Becoming a Course Director is not simply the next certification step.
It is a professional responsibility.
A Course Director plays an important role in developing the next generation of scuba diving instructors and maintaining the quality, consistency and standards of professional diver education.
Course Director development is designed for experienced diving professionals who have already demonstrated a strong background in instructor training, leadership and diving education.
Freddy Jousset provides guidance and professional development for suitable candidates interested in progressing within the SDI professional system.
What Does an SDI Course Director Do?
An SDI Course Director is involved in the development and training of diving professionals and instructors within the SDI training system.
The role requires more than technical diving knowledge or teaching experience. A successful Course Director must demonstrate leadership, professionalism, strong communication skills and the ability to develop and evaluate future instructors.
Course Director-level professionals also play an important role in maintaining training quality and supporting the professional standards of the diving industry.
Course Director development is not suitable for every instructor. Candidates should already have significant professional experience and meet the applicable prerequisites for the programme they wish to pursue.
Developing the People Who Develop Divers
A Course Director does not simply teach instructors how to pass an evaluation.
The responsibility is much greater.
Instructor candidates will eventually teach hundreds — sometimes thousands —
of divers throughout their careers.
The habits, standards, decision-making and teaching philosophy developed during instructor training can therefore influence many future divers.
For this reason, my approach to professional development focuses on creating instructors and instructor leaders who understand their responsibility to the diving industry.
One of the risks in instructor development is creating instructors who simply copy their trainer without understanding why they are doing something.
Every instructor has a different personality, communication style and teaching approach.
The objective of professional development should not be to create identical instructors.
Instead, it should help each candidate develop the ability to think independently, make sound decisions and apply training standards consistently while developing their own professional identity.
International Course Director Development
Depending on candidate requirements, scheduling and available facilities, professional development programmes may be organised internationally.
Training locations and dates can vary according to programme requirements and candidate availability.
Contact Freddy to discuss upcoming opportunities and potential training locations.
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Who this course is for:
This course is designed for individuals that wish to teach others “How to Teach” scuba. It also prepares candidates for the second module of the SDI Training program, the complete Instructor Trainer Workshop (ITW)
What’s in it for you?
Upon successful completion of this course, graduates may:
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Conduct the IDC portion of an SDI Open Water Scuba Diver Instructor Course
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Conduct the SDI Non-Diving Specialty Instructor Course
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Certify SDI Instructors, Assistant Instructors and Non-diving Specialty Instructors to teach SDI Diving specialties* they hold instructor ratings for
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Attend an SDI Instructor Trainer Workshop (ITW)
*NOTE: Certain Specialty Instructor ratings are subject to minimum student numbers being met before IT status is granted.
Teaching Executives
The SDI Course Director Course is the first module of SDI’s Instructor Trainer (IT) Development Program. This program trains candidates to conduct the SDI Instructor Development Course (IDC) independently. In addition, SDI Course Directors are qualified to conduct the SDI Non-Diving Specialty Instructor Course and specialty ratings for SDI Instructors and Assistant Instructors.
What you can expect to learn:
In addition to topics taken from other SDI Leadership courses at the discretion of the conducting Instructor Trainer, in line with information detailed in the current IT manual, are required to be covered and the candidate’s comprehension and ability to convey them are required to be evaluated.
Diver Certification
Get ready to celebrate! 🎉 Your first teaching execitive !!!
Course Director Development Focus
The programme should focus on more than certification requirements.
Leadership
Develop the ability to lead professional programmes and manage instructor candidates.
Instructor Development
Learn how to mentor, guide and develop future scuba diving instructors.
Evaluation & Standards
Understand the importance of consistent evaluation and the correct application of training standards.
Communication
Develop clear and effective communication with instructor candidates and professional teams.
Programme Management
Understand the planning and organisation required to conduct professional-level training programmes.
Professional Responsibility
Recognise the responsibility involved in influencing the future quality and safety of diving education.
Course Director development represents a significant professional commitment.
Before beginning any programme, your existing qualifications, instructor experience, professional history and development objectives should be reviewed.
The objective is to ensure that the programme is appropriate for your current level and long-term professional goals.
What is a scuba diving Course Director?
A Course Director is a senior diving professional involved in instructor development and professional-level diving education within a training organisation.
Can any scuba instructor become a Course Director?
No. Course Director development is generally intended for experienced professionals who meet the applicable prerequisites and have demonstrated significant experience in instructor development and professional diving education.
Do I need to be an Instructor Trainer first?
The required pathway depends on the applicable standards and the specific Course Director programme. Your existing qualifications should be reviewed before confirming eligibility.
How long does Course Director development take?
The duration depends on the candidate's current qualifications, experience and the specific development pathway.
What qualifications do I need?
Requirements can vary and should be checked against the current applicable SDI professional standards. Freddy can review your qualifications and professional experience to discuss the appropriate pathway.
Can I combine Course Director development with other instructor training?
Depending on your current level and development plan, it may be possible to combine professional training activities. This should be discussed individually.
Where is Course Director development available?
Training opportunities can be organised internationally depending on programme requirements, facilities and candidate scheduling.
Ready to Take Your Professional Career Further?
Course Director development is designed for experienced professionals who are ready to take greater responsibility for the future of diving education.
Send Freddy your current diving qualifications, instructor ratings and professional teaching experience to discuss your potential development pathway.