On a completely different thought process…rather than becoming a SDI instructor in order to teach one class (Solo Diver), is it possible to apply to teach that as a TDI distinct specialty, weather using the SDI course materials or not, and actually getting this approved? I wouldn’t think it would be much of a stretch being SDI/TDI, but maybe this has been tried and not been approved?
I faced this issue last year, and opted for a different route.... which was writing a PADI distinctive specialty for "self-reliant diving". I was pleasantly surprised that it was approved. It's got more of a team focus than a pure solo diver course, and it's probably got as much in common with GUE-F as the SDI solo diver course.
The main driver is the pre-reqs for becomming an SDI Solo instructor, which I beleive requires you issuing a number of other SDI certs first of all (please check, I could be wrong!).... so you can't "just teach the solo course".
Hijacking this thread a little, just a quick query regarding pre-reqs for a TDI instructor course. As I recall, Steve, there's a pre-req for a minimum number of EANx (for Adv. Nitrox) and "SDI Deep, Advanced Nitrox or equivilent" (for Deco. Proc.) certifications. What would be considered "equivilent"? I now opt to teach my distinctive specialty (above) almost exclusively instead of Deep courses, as I think it's better value for students. Topics on the course are gas management, equipment redundancy etc. In water skills are extended buoyancy skills, deploying DSMBs, demonstrating situational awareness, diving within gas limits, managing side slung cylinders etc. I'm sitting through a Deco. Proc. course at the moment with a TDI IT to see if I want to do my TDI instructor course with him - I'm essentially teaching the same stuff, minus deco schedules and valve drills.
Could this potentially count as "equivilent"? And who would make that decision, TDI HQ or the individual IT?
Essentially, when an instructor crosses over ALL his or her certs can get crossed over to equivalent SDI or TDI levels.
Hmmmm. Would that then mean that I could teach the SDI solo diver course if my distinctive specialty was substansively the same as the SDI solo diver course?
Thanks in advance.