Underwater with Air Instructor Course
The Next Frontier of Professional Diving
"This program bridges the gap between professional-grade technical skill and the pure joy of the underwater world." — Ani Ostendorff Ferguson
"This program bridges the gap between professional-grade technical skill and the pure joy of the underwater world." — Ani Ostendorff Ferguson
Underwater Performance with Air — Instructor Certification Course
Be the first in your region to teach the world’s most exclusive aquatic performance specialty.
As the underwater creative industry—from film and theater to mermaid performance—continues to explode, a new professional gap has emerged. Traditional SCUBA and Freediving training don't cover the nuances of artful, air-supplied underwater performance.
Until now.
Authored by Ani Ostendorff Ferguson, author of “Underwater with Air” (2025), this program is the only one of its kind globally. We are looking for elite SCUBA Instructors to become the first wave of certified trainers for this revolutionary discipline.
Why Add This to Your Professional Portfolio?
The "Business-in-a-Box" Advantage
Ani doesn't just teach you how to create underwater work with aie; we give you the tools to launch your business on Day 1. This 1-day intensive includes:
The Intensive 5 Day One Experience Spend 5 full days in the pool and classroom with the author herself.
Course Investment & Details
Prerequisite Certifications:
SCUBA Instructor - Open water SCUBA instructor
Advanced Mermaid Certification- or equivalent
Basic Freediver- or equivalent
Be the first in your region to teach the world’s most exclusive aquatic performance specialty.
As the underwater creative industry—from film and theater to mermaid performance—continues to explode, a new professional gap has emerged. Traditional SCUBA and Freediving training don't cover the nuances of artful, air-supplied underwater performance.
Until now.
Authored by Ani Ostendorff Ferguson, author of “Underwater with Air” (2025), this program is the only one of its kind globally. We are looking for elite SCUBA Instructors to become the first wave of certified trainers for this revolutionary discipline.
Why Add This to Your Professional Portfolio?
- Zero Competition: You will be teaching a proprietary method that no one else in your area offers.
- Tap into the Creative Market: Attract underwater dancers, actors, and professional mermaids who need extended bottom time without the "bulk" of traditional gear.
- Elite Branding: Align yourself with the gold standard of underwater artistry and the latest industry safety protocols.
The "Business-in-a-Box" Advantage
Ani doesn't just teach you how to create underwater work with aie; we give you the tools to launch your business on Day 1. This 1-day intensive includes:
- Your Personal Certification: Full completion of the Underwater Performance with Air student-level rating.
- Instructor Status: Credentials to teach and certify students in this specialty.
- The Master Presentation: A fully adaptable PowerPoint for your classroom sessions.
- Proprietary Manual: A copy of the industry-defining book, Underwater with Air.
- Student Documents: Professional intake forms, checklists, and supporting materials.
- PADI Distinctive Specialty Program Outline: A step-by-step curriculum map to ensure your classes run flawlessly.
The Intensive 5 Day One Experience Spend 5 full days in the pool and classroom with the author herself.
- Mornings: Theory, business integration, and teaching methodology followed by specialized pool skills, safety for performing artists, and equipment configurations.
- Afternoon: Additional practice time, mentoring, course implementation planning
- Outcome: Walk away ready to market your first class.
Course Investment & Details
- Price: $2,500 (Includes Instructor Resource Kit, Manual, and Certification)
- Prerequisites: Current SCUBA Instructor status and a passion for aquatic artistry.
- Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
- Date: TBD
Prerequisite Certifications:
SCUBA Instructor - Open water SCUBA instructor
Advanced Mermaid Certification- or equivalent
Basic Freediver- or equivalent
Are You Ready to Lead the Performance Revolution?
Spaces are strictly limited to ensure direct mentorship with Ani.
Spaces are strictly limited to ensure direct mentorship with Ani.
"I WISH I HAD THIS MANUAL when I started performing!
Ani’s compilation of all things underwater performance is what we have all
needed. With more and more people engaging in this manner of underwater work and play with each passing day, a precedent must be set for safety and comfort. I’m delighted to have
this publication and course to refer people to from now on. As you read these pages, envision your own unique experience and contribution to this ever growing niche. Nobody can express a message the way YOU do. And now add water to that unique message, and voila!
Ani has providing you all of the tools you could need at the time of this publishing to move forward and master these crucial skills...and then? Be. Just be underwater. I am wishing you every drop of joy as you embark on your continued aquatic journey. You’re in the right place at
the right time, reading the best possible information...right now!" - Mermaid Linden
"Before taking Ani’s Underwater Performance with Air course, I felt like I was constantly fighting my SCUBA equipment. I’m a professional underwater model and mermaid, but I always felt limited by the 'bulk' of traditional SCUBA gear and the challenge of breath-holding during freedive shoots.
Ani’s method changed everything. It was the first time someone taught me how to actually breathe and move like an artist while using air, without a heavy tank destroying my silhouette. The safety protocols in her manual gave me a level of confidence I never had before. If you are serious about a career in the water, you don't just want this course—you need it."
— Sarah V., Professional Underwater Performer & PADI Mermaid Instructor