Assistant Instructor Dive Training at Paragon Diving in Big Pine Key
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
6 days
Fitness Level
Participants should have moderate aerobic fitness and strong swimming skills to manage full-day in-water sessions and teaching duties.
Overview
Step up your dive career with Paragon Diving’s Assistant Instructor course in Big Pine Key, Florida. Gain practical teaching experience and leadership skills in one of the world’s premier underwater environments.
Assistant Instructor
Ages 18+ • 6 Days • Start teaching new divers!
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About This Adventure
Duration
6 Days
About
The Assistant Instructor rating is the next step after becoming a Divemaster along the scuba instructor pathway. It allows you to collect valuable teaching experience, practice briefings, teach academics, and conduct in-water training.
If you want to further your career as a dive professional, you can finish the Instructor Training Course, pass the Instructor Evaluation, and become an Open Water Diving Instructor.
More Info
Training will typically occur over 3 weekends. This course may also be conducted over 6 consecutive days if desired. Once you have booked your course, you will receive your online academic materials and a course introduction letter laying out schedule and expectations for the course.
Prerequisites
- 18 years of age
- Ability to tread water for 15 minutes
- Ability to swim 400yds without stopping (without mask, fins, snorkel)
- CPR and 1st Aid certification (within the last 2 years)
- Certification in Enriched Air Nitrox specialty
- Divemaster certification from a recognized training agency
- 75 or 50hrs of logged dives (will be verified on day 1)
Adventure Tips
Bring Your Dive Logs
Have 50-75 logged dives ready, as verification is required on day one of the course.
Prepare for Swimming Tests
Be ready to swim 400 yards continuously and tread water for 15 minutes before starting the course.
CPR and First Aid Certification
Ensure your CPR and First Aid certifications are current within the last 2 years to meet course prerequisites.
Plan for Flexible Scheduling
Choose between three weekend sessions or a full six-day intensive to fit your availability.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- West Indian Manatee
- Spotted Eagle Ray
History
Big Pine Key is part of the historic Florida Keys with ties to early maritime navigation and conservation efforts dating back to the establishment of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary in 1990.
Conservation
Paragon Diving is committed to conservation by promoting reef-safe diving practices and educating assistant instructors about protecting vulnerable marine ecosystems during training.
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Adventure Hotspots in Key West
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Mask and Snorkel
Reliable equipment for surface swims and underwater briefings.
Wetsuit (3mm to 5mm)
Protects against cooler water temperatures during extended training dives.
fall|winter|spring specific
Dive Computer
Essential for monitoring dive profiles and ensuring safe ascent rates during instructional sessions.
Waterproof Notepad
Useful for taking notes and briefing points on the boat or underwater.