SDI Course Director Program
SDI Course Director Program at Stuart Scuba
The SDI Course Director Course is a premier program designed for experienced dive professionals aiming to advance their teaching careers in scuba diving education. As the first module in SDI’s Instructor Trainer (IT) Development Program, this course trains you to conduct the SDI Instructor Development Course (IDC) independently. Qualified SDI Course Directors are also empowered to conduct the SDI Non-Diving Specialty Instructor Course and to grant specialty ratings for SDI Instructors and Assistant Instructors, making this a highly sought-after qualification.
Who Should Enroll in the SDI Course Director Program?
This program is perfect for dedicated dive professionals who aspire to teach others the art of "How to Teach" scuba diving. Additionally, this course serves as essential preparation for those looking to enter the next stage of SDI training, the Instructor Trainer Workshop (ITW).
Course Prerequisites
- Age Requirement: Minimum 21 years
- Experience Requirement: Minimum of 200 logged dives
- Certification History:
- Active SDI Open Water Scuba Diver Instructor or equivalent for at least 2 years
- No quality assurance issues within the last 12 months
- Must have issued a minimum of 150 SDI (or equivalent) diver certifications, distributed as:
- 100 Open Water Scuba Diver
- 25 Rescue Diver
- 20 Specialty Diver
- 5 Divemaster or Assistant Instructor
- Additional Requirements:
- Current certification in CPR, first aid, and oxygen provider (as permitted by local law)
- A recent medical examination signed by a licensed physician
Course Content and Skills to Master
As a participant in the SDI Course Director Program at Stuart Scuba, you will cover an extensive range of topics, including:
- Professionalism in Instructor Training: Understanding the role of an SDI/TDI/ERDI Instructor
- Instructor Training Process: Including course orientation, scheduling, and evaluation techniques
- Teaching Essentials: From diving physics and physiology to risk management and rescue instruction
- Marketing and Business: Skills for promoting SDI Instructor courses and diving specialties
- Hands-On Skill Demonstrations: Mastery of open water and pool problem-solving skills to instructor quality
- Watermanship Requirements: Complete swims, floats, and rescue scenarios to demonstration standards
The course includes hands-on teaching practice, where candidates will present and evaluate academic and in-water lessons for diver and instructor-level training, ensuring you’re ready to manage and lead courses with professionalism.
Key Skills for Evaluation
To successfully complete the course, candidates will be evaluated on their ability to:
- Conduct rescue and emergency scenarios with precision
- Swim 400 meters continuously within specified times
- Perform instructor-quality problem-solving skills in confined and open water settings
- Present structured and effective academic and in-water lessons for both diver and instructor levels
What’s in It for You?
Upon successful completion, SDI Course Directors are authorized to:
- Independently conduct the IDC for SDI Open Water Scuba Diver Instructors
- Lead the SDI Non-Diving Specialty Instructor Course
- Certify SDI Instructors, Assistant Instructors, and Non-diving Specialty Instructors for relevant specialties
- Qualify for participation in the SDI Instructor Trainer Workshop (ITW)
Program Completion Requirements
To earn certification, candidates must:
- Complete the Course Director pre-course study package, including the Standards and Procedures Exam, Online OWSDI Course, and Professional Familiarization (Crossover) Course
- Achieve a minimum score of 80% on the SDI Course Director written exam, with full remediation on any missed topics
Ready to Start Your Journey as an SDI Course Director?
At Stuart Scuba, located in Stuart, Florida, our team of highly experienced SDI Course Directors, Instructor Trainers, and Instructor Evaluators is here to guide you through each step of this challenging yet rewarding journey. Join us to take your professional dive training to the next level and become an influential leader in scuba diving education!
For more information, call us or visit our location to discuss how you can become a certified SDI Course Director and inspire future instructors!
Availability: Contact us for booking information
Frequently Asked Questions about SDI Course Director Program
What will I learn in SDI Course Director Program?
Advance your SDI professional career with Course Director training at Stuart Scuba in Stuart, FL. Ask us to review prerequisites and upcoming dates.
Who is this course for?
This is for experienced dive professionals who meet the agency prerequisites and want to advance toward SDI Course Director Program 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 develop the teaching and evaluation skills needed to conduct SDI instructor-development training within current agency standards.
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 $1,999 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.
