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While each training agency has its own approach, most instructor crossover programmes follow a structured format designed to familiarise you with the educational philosophy, standards, and administrative procedures of your new certifying body. You’ll also be assessed on your instructional ability in both academic and in-water environments.
Note: The exact syllabus may vary depending on whether you're crossing to PADI, PSAI, or another agency. Always confirm details with your chosen dive centre or regional training director.
Looking to put your new qualification to use? adventuro lists hundreds of diving tours, training options, and rentals around the world, all taught by qualified professionals.
Upon successful completion, you will gain instructor status with the new agency (e.g. PSAI or PADI), allowing you to deliver their full range of recreational scuba courses up to your current certification level. This includes teaching Open Water, Advanced, Rescue, and specialty diver courses, depending on your existing qualifications and experience.
This crossover expands your professional opportunities—whether you’re looking to work at a dive centre that teaches a different agency’s curriculum or wish to offer multi-agency training to your students. It also deepens your understanding of varying pedagogical methods, standards, and risk management approaches in the dive industry. You’ll be able to access additional professional development options, such as staff instructor or technical instructor pathways, within the new agency’s system. This flexibility is especially useful for freelance instructors or those working in international environments where different agencies dominate different regions.
The Instructor Crossover typically takes 2 to 3 days to complete, depending on the training agency. It includes classroom sessions, confined water teaching evaluations, and open water presentations. Some centres may offer the course as a modular format over a longer period for added flexibility.
The Instructor Crossover Qualification is typically conducted over 2–3 days and involves both academic and in-water assessments. Candidates are evaluated on their understanding of diving theory, knowledge of standards and procedures from the awarding agency (PADI or PSAI), and their ability to plan, brief, and conduct training dives safely and effectively. You'll be asked to deliver classroom presentations, confined water teaching sessions, and open water scenarios. The course also includes rescue and demonstration-quality skills assessments. Most centres provide guidance and feedback throughout, and if needed, additional sessions can be arranged to help you meet the required performance standards. Adventuro lists centres that support you through each step of the crossover process.
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Find activitiesTo enrol, you must already hold an active scuba instructor rating with a recognised agency such as NAUI, SSI, RAID, or equivalent. You’ll also need proof of recent teaching activity, current first aid and CPR certification, and a logged dive history that meets the standards of the agency you're crossing into (e.g., PADI or PSAI). Each agency may have slightly different prerequisites, so it’s best to check with the specific centre or review official requirements via PADI.com or PSAI.org.
Both crossovers align you with the standards of the new agency, but there are key differences. PADI’s crossover is called the Instructor Orientation Program and focuses heavily on PADI’s educational system and standards. PSAI’s crossover includes advanced technical and decompression knowledge, reflecting their emphasis on tech diving. Your choice may depend on your professional goals and the types of diving you plan to teach.
Yes, written exams are typically required. These assess your understanding of the agency’s standards, diving theory, and teaching methodology. PADI candidates can expect multiple-choice exams on general diving knowledge and PADI-specific procedures. PSAI candidates may also be tested on technical diving concepts. Most training centres provide study materials beforehand to help you prepare.
Upon successful completion, you’ll be granted full instructor status with the new agency. This means you’ll be authorised to teach the same levels of courses that you were previously certified to teach—within the scope of the new agency’s standards. You’ll also gain access to the agency’s support resources, insurance options, and professional development programmes.
Most instructor crossover courses take between 2 to 3 days. However, some centres may offer extended formats, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the new agency’s system. The timeline includes classroom sessions, confined and open water teaching evaluations, and any required exams. Adventuro’s listings indicate course length and format for each provider.
Yes, transitioning to a new agency generally requires obtaining their instructor manual, standards documents, and possibly digital teaching tools. You’ll also need to pay professional membership fees to maintain teaching status. These costs vary between PADI and PSAI. Be sure to ask the centre whether materials and fees are included in the course price.
In most cases, yes. Once your paperwork is processed and your instructor status is confirmed, you can begin teaching according to the standards of your new agency. This usually happens quickly—sometimes within a few days. Some centres also assist with job placement or offer mentorship for your first courses post-crossover.
If your instructor rating is inactive or you’ve been out of the water for a while, you may be asked to complete a refresher or reactivation course before beginning the crossover. This ensures you’re up to speed with teaching techniques and safety protocols. Many centres on adventuro offer tailored pathways for returning professionals.
You can take the Instructor Crossover Qualification at any approved dive centre or instructor development centre affiliated with the agency you’re crossing into. Adventuro features a wide range of certified centres across the UK and abroad, allowing you to choose a location and schedule that suits your needs.