Dive Rite CM Instructor Program

If you are interested in starting the pathway to becoming a Dive Rite O2ptima CM Instructor then you are in the right place. If you are already a CCR instructor for another manufacturer you are also in the right place to look at completing an instructor crossover. In addition to the instructor requirements set forth by Technical Diving International (TDI) Dive Rite has also outlined some instructor training requirements above and beyond the minimum requirements which we all believe is a great thing! We want the Dive Rite CM Instructors to be the best in the industry and provide consistent training at all levels the instructor is performing at. This makes sure that the student when moving between courses and instructors will have all the tools and skills needed to take the next step.

New Instructor Candidates:

Dive Rite only recognizes instructor candidates pursuing an Air Diluent Decompression Procedures Instructor rating (or equivalent). In addition to all requirements required by TDI, the following prerequisites must also be met:

  • Minimum of 100 hours on the O2ptima CM
  • Qualified as a Mixed Gas Diver (at a minimum) – MOD2 or 200’ Certification.

Before sitting for an instructor evaluation, the following must take place:

  • Audit/Shadow a minimum of one complete entry level CCR course. A crossover does not meet this requirement. This needs to be a full 5 day course. 
  • Co-Teach a minimum of one beginner level course. This also needs to be a full 5 day course. 
    • If the instructor candidate is well prepared, final evaluation may be combined with co-teaching requirement if done with an IT.

Before beginning an instructor program, instructor candidates and instructor trainers must have approval from Dive Rite.

Instructor Crossovers:

Existing rebreather instructors may crossover their instructor rating to the O2ptima CM after meeting all the requirements of their training agency, TDI in this case. Additionally, the following requirements must be met before a final instructor crossover evaluation is done:

  • Must have taught a minimum of 6 students on other units
    • Minimum of 2 complete courses (not upgrades or crossovers)
  • Be qualified as a certified user on the O2ptima CM
  • Minimum of 50 hours on the O2ptima CM
  • Co-teach a minimum of one beginner level course
    • If instructor candidate is well prepared, final evaluation may be combined with co-teaching requirement if done with an IT.

After an instructors initial Air Diluent Decompression Procedures (or equivalent) crossover, they may apply for MOD2 and MOD3 instructor upgrades through their agency after issuing a minimum of 4 diver level certifications.

If you have any questions at all about becoming a Dive Rite O2ptima CM Instructor, reach out to Ben and he will be able to review the current agency standards, the Dive Rite standards, and gain approval from Dive Rite prior to starting the process. You won’t regret making the change in your dive professional career.

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