SSI will be offering the next instructor development course in 2027.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Instructor Development Course (IDC)
Pathway to SSI Instructor Certification and Professional Employment
Offered every other year, this five-day instructor development course is the essential first step for aspiring SSI instructors. Designed to align with SSI’s rescue philosophy and teaching methodologies, it provides instructor candidates with foundational training necessary to progress toward official assistant instructor endorsement.
This course focuses on developing core instructional skills—equipping candidates with the tools and understanding needed to support future instructor roles. It does not confer independent instructor status but is a critical initial phase in the path to becoming a fully authorized SSI instructor.
Prerequisites:
A detailed resume outlining your prior professional training, river experience, and technical skills will be reviewed prior to acceptance. Candidates should already possess solid technical paddling and rescue skills, as well as teaching exposure and river operational experience. You will undergo an interview process with SSI’s Board of Directors.
Training Path Overview:
- Expect a cumulative total of 16 to 28 days of training with SSI lead instructors before being eligible for lead status recommendation.
- The process is based on mastery, experience, and demonstrated instructional capability—often spanning several years rather than days.
- Lead instructor status is highly selective, reflecting SSI’s commitment to maintaining rigorous standards of quality and professionalism.
Candidate Expectations:
As an SSI instructor, you will be accountable for multiple facets of the platform, including curriculum delivery, peer review, and adherence to high standards of performance. The journey requires dedication, patience, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
We provide all necessary tools and guidance for success—however, becoming an SSI instructor is a gradual process that emphasizes thorough skill development and evaluation.
Next Steps:
Please contact SSI for a detailed course description, requirements, and a pre-course consultation. Due to the competitive nature of the selection process, we host no more than six (6) candidates per year.
PREREQUISITES:
- Seven years of industry experience (pro guiding, military, SAR, Fire)
- 25 years of age
- Current PRO-I, and PRO-II training from SSI – if you haven’t taken a few different water rescue courses yet, please do that first (taking trainings from other companies may fulfill part of this requirement – but training with SSI gives you selective application preference)
- Current WAFA, WFR, OEC, EMT or W-EMT, or Paramedic training with CPR
- Previous elite military, commercial river guide, or professional rescue agency experience is a requirement
- Comprehensive teaching experience from a recognized institution (High School, Middle School, Military Trainer, etc..) Instructional history is fundamental
- Adequate physical shape with a desire to learn and a passion for instructing
- Ability to pass the IADRS Annual Watermanship Test
CERTIFICATION
Once you have taken the instructor course and worked your way towards recommendation as an assistant instructor, you will be required to meet SSI standards and recertify your instructorship every 3 years to maintain your instructor certification and credentialing.
