SSI Tech Extended Range (XR) program

[jeraldjcook]

Does anyone have any feedback on the quality of SSI's tech courses? A local SSI shop is having Steve Newman, the author of the course material, in town for an overview of the program and I'm planning on attending. Here in the Midwest there are not a lot of choices for tech courses. Thanks for everyone's input.

JJ

 

[texdiveguy]

JJ when you are moving into technical sport diving, many times you might have to travel to get the course/instructor you want...not uncommon. I know of one SSI Tech instructor on the sub forum-Texas Swamp Divers.....maybe he (LVX) will have some insights for you.

 

[GoodToGo]

My first nitrox course was with SSI. Since then I've taken extended range training with TDI and Naui and to be honest ... I don't know if one is better than the other. I was very fortunate to have an excellent instructor for my most recent courses and believe I would have been trained properly regardless of the agency.
I believe finding a GOOD instructor will make any agency shine.

 

[Jimmer]

Just a thought, if you don't have anyone locally that you would like to train with, I know a lot of top level tech instructors (including the one I'll be using) will travel to teach a class if there are enough students wanting the class.

 

[jeraldjcook]

In my area (within a 1 hour drive) I have the option of SSI or IANTD. I stopped by the IANTD shop and spoke with the owner and he knew just about nothing. Apparently there is just an instructor who is affiliated with the shop who teaches IANTD. Traveling is an option I'm open to, but I'll save that for another post.

 

[jscott099]

I am an SSI instructor and have been tech certified with TDI. I have spoken with Steve on several occasions about becoming an SSI TechXR instructor. Considering the costs involved, I took the conversations very seriously. I am happy with what I see and found the material just as comprehensive as TDI. As usual though, its not just the material, but the quality of the instructor. I think it would be worth your while to chat with him.

 

[Rick Murchison]

SSI's approach is a bit different than others; Steve's background is NOAA scientific expeditions - like the Monitor, for example. He wrote it from the ground up, and I like it a lot. (I do have my nits where I think it can be improved, but on the whole I like it better than any of the others at its intended level).
Go listen to Steve - I think you'll be sold on the program.
I am
--

...Considering the costs involved, I took the conversations very seriously....

Yeah, it ain't cheap, so the folks who've crossed over or invested in the instructor courses so far are really sold, and commited to the program.

Rick

 

[LVX]

I agree with Rick. I think the material is pretty good. And, as Rick, I believe there is room for improvement but overall I am happy with the course. I am in the middle of a Technical Foundation course right now. And, as many have already stated on this thread and the one you posted on the deco stop, it will really come down to the instructor. No matter how good the materials, a bad instructor can create a bad learning environment. Likewise, a really great instructor will have the knowledge and information to supplement bad training materials.

Best of luck and go have a talk with Steve.

LVX

 

[jeraldjcook]

Is the SSI course respected (or gaining respect because it is rather new) within the tech community? I've been lurking on deco stop for a almost a year and occasionally I see divers wanting to tag along on dives and being asked about credentials.

 

[asiders9]

I also went to the seminar, I was the kid. It looks really cool especially when he started talking about doing to the research with NOAA. However, it will be a while before I am able to get into that stuff.