I appear to be near the end of getting my Dan O2 provider instructor certification...
When I was first certified to teach O2 in Thailand, I was puzzled to find that this cert is not valid in Japan. Turns out that O2 is considered a medical substance in Japan, and the general law is that only physicians can buy and dispense O2.
As it was explained to me, in the early 90s a deal was brokered between PADI and the Japanese government that allowed the formation of DAN as a government controlled agency. This allowed DAn the special exception to train O2 providers and DAN instructors to buy and use O2 as well. What is required is a special upgrade course that explains the special considerations in Japan for O2 use (which seem to be largely administrative).
so....long story still kinda long, I did my upgrade last night, and will soon be one of the only foreingers (on mainland) to be able to teach the DAN O2 provider in Japan. What a relief to have that our of the way....And only 6 months after I finished my initial cert in Thailand...
When I was first certified to teach O2 in Thailand, I was puzzled to find that this cert is not valid in Japan. Turns out that O2 is considered a medical substance in Japan, and the general law is that only physicians can buy and dispense O2.
As it was explained to me, in the early 90s a deal was brokered between PADI and the Japanese government that allowed the formation of DAN as a government controlled agency. This allowed DAn the special exception to train O2 providers and DAN instructors to buy and use O2 as well. What is required is a special upgrade course that explains the special considerations in Japan for O2 use (which seem to be largely administrative).
so....long story still kinda long, I did my upgrade last night, and will soon be one of the only foreingers (on mainland) to be able to teach the DAN O2 provider in Japan. What a relief to have that our of the way....And only 6 months after I finished my initial cert in Thailand...
