Is a highly trained professional authorized to teach advanced diving techniques that exceed standard recreational limits, such as deep decompression diving, specialized equipment use (rebreathers), or overhead environment penetration (caves/wrecks)

• Safety-Centric Leadership:
  They are trained to identify and monitor higher risks than those found in recreational diving, often operating in "unforgiving environments" where strict adherence to safety standards is mandatory.
  
  
• Technical Expertise:
  Instructors must demonstrate proficiency in complex topics, including decompression theory, advanced gas planning, physics, physiology, and specialized gear configurations (e.g., sidemount or twinsets).
  
  
• Advanced Situational Awareness:
  They maintain constant control over students while managing their own life-support systems, often in low-visibility or deep-water scenarios.
  
  
• Mature Judgment:
  A primary requirement is the ability to show sound, mature judgment regarding dive planning and the execution of training.