SSI DiveCons, function????
- Thread starter SamDiver14
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Like any school, we sell courses of instruction. That means that you walk up to the counter and say "I want to go through the ITC." We then figure out what you need in the way of prerequisites before you start the standard course, whether you'll be able to join a scheduled course or need a private one, etc.. and then work out the price and the schedule for you. If you successfully complete the course then you're an instructor. You're not necessarily an instructor with a job.mars2u:
Rick
OP
SamDiver14
Contributor
This has been interesting and very helpful. What do you guys (or girls) recommend for me? Should I look for another shop? or should I change training agencies?
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If you want to stay active you'll have to affiliate with a shop but not the shop that taught the course or even a local shop. Just one you like.
Actually, I am running into the same issues.
The two DiveCon's that we had were very active, but they became instructors.
Now, there are about six instructors (not counting the shop owner and DCSI who does the technical services) and me. The instructors take literally all of the work to the point where I figure that I will have to pay for my insurance this year because I do not have the opportunity to be active enough. The instructors do the updates, snorkeling classes, etc. The last two classes that I assisted in I had to pay for my own gas, just like it was a fun dive.
However, with an SSI cert, it is the only game in town and the shop happens to have the best instruction training in the area so I am better off taking it and learning to be a good instructor later than changing agencies when the instructor trainers in the area aren't as good. So, I am still picking my instructor and not the agency.
The two DiveCon's that we had were very active, but they became instructors.
Now, there are about six instructors (not counting the shop owner and DCSI who does the technical services) and me. The instructors take literally all of the work to the point where I figure that I will have to pay for my insurance this year because I do not have the opportunity to be active enough. The instructors do the updates, snorkeling classes, etc. The last two classes that I assisted in I had to pay for my own gas, just like it was a fun dive.
However, with an SSI cert, it is the only game in town and the shop happens to have the best instruction training in the area so I am better off taking it and learning to be a good instructor later than changing agencies when the instructor trainers in the area aren't as good. So, I am still picking my instructor and not the agency.
Lawman,Lawman:
Thanks for the support. Tom is trying to talk me into drumming up my own business, but I didn't take that course to market myself. Unfortunately, (and I am getting pressure to cross over from a travel operator who wants a DM up here), Tom is hands down the best instructor trainer in the area. My afternoon shift, to be honest, doesn't help as I can't assist in the evening college courses where the help is actually useful. But, I refuse to burn the candle at both ends right now to move up in the world! LOL So, as Jimmy Buffet would say, "I think.... Heck, it could be my fault.:embarass: "
Incorrect. It is the equivalent of a PADI Assistant Instructor.theskull:
I use a divecon on every class that has over 2 students. They are very valuable and our shop has several good ones.
diverbrian:
You're right. Tom and Wayne et al. are top notch teachers. The whole problem is that SSI is a store oriented agency. It's supposed to create loyalty to the training SSI LDS and it does. It doesn't provide much room for DC or instructors to grow. In a way, Seaquatics being such a good store adds to the problem- people stay with the store after becoming DiveCons and instructors rather than going elsewhere and opening up some jobs.`
Are you going to Tobermory this year?
I'll see you in Toby. I hope that the Arabia looks as nice as she did last year. The bumblebees are heading up the trip again. I still have to check on the attendance.Lawman:
At least Tom is decent about sponsoring me to SSI so that I can keep my card active. I can't complain too much. I may get to DC some fun dives or classes in June when I am on days. The instructors don't tend to like those. Especially Higgins Lake, they don't seem to enjoy that "death march" anymore.
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