Instructor course
IART instructors often work at the cutting edge of technical diving, offering students training in Trimix diving to depths up to 90 metres often with the latest rebreathers. This is why we refer to IART training as “STATE OF THE ART”!
What qualifications do I need to become an IART instructor?
I am already an instructor with another organization!
I am an OC instructor but want to teach rebreathers!
I am already an IART rebreather instructor but want to teach a higher level!
I am already an IART OC instructor but want to teach rebreathers!
I am not yet an Instructor
Where do I go from here?
Find a Instructor-Trainer
What qualifications do I need to become an IART instructor?
Not surprisingly such instructors need to have a vast wealth of personal diving experience and extensive personal qualifications. But not all IART instructors work at this level. There is a growing number of instructors interested in teaching only the recreational programme that IART now offers.
I am already an instructor with another organization!
If you are already an instructor with a recognized training agency then you can simply transfer your current instructor qualifications to IART. All you will need to do in addition is attend a one-day IOC (IART Orientation seminar) with any IART instructor Trainer. This is needed to introduce you to IART ethics, training programmes, instructor materials and the various procedures such as processing your certifications and ordering training manuals. There is no exam nor in-water assessment so you can relax and enjoy the day with the IT!
I am an OC instructor but want to teach rebreathers!
No problem, once you have completed a user course on your chosen rebreather and have logged the minimum number of personal hours required on the unit, you can enrol on an ITP (Instructor Training Programme) with an IART instructor Trainer qualified for the unit you wish to teach. Over a 3 day assessment (the IOC is included) you will demonstrate your personal diving skills on the unit as well as your ability to teach the specifics of the unit, both in theory and in water.
I am already an IART rebreather instructor but want to teach a higher level!
You first need to have the personal diving qualifications at the level you wish to teach and have reached at least the minimum of logged hours required. In addition you will need to have trained a minimum number of students at your current instructor level to show that you have the experience to move to the next level. As an existing IART instructor you don’t need to complete the IOC so all you need to do is a 2 day IE (instructor Exam) during which your Instructor Trainer will assess you on your personal skills at the new level and your ability to teach at that level.
I am already an IART OC instructor but want to teach rebreathers!
We consider this to be a natural progression! As above you will need to have a user qualification and the minimum number of required diving hours on the unit you wish to teach. Regardless of your OC status as instructor you will start as a Level 1 rebreather instructor. You cannot jump from an OC Trimix instructor to Rebreather Trimix instructor! Again a 2 day IE (Instructor Exam) must be attended during which your Instructor Trainer will assess you on your personal rebreather skills and your ability to teach rebreathers.
I am not yet an Instructor!
You are an experienced diver and want to become an IART instructor. Regardless of whether your experience is with OC equipment or with rebreathers you will first need to learn the role of the instructor and the duty of care that an instructor must provide his students. To do this you will need to attend a 4 day IART IDC (Instructor development course) during which the IDC staff will train the skills and knowledge that you will require to pass the IE. You will be assessed in order for you to identify where your strengths and weaknesses lie but there is no PASS/FAIL for the IDC. You only need to attend it and complete it.
The final step is the 2 day IE which you can take whenever you feel you are ready for it. Some may do this directly following on from the IDC but others may wish to practise a little longer first.
Where do I go from here?
First take a look at the IART flowcharts to make sure you meet the minimum requirements then click on and fill out the details.
And now?
We look forward to your application!