A-1 Classified Diver Instructor Course

Thank you for your interest in our SSI Classified Diving Instructor Course. This program offers several unique elements, including extensive hands-on training and the opportunity to apply your new skills at the Denver Downtown Aquarium! It’s fun, challenging and packed with valuable information designed to elevate both your confidence and your capability. 

Your success in this course begins with arriving prepared, ready to learn, and eager to expand your knowledge while sharpening your skills alongside fellow divers. As you progress, you’ll gain not only the technical ability but also the passion to introduce a remarkable community of individuals to the wonders of scuba diving. 

Most of all, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for inclusive diving and the profound impact it can leave.  This experience will open you mind – and guaranteed to open your heart.  

During this course, you’ll gain the knowledge and experience to safely and effectively teach someone with a disability using the unique Level 1-3 Classification process. The course will be like no other course you’ve taken. 

Day 1 (half day)

  • Classroom only – Meet fellow diving professionals and overview the course.  Then we’ll start digging into the many aspects of the adaptive program including discussions on various disabilities, reviewing course standards, and learn the unique process of the Level 1-3 classification process.

Day 2 (full day)

  • Classroom – Further discussion about various disabilities, review adaptations for the various components of diving equipment systems and associated equipment to assist divers with disabilities.
  • Pool Activities – Begin the process of roleplaying as an instructor, dive buddy, and someone with a disability.  You’re guaranteed to discover the meaning of trust, confidence, expectation, reliance, and dependence.

Day 3 (full day)

  • Classroom – Experience, firsthand, how to correctly use a wheelchair including, ‘rolling’ in hallways, the swimming pool deck, assembling your dive gear from a wheelchair, getting on/off an elevator, proper ways to overcome various obstacles, and simulating onboarding and deboarding a vessel from a wheelchair.
  • Pool – continued roleplaying

Day 4 – Denver Downtown Aquarium dives!

  • This is an incredible opportunity for you to apply the techniques you learned in the pool, in a saltwater environment  at the Denver Downtown Aquarium. As you did in the pool, you’ll be working in buddy teams and performing several of the skills learned in the swimming pool, while roleplaying a person with a disability and being a dive buddy.

Please note that the starting and ending times are subject to change

  • Be an active status SSI Open Water Instructor or above
  • Have a personal MySSI account
  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Be fit for diving
  • Current First Aid/CPR (within past two years)
  • Aquarium Waiver (print and hand to the instructor) – Click here 
  • Program specific forms include:  Registration Form, Privacy Policy Policy, Current/Signed Medical Participant Questionnaire, Responsible Diver Code, Assumption of Risk
  • Complete the course documents – Click here

IMPORTANT NOTE – THE DIVER MEDICAL PARTICIPANT QUESTIONNAIRE FORM is valid for on year from the date of signing, and must be updated if your medical conditions change.

  • Attend all classroom, confined water sessions, and Denver Downtown Aquarium dives
  • Complete and pass all requirements and evaluations listed in the instructor manual for the Classified Diver Course
  • Participate in all role-playing segments in the confined water
  • Demonstrate the ability to teach and assist a Level 1-3 classified diver the skills taught in the open water diver course
  • Complete the required water fitness evaluations (tread, surface swim, underwater swim, diver rescue)
  • Complete the instructor written final exam

INCLUDES

  • SSI digital e-Kit
  • SSI Professional Classified Diver Certification
  • Classroom instruction
  • Confined water (pool) training
  • Aquarium dives
  • Due to concerns regarding contamination all scuba equipment and exposure protection will be provided at the aquarium.  You will need to provide a mask, snorkel, and fins
  • Use of various adaptive training aids

NOT INCLUDED

  • Pool – total diving system, including a required Octopus Alternate Air Source
  • Aquarium – Mask and fins.  The use of the total diving system will be provided
  • Parking fee at the Downtown Aquarium.  Please have your credit card available at the parking kiosk
  • Transportation, lodging, and meals

2026  – Classified Dive Buddy Course Dates

PLEASE NOTE:  minimum (3) maximum (6) 

Sept 11-14

  • Sept 11 – Classroom – 5 to 9 PM
  • Sept 12 – Classroom and Pool (full day)
  • Sept 13 – Classroom and Pool (full day)
  • Sept 14 – Downtown Aquarium – 7:30 AM to 3 PM

Starting and ending times are subject to change 

  • Additional Course – TBD

Please call  (303) 789-2450 if you have any questions

Course Fee $775

Program Testimonials

Of all the classes and training I have taken over the last 20 years, the Classified Diver Buddy class has been by far the most insightful and enlightening class I have had. It went beyond just teaching the various skills a classified diver had to complete, to experiencing being a classified diver learning and practicing the skills. This gave me a whole new awareness of what being disable is like. From being confined to a wheelchair to having to navigate as a blind diver relying on your buddy in the Under the Sea Exhibit at the Downtown Aquarium. This class, more than any other class I have taken, will make me a better diver and teacher.

This course challenged me to be a better all-round dive instructor providing me with the insight to be able to adapt to each individual diver’s needs. One of the best courses I’ve taken and can’t wait to use these skills with new divers.

Read More…