Hate the name: Dive Con

I did the SSI DiveCon thing last year. I just checked online, and I actually have a separate "Dive master" c-card shown in my profile. Don't recall if I got a hard card for this or not, but I'm sure if I want to give someone one money I could get one. No clue if this is a recent thing with them or not -- I believe that the DM level with them is a fairly recent development in itself?

 

No idea. I did DCS in 2004. Don't think that existed then....

 

I got DCS in 2004 also. a chamber ride fixed me right up.

 

The Dive Master certification is an automatic rating given by SSI, once the Dive Guide & Science of Diving courses are completed (pre- requisite for Dive Control Specialist).

 

(Sorry but not sorry to revive an old thread... but it's relevant.)

SSI seems to be rebranding or have rebranded the Dive Con title as Assistant Instructor. I'm seeing that AI title pop up WAY more on their site and literature.

Was there any kind of official announcement of that? Anyone get a replacement or new card that says Assistant Instructor instead of DiveCon?


I ask because I'm considering doing DiveCon training this year but would rather it all list me as an Assistant Instructor... or I'll just go find a NAUI or PADI shop and do DM training lol.

 

i am not aware of an "official" announcement to change the name. but i also have seen them using the AI term. possibly they are tired of people questioning what a DCS is and it may be easier to call it what it is....assistant instructor. not sure

to be clear though....a padi DM is not the same as an SSI DCS. SSI has a DM rating as well. so if you really want to help teach classes, an SSI DCS can do a lot more than a DM. "typically" most people will not shoot for a DCS rating unless they plan on going all the way to instructor.

 

Yes, completely understood there. I'm looking at DM or DCS as a stepping stone to Instructor. It'll be a matter of convenience and timeline to choose whether I want to do DCS here in Texas with my LDS or go spend a few weeks or a month in warm water doing a DM program... then I definitely want to do my Instructor training in warm blue water

 

my suggestion.....do your pro level training in the same dive conditions you think you will be teaching in. good luck which ever way you choose !!

 

Thanks! That's exactly the question now--I'd like to be moving to the Caribbean in the next year or 18 months to teach (and I'm looking to invest in property for income, too), so I'm considering doing DM training locally first then go do an Instructor course in the Caribbean.

This is all assuming I can get my family on board for the move

 

Will you contact the television show, Beachfront Bargainhunt, or Carribean dreamhomes? I love watching people evaluate properties for income and home space purposes.