RAMROD KEY SCUBA FIELD GUIDE
Eight Days on Ramrod Key: Upgrade from SSI Assistant to Open Water Instructor
An 8-day, schoolroom-to-reef program run by Looe Key Reef Resort that combines classroom, pool, and open-water sessions with a two-day Instructor Evaluation to certify you as an SSI Open Water Instructor.
Eight Days on Ramrod Key: Upgrade from SSI Assistant to Open Water Instructor.
On Ramrod Key, an intensive eight-day curriculum takes certified SSI Assistant Instructors through focused classroom study, confined-water practice and reef presentations before a formal two-day Instructor Evaluation — a compact, career-defining push that converts assistant-level teaching experience into an independent SSI Open Water Instructor credential.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
SSI's two-step instructor progression, completed in eight days
The course follows SSI’s 2-step Instructor Training Approach: a concentrated 6-day Instructor Training Course (ITC) supported by immersive digital learning, immediately followed by a 2-day Instructor Evaluation (IE) administered by an SSI examiner.
Classroom, confined-water and open-water teaching practice
Candidates spend dedicated days on academics, pool presentations for Open Water Diver and Diver Stress & Rescue skills, and perform open-water presentations from a boat to demonstrate teaching and rescue competencies.
Authorized to lead core SSI programs
Successful candidates emerge qualified to independently teach key SSI programs including Open Water Diver, Advanced Open Water Diver, Enriched Air Nitrox, Diver Stress & Rescue and Dive Guide.
What the day feels like
What the course feels like
The eight-day rhythm alternates focused classroom blocks with hands-on pool sessions and reef presentations, building from academic presentations to confined-water demonstrations and then to open-water teaching before a final, formal evaluation by an SSI examiner.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this upgrade is right for
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Bring your dive log for verification of 100 logged dives, and proof of your SSI Assistant Instructor certification and government ID to confirm age and credentials.
Be prepared to present documentation (dive log and certification proof) at the start of the course so prerequisites can be confirmed before training begins.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What are the prerequisites to join this upgrade course?
You must hold an SSI Assistant Instructor certification and have 100 logged dives, with your dive log verified at the beginning of the course.
How long is the Assistant Instructor to Open Water Instructor upgrade?
The program runs eight days: a six-day Instructor Training Course followed immediately by a two-day Instructor Evaluation.
What will I be certified to teach after successful completion?
Upon certification you will be able to independently teach SSI programs including Open Water Diver, Advanced Open Water Diver, Enriched Air Nitrox, Diver Stress & Rescue and Dive Guide.
Can I split the training and evaluation if I need more time?
Yes. You may take the Assistant Instructor portion as a standalone step to gain hands-on experience and then complete the Instructor Evaluation at a later date.
How large are the classes and what if I want to book a group?
Class sizes are limited to maximize the student experience; if you would like to book more than four people, contact the operator by email or phone to discuss arrangements.
Who conducts the Instructor Evaluation?
An SSI examiner conducts the two-day Instructor Evaluation that concludes the course.