BSAC equivalency for SSI Divemaster

[chrisp10000]

Hi,

I’m an SSI Divemaster trying to figure out where I slot into the BSAC system.

The obvious answer would be Dive Leader, but check out their list of equivalent qualifications:

Equivalent BSAC qualifications

BSAC recognises scuba qualifications from other agencies so it’s easy to continue diving or progress your scuba training with BSAC.

www.bsac.com

• NAUI Divemaster
• PADI Divemaster
• RAID Divemaster
• SAA Dive Leader
• SDI Divemaster
• SSI Dive Control Specialist

It references something called “Dive Control Specialist” which I’ve never seen before.

A quick search reveals this was the old term for what is now Assistant Instructor, and the Divemaster rating in SSI is relatively new.

I’ve emailed BSAC about this, but they haven’t responded.

Does anyone know anything about this?

I hope I haven’t fallen through the cracks - it would be nice to have my qualification recognised like a PADI Divemaster would be!

Thanks in advance.

 

[BlueTrin]

@Edward3c

 

[Edward3c]

Hi,

I’m an SSI Divemaster trying to figure out where I slot into the BSAC system.

The obvious answer would be Dive Leader, but check out their list of equivalent qualifications:

Equivalent BSAC qualifications

BSAC recognises scuba qualifications from other agencies so it’s easy to continue diving or progress your scuba training with BSAC.

www.bsac.com

It references something called “Dive Control Specialist” which I’ve never seen before.

A quick search reveals this was the old term for what is now Assistant Instructor, and the Divemaster rating in SSI is relatively new.

I’ve emailed BSAC about this, but they haven’t responded.

Does anyone know anything about this?

I hope I haven’t fallen through the cracks - it would be nice to have my qualification recognised like a PADI Divemaster would be!

Thanks in advance.

First welcome to BSAC. Who did you contact and what evidence did you provide?

Your SSI qualification is only relevant if, or when, you do any training with BSAC. Otherwise you dive on your SSI grade.

 

[chrisp10000]

Hi, thanks for your reply!

I haven’t contacted any BSAC clubs - at the moment I’m just wondering where I would fit in to the system.

If you mean who did I contact to ask about this, I used the “contact us” form on the BSAC website.

Not sure what you mean about evidence - I have my SSI Divemaster cert if that’s what you mean?

One of my long term goals is to train as an instructor and help run courses during my free time, so it would be good to understand if I can use my existing SSI Divemaster cert on the way there, like I could if I did the IDC with SSI or PADI.

Obviously I’d need to fill in any gaps and learn things the BSAC way no matter what, but it felt like a relevant question.

Thanks!

 

[flizzy]

That does seem weird.
Join/contact a club (most meet in the pub or clubhouse every week, good way to get to know them and ask questions) and then ask the diving officer of the club. They might also need to clarify with BSAC, but might have someone who knows people at HQ.

Clubs are generally desperate for instructors, and should be thrilled that you want to become an instructor and make it as easy for you as possible. The first step in instructor training you only need sports diver/rescue for.


Whereabouts are you looking for a club?

 

[chrisp10000]

Thanks for your reply! I’d be looking around either London or Glasgow - perhaps both - depending what happens with my work.

Good to hear that they would generally be keen to have me on board

I can also update on this: I spoke to Edward3c, who is the BSAC Chair, on the phone.

He kindly confirmed that because my Divemaster card states “Compliance: ISO 24801-3”, it should be valid as Dive Leader equivalent. The website needs updating.

There will also be some gaps to fill in, for example decompression which is part of the Dive Leader course but not SSI Divemaster.