SSI Assistant Instructor Trainer Seminar Tenerife | AIT Course
Step Up to the Next Level: Train the Next Generation of SSI Professionals
Transition from teaching recreational divers to mentoring future instructors. As an SSI Assistant Instructor Trainer, you step into a mentorship role: you can independently conduct Assistant Instructor (AI) courses, co-teach on full Instructor Training Courses (ITCs) or conduct Specialty Instructor courses.
Whether you are aiming to build a high-volume professional training career or preparing for your eventual Instructor Trainer (IT) rating, the AIT rating is where you master candidate evaluation and adult learning methodologies.
Course fee: 890 EUR, including all SSI fees
Duration: 5 days
Flexible scheduling: You can join one of our regular Assistant Instructor Courses that we conduct year-round for our Divemasters. Check with us for other dates.
Next full ITC: 16-20 November 2026
What You Can Teach as an AIT
The AIT Advantage: Holding this rating elevates your status within any SSI Training Center, allowing you to run internal staff development and build a steady pipeline of AI candidates.
- Independently conduct courses and certify SSI Assistant Instructors.
- Conduct specialty instructor seminars for other SSI Instructors and eligible dive professionals.
- Teach Instructor Training Courses (ITCs) alongside an active SSI Instructor Trainer.
- Evaluate candidate presentations in academic, confined water, and open water environments.
Course Prerequisites
To register for the SSI Assistant Instructor Trainer course, candidates must meet the following entry requirements:
- Certification: Active SSI Divemaster Instructor (or equivalent agency rating, such as PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer).
- Have issued at least 50 certifications including:
- 30 Open Water Diver
- 3 Diver Stress & Rescue
- 2 Dive Guide
- 15 Advanced Open Water Diver or specialty programs
- Medical: Have a physician's approval to dive dated from within the past 12 months.
- Fitness: you will have to complete the candidate water fitness evaluation.
- Active status: be in active status as a dive professional.
Why Take Your AIT Course at Tenerife Diving Academy?
- Real Staffing Experience: Tenerife Diving Academy is a busy pro training center. You get hands-on experience co-evaluating real instructor candidates during our scheduled ITCs.
- Dedicated Pro Training Facility: Based in Abades, our house reef and dedicated classroom infrastructure offer instant access to ideal training conditions year-round.
- Clear Pathway to IT: As a dedicated pro-mentorship academy, you get first-hand experience with us what it takes to be an SSI Instructor Trainer. As part of your course, we provide direct mentorship so that you can later reach the top tier of SSI training.
Learn directly from our in-house Instructor Trainer, trained in Canada under SSI's latest leadership-level standards. Our main training spot, Abades - which is one of the best dive spots of Tenerife and also home to sea turtles - is right in front of our dive center.
Have questions? Book a quick call with our Instructor Trainer. No pressure, just straightforward advice.
What Will You Learn During the Assitant Instructor Trainer Course?
The Assistant Instructor Trainer (AIT) program at Tenerife Diving Academy is a high-level seminar designed to elevate you from an experienced instructor to an effective evaluator and mentor. The curriculum focuses on three core pillars of professional development:
Pillar 1: Perfecting Your Instructional Technique
Refine the foundational teaching skills and demonstration standards developed during your active instruction career to meet staff-level benchmarks:
- Demonstration-Grade In-Water Skills: Work directly with the Instructor Trainer to refine your Open Water skill demonstrations, achieving an average score of 2.5 / 3.0 or higher.
- Academic Teaching Mastery: Deliver a minimum of two academic presentations from the Open Water Diver or Specialty curriculums, targeting a minimum score of 45 / 54.
- In-Water Teaching Mastery: Deliver at least two confined water teaching presentations from the Open Water Diver program with a minimum target score of 40 / 48.
- SSI Education System & Standards: Deepen your mastery of SSI administration and standard operating procedures, scoring at least 40 / 42 on the SSI Education System evaluation.
Pillar 2: Teaching the Assistant Instructor Curriculum
Master the delivery of the Assistant Instructor (AI) program—the critical first week of the SSI Instructor Training Course—so you can run it independently:
- Core Academic Delivery: Practice presenting key academic topics from the AI curriculum under the guidance of your Trainer.
- Pedagogical Structure: Adopt adult learning techniques tailored for professional candidates, achieving a delivery score of at least 40 / 54.
Pillar 3: Professional Evaluation & Candidate Feedback
Transition from teaching recreational divers to assessing, scoring, and coaching future instructors:
- Objective & Accurate Scoring: Learn to evaluate candidate presentations across academic and confined water environments. By the end of the seminar, your scoring must consistently fall within 3 points of the Instructor Trainer’s baseline.
- Constructive Coaching & Mentorship: Practice delivering real-time, actionable feedback. Following every evaluation, your Instructor Trainer will critique your debriefing technique to help you deliver clear, encouraging, and effective candidate coaching.
Assistant Instructor Trainer Course Performance Standards at a Glance
To successfully complete the AIT seminar, candidates must hit the following evaluation benchmarks:
| Evaluation Module | Target Passing Score |
|---|---|
| Skill Circuit Evaluation | Average 2.5 / 3.0 or higher |
| SSI Education System Exam | 40 / 42 (95%) |
| SSI Standards Exam | 45 / 50 (90%) |
| Academic Teaching Presentations | 45 / 54 |
| Confined Water Presentations | 40 / 48 |
| AI Academic Teaching Delivery | 40 / 54 |
| Scoring Alignment Accuracy | Within 3 points of Instructor Trainer |
If you are not yet eligible for the Assistant Instructor Trainer Seminar yet, our Divemaster Instructor Course or our Specialty Instructor Courses may be your next step.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Assistant Instructor Trainer Seminar
What is an SSI Assistant Instructor Trainer (AIT)?
An Assistant Instructor Trainer is one of the highest leadership ratings within the SSI system. AITs are qualified to mentor, train, and evaluate Assistant Instructor candidates, as well as assist an Instructor Trainer during an Instructor Training Course (ITC). Additionally, AITs can train and certify other instructors in any Specialty Instructor ratings they hold.
How long does the AIT course take?
The seminar typically takes 5 days. However, if your seminar runs alongside a smaller Assistant Instructor course (1–2 candidates), it may be completed in 4 days.
How much does the SSI AIT course cost?
The total cost is €890, which includes all SSI fees.
Can I take the AIT seminar right after my ITC?
Not immediately. Before enrolling in the AIT seminar, you must earn your Deep, Night, and Navigation Specialty Instructor ratings and issue at least 50 certifications. However, you are eligible to enroll in the Divemaster Instructor preparatory course directly after your ITC.
Do I need to bring my own dive gear?
We strongly recommend bringing your own equipment so you are comfortable during evaluations. However, rental equipment is readily available if you need to borrow any gear during the course.
Are accommodation and airport transfers included?
They are not included in the course price, but we are happy to assist! We can check availability in our dedicated pro accommodation (shared with Divemaster, AI, and ITC candidates), and assist in coordinating airport transfers through the property. Please let us know ahead of time if you'd like us to arrange this for you.
What happens if I don't pass an evaluation benchmark?
Our core philosophy is mentorship. We are committed to helping you reach the standard required. As an experienced professional, you may have developed unique habits or presentation styles that differ slightly from standard SSI criteria. We will work with you to refine your approach, helping you meet SSI standards while retaining your personal teaching style. You will have multiple opportunities to implement feedback throughout the seminar.