SSI OW instructor cost.

[chuckmordan]

Im a PADI cert DM and was looking at getting my instructor level in SSI.....I was just wondering the approx cost is? I know It prob varies a bit from country to country but Im just looking for a general idea. As well the details of doing this as a crossover PADI to SSI. If someone simply has a link to this info that would be appreciated.
Thanks.

 

[mmintz]

The instructor courses that I have seen have been on average $1500-$1800 US, some more very few less. I haven't looked at what is required to cross over from a different agency to SSI but I believe that you have to provide proof of your professional cert from the other agency, a current first aid, CPR, and O2 provider certification, a signed medical form on file which you would get when signing up for the ITC. After that I think you just have to complete the course and meet the requirements of the shop that is conducting your ITC and the instructor certifier that conducts your evaluation. If I am wrong on any of this I apologize and I'm sure someone will correct any mistakes I have said.

 

[tstormdiver]

The only thing I see you missed is that the OP said they are a DM,... SSI's Dive Control Specialist is akin to a DM/Assist. Inst. There may be something that the OP may need to do to fufill the Dive Con or Assist. Inst. level, that is the pre requisite for instructor.

 

[mmintz]

I apologize Tammy. I am not sure what a PADI DM is allowed to do under the terms of their certification, but if it is anything like SSI's DM I would imagine that the OP would have to do additional work to do to get to the assist instructor level that DiveCons are at. I however earned my DiveCon before SSI updated the program so I am not 100% sure what additional work the OP would have. That would be a question that the OP would have to ask an instructor trainer or instructor certifier.

 

[tstormdiver]

I was just saying that you pretty well covered it except for the Assist. Instructor thing. I agree, I believe he would likely have to do some extra to reach the Assist. Instructor level. To be honest, I don't know what Padi's DM's duties/ limitations are either, but I do know they are not at Assist. Instructor level. From what I've seen SSI has a course for dive guide, then with the addition of The Science of Diving course a candidate can apply for Dive Master Level. Then with additional training, they can achieve Dive Control Specialist. Hopefully in a few months I'll be working towards my Dive Con Instructor rating.

 

[mmintz]

My dad has been thinking about working towards becoming a Dive Con instructor too but hasn't made up his mind yet. I'm content staying as a DiveCon right now until I my time and money becomes more available then I will get my instructor, along with venturing into the tech world

 

[tstormdiver]

If all works out well, next year I should go through a DiveCon Instructor course, as I eventually would like to reach the Instructor Trainer level.

 

[Zod066]

OK. So does anyone know the actual cost of becoming a SSI Open Water Instructor? I am currently a PADI Assistant Instructor and dive operation owner and I am looking to get away from PADI. I would also be looking at changing my operation over from PADI to SSI. I know - a big call - but we'll see what each has to offer?

 

[the_shadow]

OK. So does anyone know the actual cost of becoming a SSI Open Water Instructor? I am currently a PADI Assistant Instructor and dive operation owner and I am looking to get away from PADI. I would also be looking at changing my operation over from PADI to SSI. I know - a big call - but we'll see what each has to offer?

A PADI AI is an ISO 24802-1 Scuba Instructor, just like an SSI DCS. According to the SSI standards, these are the requirements for participating in an Instructor Training Course:

5. Prerequisites:
A. Starting Age is 18, Refer to Regional appendix for
specific rules to your area.
B. Own a Total Diving System of professional type
and quality.
C. Be certified as an active Dive Control Specialist or
equivalent.
D. Logged no less then 75 open water dives totaling
50 hours or more.

From an SSI DCS to SSI OWI, the price of classes, instructor materials and evaluation are about 1500 euro's (did my ITC + IE last year in the Netherlands). As a PADI AI and SSI DCS are equivalent, I'm pretty sure the price will be the same for a PADI crossover.

 

[Zod066]

Thanks, the_shadow. Still waiting on a response from a meeting yesterday. We discussed changing my current PADI Instructor, myself to Instructor as well as my 3 PADI DM's to SSI Instructor. Hoping for a package deal.