Picking Your Instructor Trainer

Choosing the right Instructor Trainer (regardless of agency) is like finding the perfect dive buddy—it’s all about compatibility and comfort. First and foremost, you want someone with recent and relevant experience, not a relic who thinks yelling from the shore, or getting others to be in the water for them is an acceptable teaching method. The days of the militant or absent instructor barking orders like a drill sergeant are long gone! Does your potential trainer spend a lot of time in the water or do they spend most of their time on dry land?

Instead, seek out a trainer who gets into the water with you, demonstrating techniques and providing real-time feedback. Not someone who just talks you through what you need to do (this is usually a sign they are worried they might not be up to standard when it comes to skills and diving - and we have seen this more than we should!)

Did you know that SSI Instructor Trainers, and SSI Instructor Training Centres have certain targets to hit each year to allow them to stay in status as Trainers and Training Centres? So, even if you don't follow our socials and how much you see us in the water - you know 100% we are in the water teaching.

You also want someone who makes diving fun, not someone who acts like they’re preparing you for a military operation. If your instructor trainer is barking orders that seem like they might cause a heart attack, it’s time to swim in the opposite direction! A good Instructor Trainer / Course Director should never ask you to do something they can’t handle with ease themselves, this goes for the skills, buoyancy, and the fitness assessments.

And let’s not forget about physical appearance! An Instructor Trainer / Course Director should look the part—no one wants to learn from someone in outdated or falling-apart gear. If they don’t take pride in their presentation underwater, how can they expect to instill that same pride in their instructor candidates? Remember, a well-kept Total Diving System will show you how much pride they have in their teaching!

Location plays a vital role, too. If you’re aiming to teach in the UK or colder waters, it’s crucial that you complete your course locally. It raises a red flag if you, as an Instructor complete your course elsewhere then expect your students to not do the same. How can you expect students to build confidence in UK diving if their instructor hasn’t learned to teach in the same environment? Completing your instructor course locally demonstrates commitment to the local diving community and sets you apart from others who may not share that dedication.

Let’s not sugarcoat it—the instructor course is intense and stressful! It can feel like a marathon with a twist of underwater acrobatics. Your trainer needs to make this experience fun and engaging. If they’re merely ticking off boxes to cover the basics, you might want to look elsewhere. Remember, diving should be as enjoyable as it is educational!

Now, while we’re on the topic, here are some red flags to watch for when selecting your trainer:

1. The Box Ticker: If they seem more focused on completing a checklist than fostering a supportive learning environment, keep swimming!

2. The Drill Sergeant: If you feel like you’re in boot camp rather than a dive school, it’s time to find a trainer who knows that “fun” isn’t a four-letter word.

3. The Unfit Instructor: If they struggle to keep up with the class, how can you trust them to keep you safe underwater?

4. The Gear Neglector: If they show up in outdated or shabby equipment, it’s a sign they might not take their role as seriously as they should.

5. The Silent Type: If they don’t encourage questions or seem disinterested in student engagement, it might be time to explore other options.

6. The Ones That Shouldn't Be Teaching from a health and fitness point of view... can these guys step in when really needed?

   
   

When evaluating potential trainers, watch how they engage with different levels of students. Do they encourage and support, or do they resemble a stern coach yelling, “Drop and give me twenty!”? The ideal instructor trainer combines experience, a supportive teaching style, and the fitness to keep everyone safe, ensuring your diving experiences are enjoyable and memorable.

In the end, choosing a trainer who embodies passion, professionalism, and a genuine love for diving will not only enhance your learning experience but also contribute to the vibrant diving community you’ll be a part of.

If you are wondering if we might be the right Instructor Trainers for you, book in for a free consultation and lets have a chat!