SSI Divemaster?

[BobbyT22]

I heard from a local instructor that SSI is coming out with a Divemaster certification that is different than the current Divecon. Is that true? If so, what are the differences?

 

[tstormdiver]

To the best of my knowledge, SSI only has the Dive Con level, not Dive Master, unless something drastically changed this year. I have heard of no such changes, but not to say it can't happen. Dive Con is a combination of Dive Master & Assistant Instructor. If they come out with just Dive Master level, than I would imagine it would have a few more limits than Dive Con. What those are,.... I don't know, depends on what SSI puts in the standards for a strictly Dive Master level.

 

[surfsidedav]

I just looked at the standards for 2009, and this year they have a "Dive Guide" and Divemaster" rating in addition to DiveCon. I wonder if these will also require insurance?

 

[PvtStash]

from the department of redundancy department.

 

[BobbyT22]

Does anybody from SSI want to chime in?

 

[colo_diver]

I believe this is a new rating they introduced at DEMA. I think it is a "stepping stone" towards Dive Con. When my SSI guy is in the store on monday I will get the scoop

 

[BobbyT22]

OK, cool. The reason I ask is I am considering pursuing an Divecon qual, but frankly I have no desire to teach students. I would prefer to work with already qualified divers as a tour guide, work off a dive boat, etc. Much more historical Divemaster stuff vice Instructor stuff. If I could forego the "Assistant Instructor" side of Divecon and focus on the DM side, that would be ideal.

Of course I could always go for Divemaster with another agency, but all of my training has been through SSI thus far, and I would like to stick with them if possible.

 

[siikik]

OK, cool. The reason I ask is I am considering pursuing an Divecon qual, but frankly I have no desire to teach students. I would prefer to work with already qualified divers as a tour guide, work off a dive boat, etc. Much more historical Divemaster stuff vice Instructor stuff. If I could forego the "Assistant Instructor" side of Divecon and focus on the DM side, that would be ideal.

Of course I could always go for Divemaster with another agency, but all of my training has been through SSI thus far, and I would like to stick with them if possible.

Nobody says you have to teach if you are a DiveCon, right? At least you know what you can do with that... who knows what the newly introduced titles will get you...

As I understand it, an SSI DiveCon generally has more authority than a DiveMaster equivalent with other agencies. At least that's what one LDS (SSI, NAUI) told me. And the very reason I'm considering it. And if I go on past that, it will not be as an instructor with SSI as they are more restrictive with their instructor level than that of other agencies. I would just say to do the research and don't stop after talking to one person/shop.



Ken

 

[Web Monkey]

As I understand it, an SSI DiveCon generally has more authority than a DiveMaster equivalent with other agencies. At least that's what one LDS (SSI, NAUI) told me. And the very reason I'm considering it.

DiveCon was a great program. I wouldn't have traded it for anything, and working with the students is the best part.

And if I go on past that, it will not be as an instructor with SSI as they are more restrictive with their instructor level than that of other agencies. I would just say to do the research and don't stop after talking to one person/shop.

I'm not sure what you mean by "more restrictive" unless you're referring to the "shop affiliation" requirement.

Terry

 

[siikik]

More restrictive, as in, SSI has many levels of instructor... Associate Instructor, Open Water Instructor, Specialty Instructor, Advanced Open Water Instructor, Dive Control Specialist Instructor, Master Instructor, Instructor Trainer and Instructor Certifier.


Ken