INSTRUCTOR

This information is applicable both to those wishing to become Approved Instructors and to Chief Instructors who will recommend Assistant Instructors for Approved Instructor status.
'Approved Instructor' status is required by those who are to teach on the following BSAC Skill Development Courses:

• First Aid for Divers
• Rescue First Aid
• Boat Handling
• All Nitrox Courses

1. Have attended the SDC they wish to become approved to teach, as a student within the past three years and so be familiar and reasonably up-to-date with the course contents and format.
2. Obtain the appropriate SDC Approved Instructor Application Form from the Technical Support Manager at BSAC HQ. Hold the diving and diving instructor qualifications shown on this form: enter relevant personal details onto it.
3. Serve as an Assistant Instructor to the satisfaction of the Course Chief Instructor and as a result, obtain the written recommendation of the Chief Instructor on the Application Form.
4. Have this recommendation confirmed by the Regional Coach for the region in which the applicant's Branch is located, who will also sign the Application Form. (This step is not applicable to applicants resident overseas. Once the recommendation is signed by the Chief Instructor, their applications may be sent direct to BSAC HQ).
5. In the case of Nitrox Instructors, submit the appropriate fee for the Nitrox Instructor Pack - a resource of instructional materials.
6. The final step in the process is for the applicant or Regional Coach to submit the completed form, together with any required attachments, to BSAC HQ for acceptance by the appropriate Chief Examiner (Rescue Skills or Nitrox) or Technical Support Manager in the case of Approved Boathandling Instructor Applications, who will issue the Approved Instructor Certificate. Only when the applicant receives this certificate is he/she 'Approved'. Persons whose application for approval is pending would not be authorised to teach on a course, other than as an Assistant Instructor.

1. The number of Assistant Instructors must not exceed the number of Approved Instructors on the course. For example, and Oxygen Administration Course for twelve candidates requires two instructors. One must be an Approved Instructor; the other may be an Assistant Instructor. The quality of instruction must not be diluted by using two Assistant Instructors under the supervision of one Approved Instructor.
2. Assistant Instructors are expected to play an active and effective role as the presenter of both theory and practical lessons, and should liaise with the Chief Instructor in the planning and preparation of the lessons they are to present / participate in, to ensure their correct scope and accuracy. The Assistant Instructor must be active in several sections of the programme. The Chief Instructor may wish to determine that the Assistant's practical skills as a diver and instructor are satisfactory, before the course begins.
3. The purpose of serving as an Assistant Instructor is to gain broad teaching practice in the course subject and to get to know the way the course is presented - by active involvement rather than as an inactive observer. Sitting at the back as an observer is not appropriate or acceptable training for someone who is to be an Approved Instructor.
4. Consequently, the Chief Instructor must be satisfied that the Assistant was active, accurate and effective in his/her teaching and overall performance, and only then sign the recommendation for Approved Instructor status.
5. Assistant Instructors on Boat Handling Courses may present classroom lessons, but during practical lessons afloat, there must be an Approved Boathandling Instructor (ABI) in command of each boat. Assistant Instructors are not allowed to be in charge of a boat full of students without such supervision.
6. Assistant Instructors on Advanced or Combined Nitrox Courses may present classroom lessons, but during practical ‘in water’ lessons there must be an Approved Nitrox Instructor to lead each group. Assistant Instructors are not allowed to be in charge of a group on an ‘in water’ lesson, but may join it as an observer.
7. This instruction supersedes any other instruction or guidance relating to the achievement of SDC Approved Instructor status, published in SDC syllabus sheets, Instructor Notes etc., prior to May 1996.