The Crossover program for already certified instructors is the first eight to nine days of the ten day instructor training program, but we have found that the majority of crossover candidates wanted to stay for additional days to gain greater skills and knowledge. Crossover candidates have the option to stay for additional days for $30 per additional day to cover administrative costs. Crossover Candidates must have instructor certification from one or more of the following certifying agencies: ACUC, BSAC, NASDS, NAUI, PADI, YMCA, SSI.

Answers to commonly asked questions:

Will I be able to certify recreational divers as well?

Yes. Once you have successfully completed the PSD Level I Instructor Training Course you will be able to teach both sport divers and divers preparing to become public safety divers. Your liability will cover you for both types of courses. As a Lifeguard Systems Instructor you will use the ACUC recreational diver education materials when teaching recreational courses

What other courses will I be able to teach besides entry-level when I successfully complete the PSD Instructor Level I program?

1. sport and public safety diver entry-level programs
2. after the necessary application: pre-written specialty programs such as night diver, rescue diver, drysuit diver, and assistant instructor.
3. instructor-specified specialties

What are instructor-specified specialties?

Instructor specified specialties are programs that you write and apply for. We review the course syllabus, standards, and your background expertise. If these three areas are sufficient then you will be able to issue a certification card for that course.

What do PSD Levels II - IV involve?

Level II is an instructor course teaching you how to teach the Lifeguard Systems public safety diver I course (PSD-I). First you take the 32-hour program, and then you can take the six day instructor training course for it. The Lifeguard Systems PSD-I course is considered the safest and most effective training program of its kind by divers who have taken different public safety courses from different certifying agencies.

Once you are a Lifeguard Systems PSD II instructor you can obtain qualification to teach the Lifeguard Systems Ice Diving Operation I course with proof of sufficient ice diving experience.

Levels III and IV involve certification to teach other specialties such as underwater vehicle extrication, fastwater dive operations, and Large Area Search.

Are there any Lifeguard Systems surface rescue programs I will be able to teach?

Lifeguard Systems has several surface rescue programs including surface ice rescue, ocean rescue, surf rescue, small boat operations, and moving water rescue. Once you have taken one of these programs, then you can take the specialty instructor training course for it.

NAUI and ACUC each offer a wide variety of recreational specialty programs and materials. If you are a cross-certified instructor you have the option of teaching more specialty programs and have access to greater instructor and student materials. For example, NAUI offers a series of nitrox and other technical diving specialties, while ACUC has a very strong free-diver series of specialties. Also, some students like having the option of purchasing dual certifications.

What are the prerequisites for the PSD-I Instructor Training Course?

• 18 years of age
• Advanced Diver Certification
• Divemaster Certification or Equivalent
• Rescue Diver Certification
• Current CPR and First aid Certification
• A minimum of 100 logged dives
• Complete the Scuba Instructor Readiness Series Audiovisual Program
• A MD signed medical waiver to screen for any diving contraindications
• If you have not been a member of a public safety dive team for one year then you must read the Lifeguard Systems Public Safety Diver Operations Book and pass a take-home, open-book, written quiz.*

*This is recommended for all candidates.

What are the annual instructor fees after the first year?

Currently the Lifeguard Systems/ACUC fee is $150, the ACUC Contact Newsletter, and instructor update newsletters. The NAUI annual fee is $210.

The Lifeguard Systems annual fee also includes bi-annual quizzes to ensure instructor knowledge remains strong and current. It also includes promotional material to help you market your courses.

What swimming skills will I have to pass in order to complete the instructor course?

1. 440 yard head-forward swim in less than 10 minutes
2. 880 yard swim with buoyancy compensator, mask, fins, snorkel, without arms, in less than 18 minutes
3. 75 foot continuous underwater swim without fins
4. mask, snorkel, fin ditch-and-don exercise
5. 150 yard tired-diver-tow
6. 20 minute survival bobbing

You will be tested on these skills on day-one of the course. If you do not succeed in any of these tests, we will work with you on them during each pool session and you will be re-tested on the last day of the course.

What equipment should I bring?

You will need all your personal scuba gear in excellent working order.

• A wetsuit is recommended for pool sessions
• If you have a drysuit, that is recommended for open water sessions
• A minimum of two cutting tools with at least one tool being shears or wire cutters
• If you use a full face mask bring both a standard and a full face mask
• A pony bottle is very recommended for open water sessions and some pool sessions, with preferably a quick-release harness
• A separate second stage (octopus, safe second) will be used in pool sessions
• Secure any separate second stage with a mud mouthpiece cover (scum ball) and a snorkel keeper or surgical tubing to the buoyancy compensator
• A weight belt will be necessary - if you do not dive with weight, then bring an empty belt. A weight belt should have 8-10 inches of extra webbing beyond the buckle when worn.
• underwater slates - at least 1 large slate and 1 small
• Logbook
• Compass
• Tool kit
• Save-a-dive kit with extra snorkel keepers
• First aid kit

 What is the daily Instructor Course Schedule?

We can show you a sample course schedule. But please note that each instructor course is different because each group of candidates is different. For example, one group may have excellent water skills, yet may be lacking in academics, while another group will have the opposite strengths and weaknesses. Our teaching methods are based on individual student needs, rather than on a formula. Also weather and pool availability will determine the confined and open water session schedule.

A typical course day begins at 8 AM and continues until 8-9 PM. Your team leader will be available to work with you outside of class hours and during breaks to help you prepare your teaching presentations and to tutor you in areas you may be weak in.

You may have many additional questions. Please do not hesitate to contact us by phone, mail, fax, or email. We look forward to hearing from you!

Find out why Lifeguard Systems Instructor Course graduates say that the course is an incredible learning experience that you will use for the rest of your life.