flooded mask, Divemaster Marek:
Controlled emergency ascent, Divemaster Tobias:
Appointment overview
Important Notes on Our Diving Courses
To go diving, you must be healthy. If you can answer all of the medical questions below with no, then you can go straight into the water. If not, then you need a diving medical certificate from a doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are you currently suffering from an ear infection?
2. Have you had ear diseases, hearing loss or balance disorders in the past?
3. Have you had surgical interventions on your ears or sinuses in the past?
4. Are you currently suffering from a cold, gastrointestinal illness, sinusitis or bronchitis?
5. Have you had breathing difficulties, serious bouts of hay fever or allergies or lung diseases in the past?
6. Have you had a pneumothorax (collapsed lung), diseases or surgical interventions in the chest area in the past?
7. Do you suffer from active asthma, emphysema or tuberculosis?
8. Are you currently taking medication that contains warnings about any impairment of your mental or psychological abilities?
9. Do you suffer from behavioral problems or disorders of the central nervous system?
10. Are you or could you be pregnant?
11. Do you have an artificial bowel?
12. Have you had heart disease, a heart attack, heart surgery or blood vessel surgery in the past?
13. Have you had or do you currently have high blood pressure, angina or are you taking blood pressure-regulating medication?
14. Are you over 45 years old and are there cases of heart attacks or strokes in your family?
15. Have you had or do you suffer from bleeding or other blood problems?
16. Do you suffer from diabetes?
17. Have you had seizures, fainting spells, convulsions, epilepsy in the past or are you taking medication to prevent them?
18. Do you have problems with your back, arms or legs as a result of surgical interventions, injuries or fractures?
19. Do you suffer from panic attacks, agoraphobia or claustrophobia?
If you can answer all these questions with no, then jump into the water!
1. I currently have a cold (blocked nose).
2. I have/had respiratory problems or diseases.
3. I have/had asthma, tuberculosis, or emphysema.
4. I currently have an ear infection.
5. I frequently experience ear problems, diseases, or have had ear surgeries.
6. I have/had a sinus condition.
7. I have significant trouble equalizing the pressure in my ears in the mountains/on an airplane.
8. I am diabetic.
9. I have/had heart conditions (e.g., cardiovascular diseases, angina pectoris, heart attack).
10. I suffer from dizziness, fainting, or other seizures.
I suffer from a nervous system dysfunction.
11. I suffer from behavioral disorders or mental/psychological disorders (panic attacks, claustrophobia).
12. I have/had back problems or a spinal injury.
13. I am currently taking medication(s) that contain a warning that they may impair physical or mental performance (with the exception of anti-malarial medication).
14. I have recently had an illness or surgery.
15. I am currently receiving medical treatment or have a chronic illness.
If you can answer all these questions with no, then jump in the water!
When diving, it is important to be able to read your instruments well. Your glasses do not fit under the diving mask.
If you have a significant visual impairment, you can order a diving mask with prescription lenses from us. If you wear contact lenses, you must close your eyes when you remove your mask underwater.
If you have specific diving interests, then take a look to see if there's a specialty course for you.
For example, if you'd like to photograph or film underwater, are interested in wrecks or sidemount, or simply want to improve your buoyancy. Maybe there's something there for you.
If you want to start a Tec diving course, you will definitely need a valid diving medical certificate and diving insurance (DAN, Aquamed, etc.). For the Advanced Nitrox or higher, you'll need the Deep and Nitrox certifications, and of course, the recommended equipment for the course. You can also rent some of this equipment from us.
