Hate the name: Dive Con

[tridacna]

For the third time in 4 years, a dive-op gave me a puzzled look when I presented my Dive Control Specialist card to them when signing up for a dive. On the past two occasions, I had to explain that it was the equivalent of a PADI DM or AI. On the last trip, I chose not to engage and just gave them an IANTD tech card primarily because it has the word DIVER printed on the back. That sealed the deal for them. I wish that SSI could incorporate an EANx seal or logo on the card too. Would save me from bringing multiple cards on trips.

Just venting.

(Before I get asked, Occasion 1 was in Israel, 2 was in South Africa and 3 was at Amy Slate in Florida).

 

[diversteve]

I still have my NASDS card from the mid-80's - a whole generation of PADI counter people look at me cross-eyed when I present it and tell them it's SSI.

 

[Charles2]

I like to show my original NAUI 'Scuba Diver' card from 1966. I often get the question "What do you mean that you don't have a certification number?"

 

[Wookie]

I use my nitrox instructor card. Every question is then answered, and it isn't as if you aren't diving as an instructor. But I agree. Dive Control Specialist seems really stupid when everyone else in the world calls that position Divemaster.

 

[guruboy]

Isn't it because they have another DM classification that's similar to but not equal to a PADI/NAUI DM?

 

[tridacna]

Isn't it because they have another DM classification that's similar to but not equal to a PADI/NAUI DM?

SSI does have a Dive Master card. It is a level below Dive Con. In Bonaire, I showed my PADI Gas Blender card and had no problems.

 

[Wookie]

Sometimes I like to flash my non-diving cards, like gas blender or equipment repair or a ScubaPro warranty card and see if I can get in. Never failed me yet.

 

[tridacna]

I use my nitrox instructor card. Every question is then answered, and it isn't as if you aren't diving as an instructor. But I agree. Dive Control Specialist seems really stupid when everyone else in the world calls that position Divemaster.

Actually, SSI has a Dive Master cert. Dive Con is the equivalent of every other agency's Assistant Instructor. One level up from DM.

 

[Wookie]

Ah. Well. I never got an AI card, or a Dive Con card. Can I interest you in any of the ridiculous classes I can teach? I might be a drysuit instructor. That will give you lots of confidence.

 

[guruboy]

Actually, SSI has a Dive Master cert. Dive Con is the equivalent of every other agency's Assistant Instructor. One level up from DM.

I don't know about other agencies, but for NAUI, DM is above AI (IMO).