Dive Guide - short internship

Develop leadership skills underwater and learn to safely guide certified divers. The highest recreational level within SSI — ideal as a final goal or as preparation for Divemaster.

Lead dives. Build confidence. Take your first step towards becoming a professional.

The SSI Dive Guide is the highest amateur level within the SSI system — and for many divers, the first real step towards the professional side of diving.

In this program, you will learn how to safely guide certified divers in various environments and conditions. You will develop leadership skills underwater, learn to maintain oversight, and grow in responsibility.

From experienced diver to dive leader

During the Dive Guide internship, you will learn, among other things:

• how to give dive briefings

• how to assess dive sites

• how to guide certified divers

• how to assess risks and plan dives

• how to communicate professionally above and below water

By gaining a lot of practical experience, you will quickly grow in confidence. You will work closely with an instructor/mentor who will guide you and help you reach a higher level.

Duration and structure

You can complete the Dive Guide internship in about 3 to 4 weeks, during which you will typically spend five days a week at the dive center.

Do you have more time or would you prefer to spread out the program? It is also possible to complete the training over a longer period.

Just like with our other programs, it’s not about speed, but about growth.

What is the difference with Divemaster?

As an SSI Dive Guide, you are not yet a professional and not an SSI member.

A Dive Guide leads certified divers, for example during fun dives or for family and friends. An SSI Divemaster, on the other hand, can also assist with courses and fulfills a broader professional role within a dive center.

For some divers, Dive Guide is the end goal — for example, if you dive as a hobby or are not yet 18 years old. For others, it is a conscious stepping stone towards Divemaster.

The great thing is: upgrading is relatively easy. By completing the Science of Diving module and meeting the requirements for SSI membership (from 18 years old), you can progress to Divemaster.

What are you allowed to do as an SSI Dive Guide?

With your certification, you may:

• guide certified divers

• lead dives for family and friends

• gain experience in underwater leadership

This is a program where you learn not only to dive for yourself, but also to take responsibility for others.

Entry requirements

To start the SSI Dive Guide program, you need:

• at least 40 logged dives (60 to be certified)

• a minimum age of 15 years

• an SSI Open Water and Diver Stress & Rescue certification (or equivalent)

• experience with night diving, navigation, and deep diving

• a valid React Right certification (First Aid, Oxygen, AED)

• a medical statement showing you are fit to dive

Don’t have this experience yet? Then check out our pre-Divemaster program.

Who is this program for?

The Dive Guide internship is suitable for divers who are ready for more responsibility, but are not yet ready or able to take the full professional step.

It is a powerful growth program — either as a final goal, or as a stepping stone towards Divemaster.

Curious if the SSI Dive Guide is right for you? Feel free to contact us — together we’ll look at where you stand and what the best next step is.