YMCA Scuba Closing?

[EastcoastdiverLLC]

We have no problem getting sanction numbers. Of course we get the number prior to actually starting the class. When you get a roster together you call and usually get a number within 24 hours if not on the phone. I am so glad I became a Y instructor after some of the things I saw this weekend at the lake. Makes me proud our standards have not been watered down. And also glad that they have not from a liability standpoint. Scary, some of the people who have cards. I love being independent as well.

Jim,

You are absolutely correct and our high standards is one that may not push us into the top of the marketplace, but certainly produces more competent divers! I've also had no problems getting sanction numbers.


Gary

 

[Tomeck]

My understanding with YMCA is that it has always been aligned with CMAS, a French dive agency. Also, that CMAS was just going to start training as CMAS, rather than the YScuba.

However, the certs would cross certify with CMAS. Long live INDEPENDENCE!!!!

CMAS is not a French dive agency, but it is an international association which co-federates agencies of each country and the head office is in Italia. The French agency for CMAS is Fédération Française d'Études et de Sports Sous-Marins (FFESSM).

 

[EastcoastdiverLLC]

Rig,

I believe that everyone is jumping due to a letter sent out that the YSCUBA Program was no longer sponsoring an "Insurance Program" through Willis Canada. That's it. Instructors are now to get insurance through their local Y's or continue with Willis with another sponsored agency as the primary and YMCA SCUBA as secondary. It’s really no big deal.

This is a risk management thing and the program is being pulled into the mainstream. The YMCA of the USA has updated the site which is now located on YMCA.net as all other sites are and now has us "affiliating" with a local Y, again no big deal, we at East Coast Diver are affiliated with three!

This is revitalization not a closing shop from my standpoint. Again, this is a risk management issue and one I can live with, to maintain my independence !

Just my 2 cents,
Gary

With or without the YMCA affiliation, the program will live on with the same high standards and curriculum. We'll still remain the oldest certifying agency with some of the highest standards in the business today!

Gary

 

[Bill Schindler]

I have not been an active YMCA instructor for 2 years but 1/2 dozen active YMCA instructors at my shop received certified letters week before last indicating that YMCA was discontinuing the program effective the end of the year. The YMCA would continue to service previously certified divers through provision of c-card replacements but no new certifications.

I was a YMCA instructor for 12 years and did believe their standards were high. However, very poor support materials and little to no support of any other kind.

 

[Walter]

YMCA is pulling out. The program will continue without affiliation with the YMCA of the USA. This will actually help the program as the YMCA of the USA has been holding the SCUBA program back for several years now.

 

[Bill Schindler]

I have serious doubts that Tom Leard (sp?) will be able to fund and continue the program independently. At one time the shop I work through probably had 15 or so Y instructors. It's down to about 4 now and those are planning to discontinue the program.

 

[Walter]

Time will tell, but I believe it will be even better than before.

 

[scubajcf]

I have serious doubts that Tom Leard (sp?) will be able to fund and continue the program independently. At one time the shop I work through probably had 15 or so Y instructors. It's down to about 4 now and those are planning to discontinue the program.

Tom Leaird

 

[eddie31003]

Just wondering if anyone else has heard YScuba is quiting business July 09?

Yscuba is end its services. there will most probably be a new certification agency using "y" standards and training methods. all "y" instructors and diver will most probably be automatically crossed over. this is what i heard for top "y" instructor Tom Leired. he will have access to all "Y" materials and databases.

 

[FunkyDiver]

When I was getting my air filled yesterday at Whitestar quarry, the guy doing it (from Divers Incorporated-- who also reads this board) he said that my cert card was going to become a collectors item due to the fact that the YMCA was getting out of scuba. He said it was supposed to be announced at DEMA.

I agree with the other posters on this topic that the Y is a high standards operation. I only have been certified for just a little over 2 years now, but I have read some topics on this board by people wondering how to do this, or what should I do if something else happens. I remember thinking that all of that was covered repeatedly in our open water classes. It just seemed like we were getting a better education than people getting certified by other agencies. I've seen it time and again that the Y is a great program. It will be a shame if it doesn't continue in some form or another. I'm not claiming to be a great diver, but I do feel that I had a very good instructor who was patient and made sure we could do the skills.