Am I being taken???

[Thalassamania]

Seems steep, but it really depends on what you get out of the class. There are times in life when the difference between great training and being taken to the cleaners has more to do with your own perspective than it does with anything else.

 

[cooperscuba]

Did SSI DiveCon and it's a lot better than PADI's DM course (I never said that). Can't remember the exact numbers but I think there was between 15-20 practical assessments and it took me about 12 months to complete as a weekend course (although I redid every session 2-3 times). Compared to the price I paid, don't think $800 is a bad price. I paid £650 for mine and that was when sterling was kicking the green back's arse.

Module One: Watermanship and Skills Assessment

1. Watermanship
* 300-yard swim - non-stop, any stroke, no time limit.
* 15-minute survival float.
2. Skills Assessment
* Snorkel skills review - candidate will be assessed for their ability to perform snorkeling skills of demonstration quality.
* Scuba skills review - candidate will be assessed for their ability to perform SCUBA skills of demonstration quality.
* Rescue skills review - candidate will be assessed for their basic diver rescue skills, and introduced to both leadership rescue techniques and search techniques.
* Open Water Evaluation - candidate will be assessed for their ability to perform snorkeling skills, SCUBA skills, rescue skills, navigation skills, and leadership skills in an open water environment.

Module Two: Knowledge Development

1. Academic Preparation - DiveCon candidates will be required to complete the academic reviews inside the SSI DiveCon Manual.
2. Additional Assignments
* Classroom presentations (2) - candidates will be required to deliver at least two presentations of an academic nature.
* Beach/Dive - candidates will be required to develop and present both pre and post dive briefings.
* Course Development
o SSI SCUBA Skills Update - candidates will be required to develop and deliver an entire update course.
o SSI Snorkeling - candidates will be required to develop and deliver an entire snorkeling course.

Module Three: Internship

1. Two SSI Open Water Diver classes
* One complete class (all academics, pool training, and open water dives).
* A second class of pool training and open water dives only (candidate is not required to attend classroom sessions).
* Candidate will be required to teach the snorkeling portion of either class (pool only).
2. One Organized Diving Event
* Store sponsored event
* SSI Specialty Course
* Boat Internship
3. One SSI Scuba Skills Update

 

[PToone]

Thanks CooperScuba. Since you took the DiveCon class, sounds like you paid near the same and really liked the course.

Now that I think about it, it's not too bad I guess. I mean since the course is like the DM and assistant instructor all in one. Thanks for the feedback

 

[cwkline]

Is this by chance the same shop that told you a balanced regulator would double your bottom time? I think if it were me I would at least double check with another shop. Master Diver is not a requirement for any advancement, and can be had by doing the specialties and paying for the card (at least it was a few years ago).
As far as who is better, SSI or PADI, you will find that Dive Con doesn't let you do any more than DM. My best dive buddy is an SSI Dive Con, while I opted for PADI DM. He still lives on the East Coast while I have moved to HI, which was the determining factor for me (no SSI shops here at the time). The down side to SSI is you must be affiliated with a shop, while with PADI you do not.
While I'm not trying to sway your decision, I think you should shop a little and dive a lot before committing to anything.
YMMV
Safe Dives
Charlie

 

[Scott]

Control Specialist($869)

That is pretty close to what you will pay in SLC for a PADI DM course You might be paying a bit more. I'll check

Problem is, in Utah, there are not many dive shops to choose from and the other dive shops won't give me prices over the phone

There are plenty of shops in Utah. You are just limited in agencies. Your LDS is 50 miles from the next closest SSI facility. If I recall there are only two SSI facilites in the state. I will assume you called all of the LDS's in Utah County. That may well be the reason you got the answers on the phone that you did. That would be another topic
Tell you what, I'll send you the exact costs and a needed material list for a DM course and a OWSI in SLC later on. I don't have them all in front of me ATM.

 

[PToone]

Yes it is, cwkline.

That is a good point you make, but what if I moved all the way up to Dive Instructor with SSI; would I have to start from the bottom with PADI if I decided to switch? Or, after completing SSI OW Instructor, could I just take the Dive Instructor Course with PADI if I wanted to switch to PADI certification for Instructor?

 

[Diver0001]

Those prices look pretty much in the normal bandwidth for what you would pay in my local market (including gear rentals).

That said, prices in the U.S. for just about everything are generally a lot lower than what we pay locally.

On the other hand.... pretty much nobody can provide a quality course for the going market price. A more expensive course might not mean you're being ripped off. It could also mean that your LDS intends to actually train you as opposed to pushing you through the c-card mill.

If you feel so inclined than just ask them. Tell them that you asked around about the price and it seems on the high-side. Ask them to explain that. The answer may disappoint you but it may make you feel a lot better about it too.

R..

 

[Diver0001]

Yes it is, cwkline.

:shocked2:

Ok.... I'm getting alarm bells now.

That is a good point you make, but what if I moved all the way up to Dive Instructor with SSI; would I have to start from the bottom with PADI if I decided to switch? Or, after completing SSI OW Instructor, could I just take the Dive Instructor Course with PADI if I wanted to switch to PADI certification for Instructor?

Chances are if you switched to PADI you'd be able to finish a comparable certification for less money. There is no need to "start over" because you can "cross over" and retain credit for the certs you have.

But once again, although it's good to be skeptical of your LDS's intentions, a cheap course is not always the best course.

R..

 

[cwkline]

No, you don't have to start over. Both agencies recognize certifications up to Rescue (Stress and Rescue for SSI). I was certified with SSI through Stress and Rescue, and would have gone on with Dive Con but knew I would be moving to HI, and without an SSI shop here, would have done me no good. While I do not make a living diving (plumbing pays much better), I do occasionally assist with a class or lead a dive.
I have found very few differences with those agencies, and would not recommend one over the other.
BTW, I must add that I did an internship for my DM. I don't remember the exact cost, but managed to stretch it out for a little over a year. That meant free diving and air fills while leading / assisting dives. Now I get boat seats (when I want) for the rates that shops pay.
Good luck with whatever you choose.
Safe Dives
Charlie