Scuba Schools International


Scuba Schools International
Abbreviation SSI
Formation 1970
Headquarters Fort Collins, Colorado,  United States
Region served
 Worldwide
Parent organization
 HEAD NV
Affiliations
Website http://www.divessi.com

Scuba Schools International (SSI) is an organization that teaches the skills involved in scuba diving and freediving, and supports dive businesses and resorts. SSI has over 2,500 authorized dealers, 35 regional centers, and offices all over the world.

SSI offers internationally recognized scuba training programs for all levels - starting with snorkeling and entry level diving courses up to Instructor Certifiers. The most common programs are: SSI Open Water Diver (OWD), Advanced Open Water Diver (AOWD), more than 30 different specialty courses (like EAN Nitrox, Deep diving, Underwater navigation, Night diving and Limited Visibility, and many more). Dive leader training programs start with the Dive Control Specialist (who is qualified like Assistant Instructor) followed by Open Water Instructor and above.

SSI's training program for children aged 8–12 years is called Scuba Rangers.

The training program for technical divers is called TechXR (Technical Extended Range) and includes decompression diving, trimix and other courses that exceed the limit for recreational divers.

SSI scuba training programs are certified/recognized throughout the world (such as RSTC - Recreational Scuba Training Council, EUF - European Underwater Federation, CUA - China Underwater Association and others).

Founded in 1970, SSI was one of the pioneers of professional scuba training. They were the first organization to present a complete training program including full motion video and they pioneered some areas of diving education.[1]

A major difference between SSI and other diver education organizations like PADI, NAUI, CMAS and others is that SSI is a retail-based organization, intended to ensure the quality of training worldwide.

SSI is headquartered in Fort Collins, Colorado and is owned by Concept Systems International, Inc. It was founded by Robert Clark in 1970. In 2008, it was acquired by Doug McNeese (owner of NASDS until the merger with SSI in 1999) and Robert Stoss (Manager Scubapro and Seemann Sub) - both being icons in the dive industry for years. On January 1, 2014 SSI was acquired by MARES, a diving equipment brand in turn owned by HEAD NV, for an undisclosed amount.[2]

SSI is a member of the following councils of the World Recreational Scuba Training Council - the United States RSTC, the RSTC Europe and C-Card Council (Japan).[3][4][5] It is also a member of the European Underwater Federation.[6]

SSI obtained CEN certification from the EUF certification body in 2005.[7] It received ISO certification on June 1, 2010.

Certifications

Non-certification programs

Snorkeling & free diving certifications

Recreational diving certifications

Professional diving certifications

Advanced diving certifications

Extended Range certifications

Technical Extended Range certifications

[9]

Professional certifications

[10]

References

  1. ↑ "History of SSI". Scuba America Historical Foundation. Retrieved 2009-05-23.
  2. ↑ http://www.newsblog.ispo.com/newsblog/2014/01/08/head-dives-with-scuba-schools-international/
  3. ↑ "United States Agencies". WRSTC.
  4. ↑ "European Agencies". WRSTC. Retrieved 31 May 2013.
  5. ↑ "Japan Agencies". WRSTC. Retrieved 31 May 2013.
  6. ↑ "Profit Distributing Members". European Underwater Federation. Retrieved 31 May 2013.
  7. ↑ "EUF Certified Training Systems/Training Organisations". EUF Certification International. Retrieved 30 September 2013.
  8. ↑ "Freediving Program". Scuba Schools International. Retrieved 29 April 2013.
  9. ↑ Adam Wood - Technical Training Director SSI 2015
  10. ↑ Adam Wood - Technical Training Director - SSI - 2015

External links