Instructor Development Course
Pathway to SSI instructor certification and professional employment. A rigorous five-day foundation for experienced rescue professionals ready to begin the SSI instructor-development process.
Develop the judgment to teach at the SSI standard.
The Instructor Development Course is the essential first step for aspiring SSI instructors. It aligns experienced rescue professionals with SSI’s rescue philosophy, teaching methodology, operating standards, and expectations for curriculum delivery.
This course provides the foundation required to progress toward assistant instructor endorsement. It does not confer independent instructor status. Becoming an SSI instructor is a gradual, mastery-based process built through continued training, supervised teaching, evaluation, and demonstrated professional capability.
Instructional systems backed by technical depth.
01
SSI Teaching Methodology
Learn SSI’s instructional philosophy, learning objectives, and experiential teaching techniques.
02
Curriculum Delivery
Build the skills to communicate technical rescue concepts clearly and deliver established curriculum effectively.
03
Risk Management
Strengthen decision-making, hazard assessment, and risk-management judgment in instructional environments.
04
Course Administration
Understand course paperwork, registration, SSI policies, procedures, and instructor responsibilities.
05
Technical Development
Expand technical rope and water-rescue knowledge, including Technical Rope Rescue Technician-level skills.
06
Scenario Design
Develop realistic training scenarios and learn to evaluate proper sites for safe, effective instruction.
A selective pathway for experienced professionals.
Professional prerequisites
- At least seven years of industry experience in professional guiding, military, search and rescue, or fire service
- Minimum age of 25
- Current SSI PRO-I and PRO-II training; comparable outside training may fulfill part of the requirement, while SSI training receives application preference
- Current WAFA, WFR, OEC, EMT, W-EMT, or Paramedic training with CPR
- Elite military, commercial river guide, or professional rescue-agency experience
Instructional readiness
- Comprehensive teaching experience through a recognized institution, military training program, school, or comparable organization
- Solid technical paddling and rescue skills with meaningful river-operational experience
- Physical fitness, a strong desire to learn, and a passion for instruction
- Ability to pass the IADRS Annual Watermanship Test
- A detailed professional resume and successful interview with SSI’s Board of Directors
Certification is earned through sustained performance.
Step 01
Apply and Interview
Submit a detailed resume outlining professional training, river experience, teaching history, and technical skills for review by SSI’s Board of Directors.
Step 02
Complete the IDC
Build the instructional foundation, technical understanding, and operational judgment expected of an SSI instructor candidate.
Step 03
Develop Under Lead Instructors
Complete a cumulative 13–25 days of supervised development before becoming eligible for PRO lead-status recommendation. This process often spans several years.
A professional credential with ongoing accountability.
SSI lead instructor status is highly selective. Candidates are evaluated on mastery, experience, judgment, teaching capability, curriculum delivery, peer review, and consistent adherence to SSI standards. SSI provides the tools and guidance for success, while each candidate is responsible for sustained development and professional performance.
Ready to begin the instructor pathway?
Contact SSI for the detailed course description, application requirements, and a pre-course consultation.