Your ITC Guide
Do you enjoy helping other divers improve their skills? Are you ready to move from guiding certified divers to teaching new students? Becoming an SSI dive instructor could be your next step.
The SSI Instructor Training Course, or ITC, helps you develop the knowledge, teaching skills and judgment needed for instructor-level training. At Oceans 5 Gili Air, our focus is on helping you become a capable instructor who can explain clearly, support students and make thoughtful decisions in the water.
This guide explains the training pathway, how to prepare and what to consider before booking your SSI ITC in Indonesia.
What Is an SSI Instructor Training Course?
The SSI ITC prepares dive professionals to teach scuba diving. It is part of a two-step process: first, you successfully complete the Instructor Training Course; then, you attend the Instructor Evaluation, commonly called the IE.
Being a good diver is an important starting point. Teaching requires additional skills. You need to explain unfamiliar ideas, demonstrate skills clearly, recognise when a student needs help and organise training sessions effectively.
During instructor training, you practise making that transition from experienced diver to teacher.
Who Can Join an SSI ITC?
SSI’s public course information lists a Divemaster certification, or an equivalent qualification, and a minimum of 75 logged dives totalling 50 hours of dive time.
Before booking, contact the training team to review your certifications, logged experience and required documentation. They can confirm the requirements that apply to your training and evaluation, including medical and emergency-care documentation.
If you completed your professional training with another agency, send us your certification details. We can help you understand your next steps.
You do not need to arrive as a finished instructor. You should arrive ready to learn, practise and respond to feedback.
What Will You Learn During Your ITC?
Instructor training brings together classroom teaching, confined-water practice and open-water training. At Oceans 5 Gili Air, candidates practise knowledge-development presentations and teaching sessions in both confined and open water.
Explaining diving theory
Understanding a subject and explaining it to a beginner are different skills. You will work on organising information, using clear examples and checking whether students understand.
Demonstrating and teaching skills
Students need demonstrations they can follow. You will practise breaking skills into manageable steps and giving useful feedback.
Organising training sessions
Good teaching starts before entering the water. Briefings, equipment preparation, student positioning and supervision all contribute to a well-run session.
Developing professional judgment
An instructor needs to recognise difficulties and respond appropriately. Training helps you connect diving knowledge with decisions about students, conditions and the learning environment.
How Should You Prepare?
Start preparing before travelling to Gili Air. That gives you more time during the course to concentrate on teaching.
Review the theory from your previous training. Identify topics you find difficult and discuss them with your trainer rather than leaving them until the course begins.
Spend time refining your buoyancy and basic diving skills. Aim for controlled movements and consistent performance. When practising demonstrations, ask an instructor for feedback.
If you have the opportunity to assist with student courses under appropriate supervision, pay attention to how the instructor explains tasks, organises the group and supports different learners.
Finally, organise your certification records, dive log and requested documents early. Contact the team before making travel arrangements so that your preparation matches your training plan.
Why Choose Oceans 5 Gili Air?
Choosing an ITC involves more than selecting a destination. Look at the group size, trainer support, facilities and opportunities to practise.
At Oceans 5 Gili Air, our ITCs are limited to a maximum of six candidates. This gives trainers time to provide individual feedback and help candidates work on the areas they find challenging. Training takes place using our classrooms, training pools and local dive sites.
Our approach includes practical teaching experience and environmental awareness. We want candidates to consider how their behaviour influences students, from the way they conduct a briefing to the care they show around marine life.
You can learn more about the programme on our SSI Instructor Training Course page.
What Happens at the Instructor Evaluation?
After successfully completing your ITC, the Instructor Evaluation is the next step towards qualifying as an SSI Open Water Instructor. It evaluates whether you meet SSI’s instructor requirements.
Your trainers will explain the evaluation process and help you prepare throughout the course. Regular practice and feedback allow you to understand your progress and identify what still needs attention.
The goal is to build teaching habits you can carry into your work with students.
How Much Does an SSI ITC Cost?
When comparing instructor courses, ask for a clear breakdown of the total cost.
Confirm whether the quoted price includes training, learning materials, SSI fees, the Instructor Evaluation and equipment use. Also budget for accommodation, meals, travel and any preparation you need before the course.
Visit our ITC prices page and contact us to confirm the package that suits your situation.
How Do You Choose Your Course Dates?
Choose dates that give you enough time to prepare and arrive before training starts. If you need additional diving experience or a skills review, discuss this with the team first.
Check both the ITC dates and the associated Instructor Evaluation dates before arranging your stay.
Our upcoming SSI ITC schedule is the best place to start planning.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Becoming a dive instructor means taking responsibility for someone else’s learning experience. It requires patience, preparation and a willingness to keep improving.
If you are considering an SSI ITC in Indonesia, tell us about your current qualification, diving experience and preferred dates. We can help you plan your next step at Oceans 5 Gili Air.
Contact our ITC team to discuss your training.