Instructor training

[TVR]

I am a Sport Diver at the moment, but will be doing my Dive Leader this season. I have been diving for 6.5 years and have so far graduated along the recreational then technical path. However. I am having a slight change of direction!

I am booked on the IFC this autumn with a view to getting qualified as an OWSI in due course - mainly because I want to give something back to my branch for all the support and training that they have given me. Also, I quite like doing nice simple recreational dives as well as more technical stuff.

Anyway, to cut to the chase, what I would like to know is what is a realistic timescale for completing my instructor training?

My branch is pretty active and there is a constant stream of new Ocean Dive trainees, so I can get relevant experience fairly easily - I am just at a loss to find any guidance on how long I should expect the Instructor training to take.

Any advice gratefully received.

[Ben Panter]

Hi TVR,

At the end of the IFC you should have an idea of how the various components of teaching felt for you. Go back to your branch, and have a go - and when you feel confident then take the next steps (I did the TIE first, but if you prefer being out in open water then go for the OWIC/PIE). There are many events run over the country, and if you're prepared to travel a couple of hours you're bound to find an event when you need one. An OWI (the final product of those courses) is certainly a competent instructor, but I'm not sure that the instructor training could be considered 'completed' at that point. Plenty more things to learn and refine... but that is true whether you are an OWI, an AI or an NI...

Best advice I can give you - a good instructor is also a good diver. Take it easy, build up experience, keep the balance between diving dives and teaching dives and don't set yourself a deadline. I'd been diving for about 7 years before I did an IFC (ITC back then), and six years later I'm an AI. At the moment I'm contemplating FCD... not because I 'need' the qualification, but because I think it might be an interesting experience.

Progress at your own rate an enjoy the journey!

Ben

[Gareth]

How long to qualify as a NQI?

Its a good question & dependent on the following.

1. The time between the relevent coarses exams.
- you are prepared to travel you will have more opportunity than if you wish to complete them locally (within your region).
[INDENT]- You will normally have more coarse & exam opportunities during the winter months, although OWIC & the OWI Exam are normally spring/summer coarses

2. Your skills.
- Its very difficult to teach a skill if you can't do it yourself, or do it poorly. Practice your skills until they are 'textbook'

3. Your Diving knowledge
- You will need to pass a theory test, (& will be preparing mini lectures,) if you are or have just done your dive leader exam this should not be too much of a problem. But the Theory tests INCLUDES stuff from Ocean & Sports as well as Dive Leader, in addition to some teaching references.

4. Opportunity & Practice
- If your branch can support you during your training this will help. Especially if they are an active training branch. It will give you teaching opportunities, both dry & wet.
- If they are 'current', having passed through the ITS scheme recently, they should be able to critique (constructively)!
- If you have ITS staff in your branch, or recent AI's who have attended an ITDC or are currently doing observes, then you get the critique from the horses mouth
Alternatively talk to your regional coaches, they can attend your branch to assist in your preperation, or you in touch with ITS staff you may offer the same support.


I would like to say well done & give it a go, & thank you for stepping forward!

I would also like to suggest you attend an ITS as soon as you can - this will give you an idea of what you are attempting to achieve - & is something to do during these cold winter months.

If you ask the average instructor for advice or help you 'll struggle to shut them up - they love passing on there wisdom & years of experience!!!!

Best of luck
Gareth

[TVR]

Many thanks for your comprehensive replies.

I know I will need to put in a lot of work and fully accept the points about practising skills to textbook standard. I have arranged with my branch to "shadow" an Instructor as they teach the Ocean Diver course so will hopefully get lots of pool and theory experience over the next few months. My branch are being fully supportive which is a great help - the last thing anyone wants is to have to turn away potential new members for a lack of instructors.

I think i will also need to do some work on the OD and SD theory. I did a crossover from PADI Rescue Diver to SD a couple of years ago, so did not actually go through BSAC training for OD and SD. Therefore, I think I will get hold of the manuals etc and work through them so that I am familiar with the precise course structure and content.

Anyway, thanks again for your input.

[Gareth]

You seem to be starting with the correct attitude.

Just to repeat one point from my post. I would suggest getting on a IFC as soon as possible. Then you can reference what you see when assisting with what you need from your IFC experience.

Sitting in on the Ocean Diver & Sports Diver theory coarse will also help, especially if you have crossed over from a different agency & missed elements of these anyway.

Gareth

[TVR]

Thanks Gareth. I have now booked onto an IFC - the first available dates I could do in a reasonably local area weren't until October unfortunately. However, at least that will give me plenty of time for preparation and means I can crack on with getting the DL training done this spring/summer.