SSI Dive Guide Program
The SSI Dive Guide Program is your first professional-level step: learn how to lead certified divers safely and responsibly. Dive Guide gives you the experience and knowledge you need to guide groups in a variety of environments under an SSI Dive Center.
Training includes advanced dive planning, group management, leadership skills, and dive-site organization. Prerequisites typically include several specialties, enough logged dives, and rescue/first-aid readiness — so you’ll enter this course already well-prepared.
As a Dive Guide candidate, you’ll sharpen your navigation, dive planning, and safety skills — and gain the confidence to lead dives in local waters or travel destinations. Dive Guide is a powerful first step toward a fulfilling career as an SSI Dive Professional.
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Scuba Diving Courses & Specialty Training
- Open Water Diver
- Advance Training
- Specialty Diver
- Advanced Open Diver
- Diver Stress & Rescue
- Master Diver
- Specialty Programs
- Emergency Training
- Heartsaver First Aid CPR
- Altitude Diving
- Boat Diving
- Deep Diving
- Digital Underwater Photography
- Dive Guide
- Dry Suit Diving
- Enriched Air Nitrox Diving
- Equipment Techniques
- Navigation
- Night / Limited Visibility
- Perfect Buoyancy
- Science of Diving
- Search and Recovery
- Wreck Diving
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SSI Dive Guide Program?
Dive Guide is a professional-track certification that prepares you to lead certified divers safely under supervision of a dive center. It develops leadership, planning, and diver-management skills for group dives and guided trips.
What are the prerequisites?
Typically: Advanced certification, certain specialties (e.g. Navigation, Night or Limited Visibility, Deep Diving), rescue/first-aid readiness, and a minimum number of logged dives. Coral Sea Scuba will review your logbook and dive history to confirm readiness.
What will I learn?
Navigation, dive-site planning, group coordination, safety oversight, emergency readiness, guiding procedures, dive site briefings and debriefings, and decision-making as a guide.
Is this training only for future professionals?
Not necessarily. Even as a recreational diver, Dive Guide skills improve your safety awareness, dive planning, and situational leadership — ideal if you frequently dive with groups or buddies.
How long is the course?
The duration varies depending on prerequisites and local scheduling. It typically involves a mix of academic sessions, confined-water or pool practice, and multiple open water dives to meet SSI standards.
Will this certification help me dive globally or travel as a guide?
Yes — as an SSI Dive Guide, you may be eligible to lead dives under SSI member centers worldwide. This opens opportunities for global diving travel or seasonal guiding.