SDI Open Water Scuba Diver Instructor (OWSDI)

The SDI Open Water Scuba Diver Instructor (OWSDI) course is designed to teach current Divemasters or Assistant Instructors certified with a recognized dive training organization the knowledge to effectively function as an open water scuba diver instructor. This program is divided into two sections, an instructor development course (IDC) and an instructor evaluation course (IEC).

Enrolment in this course covers your SDI OWSDI Kit, all air fills, half-price gear hire, and IEC fee. However, as this course is not guaranteed certification, the cost DOES NOT include SDI New Instructor Registration; this fee is paid directly to SDI after the successful completion of your IEC. 

INSTRUCTOR DEVELOPMENT COURSE

The IDC component of your OWSDI Course takes place over 7 intensive days under the direct instruction and assessment of our in-house Instructor Trainer. Some of the required skills you will have to demonstrate include:

Present a minimum of two classroom presentations, two lessons in confined water, and two lessons in open water

Show preparation, planning, and control in dive management and diving activities 

Perform, to demonstration quality, one complete rescue scenario

Perform a 10-minute survival-float, without the use of swimming aids

Complete a 400 metre swim on the surface, non-stop, any stroke, without the use of swimming aids, in less than 10 minutes; swim goggles permitted

Complete an 800 metre swim with mask, snorkel, and fins non-stop without the use of arms in less than 17 minutes

Bring a diver, simulating unconsciousness, up from depth, not greater than 6 metres / 20 feet; at the surface swim them 100 metres in less than 4 minutes

In a pool/confined water, candidates must perform, to demonstration quality, all skills listed in the SDI Open Water Scuba Diver Course, and demonstrate problem-solving skills

In open water, candidates must perform, to demonstration quality, all skills listed in the SDI Open Water Scuba Diver Course, and demonstrate problem-solving skills

INSTRUCTOR EVALUATION COURSE

The IEC component of your OWSDI Course takes place on the final day. You will be assessed by an externally-based Instructor Trainer and at a minimum will be required to:

Present one classroom presentation (minimum time 15 minutes in duration), one full lesson in confined water, and one full lesson in open water

The evaluating instructor trainer must verify all required subjects were covered and skills were performed

Our courses are conducted with a maximum 4:1 student:instructor ratio, with a focus on quality individual and team skill-development. We are one of the very few centres that teach neutral buoyancy first – see why and how HERE. 

Pre-Requisites

1. SDI Medical Questionnaire - signed of by a diving doctor www.divespearandsport.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/SDI-Medical-Questionnaire.pdf

2.  Minimum age 18

3.  SDI Divemaster, SDI Assistant Instructor or Equivalent.

4.  Able to demonstrate the following swimming ability: 800m swim w/ MSF in <17min; 400m swim, any stroke, non-stop, without swimming aids in <10min

5.  Provide proof of current CPR, First AID and Oxygen Provider

6.  Provide evidence of at least 100 logged dives completed in a number of different environments and depths

7.  DSS Boat and Course Liability Release 

8.  SDI Leader Application