New tier of courses for SSI?

[warmwaterturner]

Did I miss something or has SSI added a new tier of certifications? I dont recall seeing the Dive Guide and the Dive Master certification in the past. Is this new? If so why? I was always told that the Dive Con. certification was the equivalent of Dive Master (for PADI as an example). So does one now have to complete the new two certifications before starting Dive Con?

 

[eponym]

Did I miss something or has SSI added a new tier of certifications? I dont recall seeing the Dive Guide and the Dive Master certification in the past. Is this new? If so why? I was always told that the Dive Con. certification was the equivalent of Dive Master (for PADI as an example). So does one now have to complete the new two certifications before starting Dive Con?

Yes. Last year SSI divided Dive Control Specialist (DCS aka DiveCon) into three separate ratings, Dive Guide, Dive Master, and Dive Control Specialist. I'm teaching this trio right now (we're into the DCS material now), and I am about to start a second track with two new candidates.

DiveCon is in every way equivalent to Assistant Instructor rating in other agencies.

In the past, DiveCon was a big single step up from non-pro, I think SSI was smart to divide the material up. But also I think there are major rewrites coming, as 2010 was the first year this trio has been taught and they've gotten lots of feedback on the content and materials.

Here's my overview of the courses: View attachment Course Overview.pdf

-Bryan

 

[VGdiver]

Bryan

That's a great pdf, do you mind if I use it, with some minor modifications?

Thanks!

Jeff

 

[eponym]

Bryan

That's a great pdf, do you mind if I use it, with some minor modifications?

Thanks!

Jeff

Sure, use what you can out of it.
Happy to help. Let me know how it goes.

-Bryan

 

[Streetdoc432]

Did I miss something or has SSI added a new tier of certifications? I dont recall seeing the Dive Guide and the Dive Master certification in the past. Is this new? If so why? I was always told that the Dive Con. certification was the equivalent of Dive Master (for PADI as an example). So does one now have to complete the new two certifications before starting Dive Con?

So they can sell more books... I started my DiveCon last year and they wouldn't grandfather me in, now I have had to buy more books and take more tests.. a real pain in the posterior.

 

[mmintz]

Part of it most likely comes down to SSI being able to make more money, but I was also told by one of my instructors when I asked him about it, he said t is also in part for the Carribean guys ecause they either don't need or can't complete the Dive Con certification. I started my dive con before the new rules and courses were released so I was grandfathered inunder the old rules. It all depends on when you started your course.

 

[mainedvr]

I am not an instructor nor a highly experienced diver (but learning everyday). I know for those that are trying to get to a certain point to make a living off what they love its not easy to keep forking over the clams to get certified and then have more added to it. But, as a potential student to any of you it makes me feel somewhat better knowing that the training is always evolving and the demands are high on those that are going to have my family and my life in there hands. For instance, my wife and I got our AOW on Maui through PADI, the main reason we did it was we got 6 dives fora reasonable price, got to ride a scooter, and use a camera, but by no means did we consider ourselves advanced. If SSI wouldve been available we could have taken the class but would not have gotten a cert card till we had like 24 dives, and I would still not have considered ourselves advanced but on our way. Guess what I am saying is just like OW most people can finish the course but doesnt mean they know what they are doing, I hope what SSI is doing by adding more to te requirements is trying to make sure instructors are more competent than ever. Hope my 2cents does not offend anyone.

 

[BoltSnap]

Does SSI have all of the required student and instructor material such as textbooks, workbooks, instructor guide, DVD's, etc. for EACH course now?