SDI Course Director
The Course Director rating is the first module of SDI's Instructor Trainer Development Program — and the credential that qualifies you to train and certify other instructors. This is where elite dive professionals are made.
The Top of the Professional Ladder
What the Course Director Rating Means
As an SDI Course Director, you're no longer just teaching divers — you're teaching instructors. This is one of the most respected credentials in recreational diving, held by a small number of elite professionals worldwide.
Conduct SDI Instructor Development Courses
Independently run the SDI IDC and certify new Open Water Scuba Instructors — the course that creates the instructors who teach the world to dive.
Issue Specialty Instructor Ratings
Certify SDI Instructors and Assistant Instructors to teach specialty courses for which you hold Instructor Trainer status.
Conduct Non-Diving Specialty Instructor Courses
Qualify instructors to teach approved SDI Non-Diving Specialty courses — expanding what your facility can offer.
Pathway to Instructor Trainer
Course Director is the first module of the SDI IT Development Program and the required step before attending the Instructor Trainer Workshop (ITW) at SDI HQ.
What You'll Learn
This intensive course goes far beyond instructor-level knowledge — preparing you to evaluate, coach, and develop other teaching professionals.
SDI/TDI/ERDI Standards & Procedures
In-depth review of agency standards, IT Manual use, and the philosophy behind SDI's training system.
Instructional Methods & Learning Theory
Advanced teaching techniques and how to evaluate and develop other instructors' ability to convey knowledge effectively.
Evaluation Psychology
How to fairly and consistently assess instructor candidates — written exams, water skills, and teaching presentations.
Risk Management & Professionalism
Dive leader risk management at the highest level — protecting students, instructors, and your facility.
Business of Scuba Diving
Marketing, operations, and how to build and grow a successful SDI training program within a facility.
Crossovers & Exams/Remediation
How to conduct professional crossover programs and properly remediate instructor candidates who need additional development.
How the Course Works
The SDI Course Director program is a performance-based, multi-day intensive. Additional days may be required based on candidate performance.
- 01 Pre-Course Study PackageComplete the SDI Course Director pre-course study package before arrival. This covers standards, procedures, and foundational knowledge required before classroom sessions begin.
- 02 Academic SessionsIntensive classroom training covering SDI/TDI/ERDI standards, instructional methods, evaluation psychology, risk management, and the business of diving — delivered over multiple days.
- 03 Pool & Confined Water SessionsDemonstrate and evaluate confined water teaching presentations to instructor-trainer standard. You must perform all skills with demonstration quality and provide effective candidate feedback.
- 04 Open Water SessionsLead and evaluate open water scenarios including problem solving, rescue demonstrations, and candidate performance evaluation in real dive conditions.
- 05 SDI Course Director Written ExamPass the SDI Course Director written examination with a minimum score of 80% (100% remediation available) administered via SDI HQ Training Department.
- 06 Staff an SDI IDCUpon completion, you must staff one complete SDI Instructor Development Course before your Course Director rating is fully active.
Prerequisites
Not sure if you qualify? Call us and we'll review your credentials ?
Physical & Water Skills Requirements
Candidates must demonstrate professional-level physical fitness and water competency including:
- 10-minute survival float without swimming aids
- 400m surface swim in under 10 minutes
- 100m swim with mask, fins, and snorkel in under 4 minutes
- Perform all skills from the Open Water course while neutrally buoyant — to demonstration quality
- Pool/confined water problem solving to instructor-trainer standard
- One complete rescue scenario performed to demonstration quality
- Open water problem solving and emergency procedures
Common Questions
How long does the Course Director program take?
The core program runs a minimum of 5 days including academic, pool, and open water sessions. Because this is a performance-based course, additional days may be required. You must also staff one complete SDI IDC after completion before your rating is fully active.
Do I need to be an SDI Instructor specifically, or will another agency work?
Equivalent instructor ratings from other recognized agencies are accepted, but you must have been actively teaching for a minimum of 2 years and have issued at least 150 certifications. Call us to confirm your specific credentials qualify.
Is Course Director required before the Instructor Trainer Workshop?
Yes — the Course Director course is the first module of the SDI IT Development Program. Completing it and staffing an IDC are required before you can apply for the ITW at SDI HQ.
What's the difference between Course Director and Instructor Trainer?
A Course Director can independently run IDCs and issue specialty instructor ratings. An Instructor Trainer holds the full evaluator credential and can conduct Instructor Trainer Workshops — the highest level of SDI professional development.
Can I conduct TDI and ERDI courses as a Course Director?
The Course Director rating primarily covers SDI. As you build Instructor Trainer status in TDI and ERDI specialties, those course authorizations expand. The Professional Familiarization completed during the program covers SDI/TDI/ERDI systems broadly.
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