SSI Open Water Instructor Course in Koh Tao, Turn Your Passion into a Career
If you dream of becoming a certified SSI Open Water Instructor, Koh Tao is the ideal place to make it happen. Thailand’s diving island offers year-round perfect conditions, an international community of divers of all levels, and a professional training environment that gives you real-world experience from day one. At The Divers Boat, our SSI Open Water Instructor programme is conducted in small groups with personalised coaching from experienced instructor trainers — in English and French. Furthermore, the SSI Open Water Instructor certification is recognised in over 110 countries and in more than 2,500 affiliated centres worldwide.
Why complete your SSI Open Water Instructor course in Koh Tao?
Our SSI Open Water Instructor course focuses on real training, practice, and confidence-building. You learn directly from experienced instructor trainers, with maximum exposure to divers of all nationalities and levels. Koh Tao is ideal for this:
- Warm, clear water year-round (28–30°C)
- Numerous easy-to-access training sites
- A dynamic international diving community
- Affordable cost of living — ideal for an extended stay
In addition, training as an SSI Open Water Instructor at The Divers Boat means being immersed in a working dive centre from day one — both boats, real students, real briefings. If you haven’t yet completed your Divemaster certification, we can plan both programmes back to back.
What you will learn, SSI Open Water Instructor programme
1. Academic teaching skills
You learn how to present theory clearly, manage student groups, and evaluate understanding at every stage of the learning process.
2. In-water training techniques
We refine your buoyancy, control, positioning and problem-solving skills through structured practice — the foundation of every great SSI Open Water Instructor.
3. Safety and supervision
You learn how to anticipate risks, manage emergencies, and maintain a safe and structured learning environment at all times.
4. Real teaching experience
During the programme, you assist with real students under close supervision — so you graduate as an instructor who has already taught, not just studied.
SSI Open Water Instructor : course structure
SSI Instructor Training Course (ITC)
A complete programme with workshops, confined-water sessions, and open-water teaching practice. Duration: 15 to 20 days depending on your progression.
Instructor Evaluation (IE)
An independent evaluation conducted by a certified SSI Instructor Examiner, validating your instructor skills before certification.
Extra workshops included
- Classroom presentations and theory delivery
- Rescue demonstrations
- Professional behaviour and communication
- The business of diving
To find out more about prerequisites or to plan your session, contact us directly. You can also browse our full range of SSI courses available in Koh Tao.
