New PSAI Programs

[Red Sea Shadow]

240' is the target depth of the PSAI Narcosis Management Level 6 dive, but you are not 'certified' to dive to that depth or on that gas.

There's a nice article about nitrogen narcosis in the second issue of Tech Diving Mag. I though some folks here might be interested.

 

[Dive-aholic]

Trace, now that you're back from your Internet vacation, I have some questions.

Is it common for PSAI to waive requirements for IQC programs?
What are the requirements to become a PSAI IT? Specifically, Cave IT. I'm looking for length of time as a cave instructor, number of certifications issued, etc.
Is it common for PSAI to waive requirements for the IT programs?

 

[Trace Malinowski]

Trace, now that you're back from your Internet vacation, I have some questions.

Is it common for PSAI to waive requirements for IQC programs?
What are the requirements to become a PSAI IT? Specifically, Cave IT. I'm looking for length of time as a cave instructor, number of certifications issued, etc.
Is it common for PSAI to waive requirements for the IT programs?

Rob, General PSAI Instructor Trainer requirements are:

1. Written approval from PSAI Global HQ to attend an ITW (instructor trainer workshop).

2. The IT candidate must be an active status PSAI instructor for a minimum of one full year at the level for which he or she wishes to become an IT.

3. The IT candidate must have taught a minimum of 5 full courses at the level for wish he or she wishes to become an IT.

4. The PSAI IT candidate must be certified as an IT at the level below that for which he or she is applying.

5. The PSAI IT candidate must have taught a minimum of 3 IQC's at that next lower level.

6. Minimum age is 21.

To become a PSAI full cave instructor:

1. Be an active status PSAI Intro to Cave Instructor

2. Must have taught a minimum of 6 sport diving programs including nitrox, advanced nitrox and at least one intro to cave course.

3. Must provide proof of at least 150 cave dives.

4. Must be recommended by a PSAI full cave instructor.

5. Must have worked with and been evaluated by a PSAI full cave instructor in at least 2 full cave diver courses.

Currently, the only IQC's that I know of which might be waived are those in which an instructor is crossing over from another agency. Like all organizations certain individuals with a special expertise in an arena of diving may be asked to pioneer a program. In such a case, an IQC wouldn't be reasonable, because there would be no one with such experience to evaluate the program. Also, sometimes it might be necessary to venture outside one's own organization for education and experience if no one within an organization is qualified to run a program. Such decisions would require permissions from PSAI Global HQ, the board of directors, the international training director of a region, or various ITE's depending upon the nature of the training, level or status sought by an instructor or instructor candidate.

If you are asking because you have specific concerns, I'll be happy to address those. I was disappointed to hear that you were no longer with PSAI because I had you in mind for more of a role within the organization as an IT. The one quality every instructor trainer needs to have is the skill and fierce passion for improving the quality of the dive educators within any program. You can find many skilled and experienced cave instructors, but to be a cave IT in my book you need to have the best personal skills, care enough to motivate others to bring their best to the job, and really know what to look for in regard to talent, teaching ability, and the right state of mind that places the good of the student and student safety in front of an instructor's ego.

 

[NY-Andy]

Hey Trace,

Congatulations on your new position. If the time/effort you committed to this thread is an indication of your work ethic, I'm sure you will help steer PSAI on the right path.

Regards,
Andy