Instructor Training Course (ITC) - Koh Tao
Professional2 weeks
Duration
Minimum 75
Prerequisite dives
฿75,000
Price
About this course
Have you ever thought about turning diving into more than a hobby? Waking up to the sea every morning, teaching people from all over the world, and building a life on a tropical island in Thailand? Welcome to the Instructor Training Course (ITC) at ONYX DIVERS in Koh Tao - a professional pathway to becoming a certified SSI Instructor in one of the best places in the world to learn to dive. The course is built for divers ready to take the next step and become real professionals in the diving world, with high-level training, personal mentorship, and plenty of time in the water. You will be taught by our very own Instructor Trainer - Shoham Shvartz, with years of experience in the diving industry.
Koh Tao is considered one of the world's leading destinations for instructor training - excellent year-round sea conditions, an international diving community, and daily opportunities to build real teaching experience inside an active dive center. This isn't just about passing exams; it's about learning to become a genuinely good instructor. The ITC covers classroom and in-water teaching skills, presentation and demonstration practice, course planning and delivery, working with real students, and full preparation for instructor examinations - all delivered in a small-group, personal-attention environment.
This course is designed for Divemasters ready to move up to instructor level, and for anyone who dreams of turning diving into a career - you don't need to arrive with teaching experience, that's exactly what we're here for. At ONYX DIVERS we believe a strong instructor is built through real experience, personal mentorship, and a genuine love for the sea, not a course factory. Our team lives and breathes diving, and several of our own instructors started right where you are now. Completing the ITC opens the door to working at dive centers, resorts, and liveaboards around the world.
What's included
Included
- Academic sessions (classroom teaching per SSI curriculum)
- Pool / confined water sessions
- Open water training sessions
- Personal mentoring throughout the course
- Dive insurance for the duration of the activity
Not included
- Flights / visa
- Accommodation (unless specific nights are confirmed)
Prerequisites
Certified SSI Divemaster (or equivalent), minimum age 18, and a minimum of 75 logged dives to start the course (100 logged dives required to attend the Instructor Evaluation), plus valid First Aid/CPR certification (React Right or equivalent).
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before getting started.
Yes - "Instructor Course" and "ITC" (Instructor Training Course) refer to the same SSI professional certification program, and we use the terms interchangeably.
Yes - you need SSI Divemaster certification (or equivalent), a minimum age of 18, and at least 75 logged dives (100 required to sit the Instructor Evaluation). But you can also do the Divemaster course with us.
An Instructor can independently teach diving skills to students, run and complete full certification courses - from Open Water to specialty programs - and certify divers on their own. A Divemaster can lead and assist, but only an Instructor can teach the curriculum and sign off certifications.
No - you don't need to arrive with any teaching background. Building those skills and confidence from scratch is exactly what the course is for, with full guidance throughout.
The ITC runs for two weeks, and includes academic (theory) sessions, pool/confined water sessions, and open water training sessions.
The ITC is taught by Shoham Shvartz, an instructor with years of experience in Koh Tao, Thailand, and deep expertise in both diving and teaching.
