Professional Training
The majority of certified scuba divers worldwide never venture further in their dive education beyond the entry-level certification (Open Water Diver or similar). There are still quite a few divers that continue their training to more advanced levels. If you keep at it long enough, and at one point you might find yourself asking the question, ‘should I go pro?’ Taking the plunge to learn to teach diving is rewarding in many ways! Water comfort, water skills, and situational awareness are all increased many times over by the training and drills you go through to reach the professional levels.
Finding yourself in charge of the safety and learning of prospective scuba divers, all of whom are new to the underwater world, with a few of them perhaps somewhat nervous about it, is a great chance to step up and take responsibility. It’s on you to make sure they’re safe, that they learn the skills needed to make them good divers, and that they have fun doing so. And that definitely helps you grow as a person and as a diver.
​
Are you ready for the challenge?
NAUI FIT
Get Started
Minimum age is 18 years for this program. Certification as a NAUI Scuba Diver, NAUI Rescue Scuba Diver, NAUI Nitrox Diver, NAUI Master Scuba Diver, NAUI First Aid for the Diving Professional, NAUI Oxygen Provider (or equivalent) are required.
As well as a minimum of 25 logged open water scuba dives with a minimum of 12.5 hours bottom time. To enroll, find a NAUI Training Center or instructor near you by visiting the NAUI Dive Center and Professional Locator. You can also check for upcoming courses on our Calendar of Events page.
What’s Next?
Upon completion of the NAUI FIT Program, provided all other leadership prerequisites are met, graduates who are registered with NAUI may attend a NAUI Assistant Instructor, Divemaster, or Instructor Crossover course. NAUI FIT graduates are encouraged to attend their anticipated leadership course within the one-year timeframe of completing their respective courses when possible.
The PADI Divemaster Course is designed to train qualified Rescue Divers in how to control, manage and supervise groups of divers. This 3 module course provides extensive development of ones diving skills, stamina and theoretical diving knowledge.
The swim test involves a 400 yd swim; an 800 yd mask, fin, snorkel swim; a 100 yd tired diver tow in full equipment; and a 15 min tread all of which are time based evaluation. There are also extensive written exams covering the areas of physics, physiology, equipment, dive management, supervision, skills & environment, and dive tables.
Upon successful completion of the course, the student is certified as a PADI Divemaster and qualifies for PADI Membership and attendance at a PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC).
Divemaster Course
Prerequisites
PADI Rescue Diver Certification or equivalent
Proof of 40 logged dives prior to start of course with 60 at end of course 18 years of age
Medical Exam for diving within the past 12 months
PADI EFR or equivalent in the past 2 yrs (CPR)
Assistant Instructor (AI)
As an Assistant Instructor, you will be authorized to teach all aspects of skin and scuba diving under the supervision of a NAUI Instructor. This is the best possible way to develop your instructional skills. The rating can be a step toward full Instructor, or an end in itself. Match your time, talent and interests with the NAUI programs near you, and enjoy the adventure of personal and professional enhancement as a NAUI leader.
Overview
The NAUI Assistant Instructor rating is a NAUI leadership-level certification. The program is designed to introduce students to diving instruction basics. It also tests individuals in fundamental water skills needed to be capable assistants. Certification authorizes individuals to assist active-status NAUI Instructors in the conduct of dive training. NAUI Assistant Instructor certification is a highly recommended step in the progression to NAUI Instructor.
Instructor Training Course (ITC)
NAUI values and respects the knowledge, skills and abilities of its instructors. As such, NAUI Instructors are authorized and can be approved to teach every level of diving in which they possess the training, knowledge and experience. NAUI also allows its instructors to develop their own "instructor specified" specialty courses. If you are someone who seeks even more adventure and specialization, NAUI provides pathways to gaining Public Safety Diver, Technical and Freediving Instructor ratings.
Overview
The NAUI Instructor Training Course (ITC) is designed to train and qualify NAUI Instructor member applicants. During the course candidate instructors learn effective methods to teach skin and scuba diving in compliance with NAUI diving course standards.
The course assures the NAUI membership that candidates who receive certification as NAUI Instructors have the knowledge, skills, fitness and proper attitude to do so.
Qualifications of Graduates
Certified NAUI Instructor course graduates are qualified to apply for NAUI Instructor membership in any status provided for in the bylaws of the association.
An active-status NAUI Instructor may independently teach NAUI sanctioned courses and authorize NAUI certification for graduates. An active-status NAUI Instructor may independently conduct NAUI recognition and experience programs and authorize formal recognition for graduates.
An active-status NAUI Instructor who completes a NAUI-DAN First Aid Instructor orientation, who has completed all required NAUI-DAN orientation modules and is using the NAUI-DAN training and support materials, may teach the NAUI-DAN First Aid programs.
_jfif.jpg)