1 Instructor, multiple LDS

[VTscubaDAN]

Just curious if SSI instructors are able to affiliate with more than one LDS at a time. I know you have to be affiliated with at least one. One scenario that comes to mind in my area is that SSI shops are few and far between, and being landlocked and cold, diving isn't a popular trend for most. Could one SSI instructor with his own insurance affiliate with several shops in a larger geographical area for the sake of making a living while spreading the SSI system to new LDS's? I know several shops in the area that just don't see the value in paying to be an SSI shop on top of already having NAUI and PADI instructors, but they're losing out on divers who are loyal to the SSI system for continuing ed. Seems like an opportunity for SSI to market to these shops.... Thoughts?

 

[Lead_carrier]

I believe that it's possible to affiliate with SSI corporate under special circumstances or find a SSI shop that isn't too far away from you that you agree with their training philosophy and approach them about affiliating with them.

 

[eponym]

Could one SSI instructor with his own insurance affiliate with several shops in a larger geographical area for the sake of making a living while spreading the SSI system to new LDS's? I know several shops in the area that just don't see the value in paying to be an SSI shop on top of already having NAUI and PADI instructors, but they're losing out on divers who are loyal to the SSI system for continuing ed. Seems like an opportunity for SSI to market to these shops.... Thoughts?

The standards for all professional ratings say that to maintain Active Status, you have to "Work through an active SSI Dive Center or SSI Dive Resort."

I read your post as asking about teaching SSI courses in non-SSI facilities. In that case, my reading of the above would be no. But why not ask dive leader services (Jerelyn Shelley) directly?

Hope this helps,
Bryan

 

[Skooter]

I agree with your interpretation Bryan.

One thing I would add as the devils advocate here is that it really doesn't take much of an investment to be an SSI dive center. If you can bring business into a dive shop I would think they would be happy to discuss the possibilities.

 

[eponym]

I agree with your interpretation Bryan. One thing I would add as the devils advocate here is that it really doesn't take much of an investment to be an SSI dive center. If you can bring business into a dive shop I would think they would be happy to discuss the possibilities.

But to be an SSI dive center, the standards require that you "Use the SSI Open Water Diver Program as the primary Open Water Diver training program and have a representative sample of the other SSI products, programs and services."

This could be a deal-breaker for a shop that has always used another agency's OWD program. But I suppose there are work-arounds given the imprecise language.

 

[tstormdiver]

I personally instruct for 2 SSI Dive shops. I teach for 1 primarily, & the other as a "pinch hit" instructor. Basically what happens, if I instruct for the second shop, is my affiliation is switched from the primary to the secondary. The Primary is alerted via email (They are aware of all my activities). The process only take a few minutes. After I finish my duties at the secondary, I the primary shop then re- affiliates me to them. not really a big deal. As for going outside of SSI, it is doubtful, unless you are also instructor certified through an agency that allows for independent instructors & you use that certification to teach elsewhere.

 

[Skooter]

But to be an SSI dive center, the standards require that you "Use the SSI Open Water Diver Program as the primary Open Water Diver training program and have a representative sample of the other SSI products, programs and services."

This could be a deal-breaker for a shop that has always used another agency's OWD program. But I suppose there are work-arounds given the imprecise language.

I looked but don't see where SSI Open Water Diver Program has to be the primary training program. Could you provide a reference page for me please? If that is the standard then it may affect some of the other programs that we offer.

I see they have added that to be an SSI Dive Center you must have a SSI Instructor on staff.

I only see the usual SSI materials must be used for SSI courses and a minimum amount must be purchased each year etc, etc.

 

[eponym]

I looked but don't see where SSI Open Water Diver Program has to be the primary training program. Could you provide a reference page for me please? If that is the standard then it may affect some of the other programs that we offer.

In the most recent standards revision (28 June 2012), it is item "L" on page 151, under "SSI Dive Center Standards."

 

[Skooter]

Thanks for pointing it out don't know how I missed that :bonk: