Training Environment
Training takes place across three environments. Pool and confined water sessions are used for the mastery and demonstration of scuba and rescue skills to the standard required of an SSI Instructor. Open water training and dive experience is conducted in the Indian Ocean off Diani Beach and along Kenya's south coast, including coral reef sites, the MV Alpha Funguo wreck, and Kisite Marine Park — all accessible by boat within 5 to 30 minutes. Interns assist qualified SSI Instructors on live diver training courses throughout the program, gaining direct supervised teaching experience with real student divers.
What's Included
- All SSI course fees, instructor evaluation fees, and digital learning materials for the full certification and teaching rating pathway
- Unlimited diving throughout the entire internship (interns typically log 100+ dives)
- Pool and confined water skills training sessions
- Supervised assisting and co-teaching on real SSI diver training courses
- Guided open water dive trips along the Kenyan coast
- Practical workshops in gear handling, customer service, and dive centre logistics
- Full set of brand new scuba equipment to keep (included in standard package price)
- Job-seeking guidance, references, and professional networking support upon completion
Equipment
A full set of brand new professional scuba equipment is included in the standard package price. This ensures every intern trains and qualifies with their own gear — a requirement for working as a dive professional. Equipment is yours to keep on completion of the program.
Instructor to Intern Ratio
Individual mentoring throughout the program from an SSI Instructor Trainer and qualified Instructor-level staff. Interns work alongside instructors on live training sessions and guided dives, with progressive responsibility given as skills develop.
Pricing
Beginner to Instructor (includes full equipment set): $6,399
Beginner to Instructor (own equipment then $4,999)
Open Water / Advanced Open Water to Instructor (includes full equipment set): $5,999
Open Water / Advanced Open Water to Instructor (own equipment then $4,599)
Optional Bolt-Ons:
- 7 months dorm accommodation: +$1,750
- 4 months dorm accommodation: +$999
- 9 SSI Ecology Specialty Courses: +$499
- 3 Day / 2 Night African Safari: +$400
- 5 extra SSI Specialty Instructor Courses: +$499
Not Included
- Accommodation (optional dorm packages available as bolt-ons — see above; assistance finding local options also available on request)
- Flights and travel insurance
- Personal expenses and meals
Scheduling
Internships run on a rolling intake basis throughout the year. The SSI Instructor Training Course (ITC) runs on scheduled dates — start dates are arranged directly with Ocean Tribe to align with the next available ITC. Training follows the dive centre's operational schedule, typically Monday to Saturday.