I just spoke to Tom. Things are coming along. Watch for details in the coming weeks. You Y guys can PM me and I'll go into more detail but suffice to say we are looking at a more streamlined process for certs, ie no more "silly"(Tom's word) sanction letters for every class. That was one of the things I saw that, and he agreed, doomed the program. ALso why those who had instructor status with other agencies would train to Y standards but issue a card from the other agency. Easier and quicker. He was aware of this also and is one of the prime reasons for allowing us to sign up students, train them, send in the completed paperwork and get the card. Just like everyone else. Goal is also to be able to allow us to do it on-line. That may take a little time to set up but it's in the plan.
Regular newsletters ( basis to be determined) but with the goal of a quarterly publication that "will go out everytime on time", and updated, yet not compromised, standards with some new things that were available before but are not now. Like Nitrox without being an instructor with another agency. He said he spent the last week going over them and revising things.
A name is still being looked at. In fact the formal proposal was just sent to Y-USA today for the seperation. Now it's a matter of them saying ok to this but maybe not this. So there may stil be some negotiations that will include that point.
One thing he did say was that there will be letters/emails going out to those of us in leadership positions asking for feedback and maybe some help with different things.
Personally I'm excited. He's a great guy to talk to. He was busy but still took time to take my call and explain what he could as well as listen to my concerns. Hang in there guys. I believe it's going to happen and be better than before, yet still retain the original high standards and spirit.
