We offer PADI Assistant Instructor Courses upon request only.

Please  contact us  to schedule your class today!

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Course Prerequisites

• Minimum age is 18

• First Aid/CPR Certification

• Certified Divemaster

• Minimum of 60 logged dives at the start of the course

• All participants must complete PADI eLearning before the start of the class

• All participants must complete and email a sign by a doctor copy of the Medical Questionnaire prior to the class

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Course Outline

The PADI Assistant Instructor (AI) course is the next step after Divemaster, designed to develop your instructional skills and prepare you to assist PADI Instructors in teaching scuba courses. This program gives hands-on experience in real teaching environments and is a stepping stone toward full PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor certification.

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Class Schedule​

Course duration about 1-2 weeks, depending on pace and scheduling

• Includes classroom/theory sessions, pool/confined water practice, and open water teaching experience

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Course Components

a. Knowledge Development

• PADI Assistant Instructor manual and eLearning

• Teaching theory topics:

  • Adult learning principles and instructional techniques

  • Planning and conducting dive lessons

  • Problem-solving and safety management

  • Environmental awareness and conservation

 

b. Confined Water & Pool Training

• Teaching confined water skills

• Assisting instructors in skill demonstrations

• Supervised student evaluation

 

c. Open Water Teaching

• Assisting in actual Open Water courses

• Conducting guided dives under instructor supervision

• Performing pre-dive briefings and assisting with dive planning

• Managing student safety and skill practice

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What’s Included

• Tanks and Weights 

• Certified and insured PADI Scuba Instructor

• Drinking water and light snack

• Confined Water Practice

• Open Water Teaching Experience

• Evaluations

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Price:

• 1,200 per person plus tax

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What's not included

• PADI Fees

• Scuba Gear

• PADI eLearning sold separately (contact us for more information) ​​

• First Aid/CPR Certification

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Guided Safety Emphasis

Every Black Beard Sports Scuba Class is:

• Led by fully certified and insured PADI Professional

• Conducted in small groups for better control and experience

• Focused on environmental protection, guest safety, and education

We take pride in delivering a safe, respectful, and unforgettable experience while preserving Vieques' natural resources.

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We strongly recommend that all visitors to Vieques purchase travel insurance. Travel insurance helps protect you against unexpected delays, medical emergencies, weather disruptions, and trip interruptions while traveling to the island.

 

Cancellation Policy

It is the guest's responsibility to arrive to Vieques Island in time for reserved activities. Travel delays to Vieques do not constitute a reason for refunds. It is at the discretion of Black Beard Sports to issue refunds or reschedule tours that fall within our cancellation policy timeframes.

Small Party Booking Cancellation Policy (1-5 people): Once the reservation is complete, you must provide more than 24 hour notice in the event of a cancellation to be eligible for a full refund. If a cancellation is made within 24 hours of the tour, a refund will not be issued.

Group Booking Cancellation Policy (6+ people): Once the group reservation is complete, you must provide 1 week notice in the event of a change or cancellation to be eligible for a full refund. If changes or cancellations are made between 7 days and 24 hours prior to the tour, a refund of 50% for the cancelled activity will apply. If a cancellation is made within 24 hours of the tour, a refund will no be issued.

Rescheduling Fees: If a tour is rescheduled by the guest (for small party or group bookings) within the 24 hour period of the tour, a non-refundable $25/person rescheduling fee will be applied. Cancellations of rescheduled tours are not eligible for a refund.

In the event the tour is rescheduled by Black Beard Sports, no fee will apply. In the event the activity is cancelled by Black Beard Sports, a full refund will be issued.

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FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

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What makes this course different?

• Focus on diver safety and responsibility

• Builds confidence both underwater and at the surface

• Develops situational awareness beyond personal diving skills

I don't have a Divemaster Certification?

You can learn more about our PADI Divemaster Program

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Why train with Black Beard Sports?

• Small groups for personalized instruction

• Experienced PADI Master Instructor-led training

• Real-world experience in Vieques’ pristine dive sites

• Emphasis on safety, conservation, and professional development

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Who is this course for?

​The PADI Assistant Instructor course is for certified Divemasters ready to take the next step in their dive career. It’s ideal for divers who want hands-on teaching experience, assist instructors in courses, and gain the skills needed to advance toward full PADI Instructor certification. 

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What if I don't have an active First Aid Certification?

We can certify you as an  Emergency First Responder and Oxygen Provider. Add one or both of these certifications to your Rescue Course at a discounted rate, just let us know ahead of time!

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Upon successful completion?

​After completing the PADI Assistant Instructor course at Black Beard Sports, you’ll be qualified to assist instructors in teaching scuba courses, supervise certified divers. This course builds hands-on teaching experience and prepares you for the next step toward full PADI Instructor certification. Train in the beautiful waters of Vieques while gaining the skills and confidence needed for a professional dive career.

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What's the next step after an Rescue Course?

Next Step: PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC)