BIG PINE KEY AIR ACTIVITIES FIELD GUIDE
From Divemaster to Teacher: The Assistant Instructor Course on Big Pine Key
A six-day Assistant Instructor program that builds teaching experience—briefings, academics and in‑water training—to put you on the path to becoming a scuba instructor.
From Divemaster to Teacher: The Assistant Instructor Course on Big Pine Key.
The Assistant Instructor rating is the next step after Divemaster: a focused, practical course that gives you structured experience running briefings, teaching academics and conducting in‑water training. It’s designed to let you collect the hands‑on teaching hours you need before enrolling in Instructor Training and attempting your Instructor Evaluation.
Highlights
Course Highlights
Practical teaching experience
This course lets a certified Divemaster practice the core tasks of an instructor: delivering briefings, teaching academic sessions and supervising in‑water training—critical, supervised time in the classroom and pool/sea to build instructional confidence.
Flexible delivery: weekends or an intensive block
Training will typically occur over three weekends but can also be run as a six‑consecutive‑day intensive if you prefer to compress the schedule.
A defined route toward instructor status
Completing the Assistant Instructor rating positions you to finish the Instructor Training Course, sit the Instructor Evaluation and become an Open Water Diving Instructor.
What the day feels like
What the course feels like
Expect a mix of online academics followed by guided teaching practice: after booking you’ll receive online course materials and a course introduction letter, then work through scheduled sessions—over weekends or a continuous six‑day block—practicing briefings, running academic lessons and supervising in‑water exercises under instructor oversight.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this course is for—and who should reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The Assistant Instructor course is six days of contact time overall; training is typically delivered across three weekends, or as a six‑consecutive‑day intensive if preferred.
After booking you will receive online academic materials and a course introduction letter. Bring proof of required certifications (CPR and First Aid within the last two years, Enriched Air Nitrox, Divemaster) and any personal dive kit you use regularly.
You must be age 18+, able to tread water for 15 minutes and swim 400 yards without stopping (without mask, fins or snorkel). Logged‑dive totals will be verified on day one.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Assistant Instructor course?
The course totals six days; training will typically take place over three weekends but may also be conducted over six consecutive days.
What are the age and fitness requirements?
You must be at least 18 years old, able to tread water for 15 minutes and able to swim 400 yards without stopping (without mask, fins or snorkel).
What certifications do I need before starting?
You must hold current CPR and First Aid certification (within the last two years), be certified in Enriched Air Nitrox and hold a Divemaster certification from a recognized training agency.
Will I receive study materials before the in‑person sessions?
Yes. Once you book the course you will receive online academic materials and a course introduction letter outlining the schedule and expectations.
Are my logged dives checked?
Yes. Your logged‑dive totals (the required 75 or 50 hours as applicable) will be verified on day one of the course.