Open Water Scuba Instructor
Become an SDI Open Water Scuba Instructor with Stuart Scuba
If you’re passionate about scuba diving, love connecting with people, and are ready for an extraordinary career, consider becoming an Open Water Scuba Instructor with Stuart Scuba. This life-changing opportunity allows you to share your enthusiasm for the underwater world with others while enjoying a profession that keeps you immersed in what you love: being around, in, and under the water. Open Water Scuba Instructors are among the most sought-after dive professionals worldwide, recognized for their high level of training and dedication to safety and education. With commitment and effort, you'll earn an Open Water Scuba Instructor certification, opening doors to a rewarding career that lets you enrich others’ lives by introducing them to the marvels of the underwater world.
Are you ready to take this exciting leap? Join our Open Water Instructor Development Course (IDC) at Stuart Scuba, which includes the Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI) program. Complete this course and pass the Instructor Examination (IE) to earn your SDI Open Water Scuba Diver Instructor certification. At Stuart Scuba, our team consists of experienced Course Directors, Instructor Trainers, and Instructor Evaluators who guide you through every step to becoming a proficient and confident dive instructor.
SDI Open Water Scuba Diver Instructor (OWSDI)
Our SDI Open Water Scuba Diver Instructor (OWSDI) course equips experienced Divemasters or Assistant Instructors with the knowledge and skills to teach open water scuba diving effectively. This comprehensive program is divided into the Instructor Development Course (IDC) and the Instructor Evaluation Course (IEC).
Who This Course is For
This course is ideal for individuals eager to share their passion for the underwater world with new divers and guide them on their diving journey.
Course Prerequisites
- Minimum age: 18
- Certified diver for at least six months
- Minimum of 100 logged dives across various environments and depths
- SDI Divemaster, SDI Assistant Instructor, or equivalent certification
- Current CPR, first aid, and oxygen provider certifications (may be combined with the IDC program by qualified instructors)
Course Curriculum
Expect to cover an extensive range of topics, including:
- SDI Standards, Procedures, and History
- Product and ordering processes
- Liability, risk management, and handling waivers
- Methods of instruction and effective communication
- Recruiting students and organizing courses
- Retail sales, budgeting, and ethics in diving instruction
- Physics and physiology of diving
Key Skills You’ll Master
During the program, you’ll need to demonstrate proficiency in the following:
- Classroom, confined water, and open water presentations
- Planning, organizing, and managing dive activities
- Performing a comprehensive rescue scenario
- Completing surface swims and survival floats
- Demonstrating skills to a high standard, including unconscious diver recovery
Skill Evaluation
For the Instructor Evaluation Course (IEC), candidates must:
- Deliver classroom and water-based lessons
- Showcase thorough subject coverage and skill execution
- Exhibit sound judgment and planning for class organization
Upon completing this rigorous training, graduates are certified to teach various courses, including the SDI Open Water Scuba Diver, Advanced Adventure Diver, Rescue Diver, Divemaster, and Assistant Instructor courses.
For further information or directions, see the links below based on your starting location:
- From Miami, FL
- From Orlando, FL
- From West Palm Beach, FL
- From Fort Pierce, FL
- From Fort Lauderdale, FL
- From Hollywood, FL
- From Jupiter, FL
- From Port St. Lucie, FL
- From Palm City, FL
- From Port Salerno, FL
- From Hobe Sound, FL
- Explore Blue Heron Bridge for excellent diving experiences
Start your journey today with Stuart Scuba and become a part of the thriving global community of scuba diving instructors. We look forward to helping you transform your passion into a fulfilling career.
Availability: Contact us for booking information
Do you wish to take the ultimate step in your professional dive career? Do you wish to share the knowledge, passion and skill set that you have learned over the years with others? If so, then training as a professional Scuba Instructor is for you.
Stuart Scuba will guide you throughout the entire process to help you transform from a recreational to a professional diver. Stuart Scubas staff consists of Master Scuba Diver Trainers, IDC Staff Instructors and course directors of multiple agencies. We will ensure that you have the very best training to make you the best dive professional that you can be. We go above and beyond the standard course outline and teach outside the box so that you will be a well rounded and experienced dive professional when you have finished with your course.
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What We Teach:
- Orientation into your agency of instruction
- History of your agency of instruction
- Teaching methods of your agency of instruction
- Business of diving of your agency of instruction
- Your role as an instructor
- Liability and Insurance
- Accident Reports and procedures
- Instructor Ethics
- Diving Safety
- Dive Marketing
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Course Requirements:
- Assistant Instructor, Divemaster or other Instructor Pre-Qualification certification
- Proof of current CPR Primary and Secondary Care certification
- Minimum 50-100 logged dives (depending on agency)
- All of your own scuba equipment
- Medical Approval by a Doctor within the last 12 months
Minimum Age: 18+
Contact Us for Pricing & More Information
Frequently Asked Questions about Open Water Scuba Instructor
What will I learn in Open Water Scuba Instructor?
Train to teach SDI Open Water scuba courses with Stuart Scuba in Stuart, FL. Review instructor prerequisites, evaluations and upcoming dates.
Who is this course for?
This is for experienced dive professionals who meet the agency prerequisites and want to advance toward Open Water Scuba Instructor responsibilities.
What are the prerequisites?
Bring your current certification card and dive log if you have them. We’ll review the course’s age, certification, experience, and agency requirements with you before you enroll.
Which training agency issues this course?
This course follows SDI training standards. If you have prior training from another agency, we’ll review your records against the course requirements.
What skills will I practice?
You’ll build the teaching, evaluation, risk-management, and dive-supervision skills required of an SDI instructor candidate.
How many dives or sessions are required?
Your instructor will confirm the academic, practical, and in-water sessions for your course date. The exact plan depends on agency standards, conditions, and your progress.
How long should I plan for?
We’ll give you a schedule before enrollment. Completion time depends on the course format, required sessions, conditions, and your progress.
Where does training take place?
We’re based at 3317 SE Federal Hwy, Stuart, FL 34997. Pool, shore, and boat training may take place at a separate site; we’ll confirm the exact meeting locations for your dates.
What equipment should I bring?
The complete SCUBA setup for courses that require it includes a BCD, tanks, weights, wetsuit, regulator with gauges, and compass. Tank rental and weights are included where the course requires them. Open Water students bring their own dive-quality mask, snorkel, and fins; these personal-fit items are not included in class rental gear. Our store carries a selection designed for different divers’ needs. Check the equipment requirements for this course before class.
Are tanks and weights included?
Tank rental and weights are included where required by this course. Availability and fees for other rental gear vary, so contact us before booking. Personal mask, snorkel, and fins are not included with Open Water class rental gear.
Is eLearning included?
Yes. eLearning is included with every Stuart Scuba class. We’ll send you access instructions after enrollment.
What does the course cost?
Current course tuition is $2,499 per student. Contact us to confirm any boat, gas, rental, travel, or additional training costs before booking.
What is included in the tuition?
Every class includes eLearning. Before you book, we’ll confirm what this course includes, along with any boat, gas, rental, or site costs.
Do I receive a certification card?
Yes. After you successfully complete the course requirements, we issue an electronic certification card (eCard). You can request a physical card for $20.
Can I use certification from another agency?
Bring your certification card and training records. We’ll review your background and confirm whether it meets this course’s agency requirements before you enroll.
What medical paperwork do I need?
Every student completes the medical questionnaire electronically through the course or on paper. A medical professional’s evaluation and signature are required only if your answers indicate that medical clearance is needed; complete it before any pool, shore, or boat diving activity. Download Form HERE.
Can I request private training?
Tell us if you prefer one-to-one or private training. We’ll check instructor availability and let you know whether it’s offered for this course and what it costs.
What if weather or water conditions change?
Your instructor or captain may adjust the site or schedule when weather, sea state, visibility, or current affects safe training. We’ll share the updated plan with you.
How should I prepare?
Complete your eLearning before class, review the prerequisites, and bring your certification card, logbook, and required equipment. Call us if you want to confirm your gear before you travel.
How do I check dates or enroll?
Choose an available date on this page or call Stuart Scuba at (772) 600-8288. We’ll help you review prerequisites, schedule, tuition, and what to bring.
