The SSI Assistant Instructor program provides candidates with the knowledge and training necessary to perform the duties of an assistant instructor.

These duties including conducting entry-level scuba training under the supervision of an Open Water Instructor, and independently conducting Scuba Skills Updates, Try Scuba, and Perfect Buoyancy programs.

In addition to the programs taught by active status Professional Dive Guides, active status Assistant Instructors may teach, supervise, and issue recognition or certification cards for the following programs:

• Try Scuba
• Scuba Skills Update
• Perfect Buoyancy

In addition to the duties performed by an SSI Divemaster, active status Assistant Instructors may also:

• Teach the Open Water Diver academic and pool/confined water sessions under the indirect supervision of an active status Open Water Instructor.
• Directly supervise and evaluate surface skills during open water training dives for the Open Water Diver program under the indirect supervision of an active status Open Water Instructor.
• Qualify to become a Specialty Instructor for some SSI Specialty programs.
• Enroll in an Instructor Training Course.
• Complete the SSI Explorer Instructor Online Upgrade.