SSI Instructor Crossover: Mandatory IEs Added to Some Agency Crossovers
August 21, 2024
SSI is rapidly growing and expanding, and with the current ‘We Want You’ promotion, we expect even more dive industry professionals will join the SSI team. With this influx of professional crossovers, we need to make some adjustments to ensure we are preserving the long-standing excellence of the dive training SSI is famous for. Therefore, we will be implementing mandatory Instructor Evaluations (IE) for instructors crossing over from certain training agencies. This amended SSI instructor crossover process is effective from July 2024.
This change aims to maintain our high standards of instructor training and ensure every SSI Instructor is fully equipped to provide their students with the best possible education and customer service. Let us dive into the details of this new requirement and what it means for the SSI diving community.
Why Change the SSI Instructor Crossover Process?
So, why is there an additional step for some instructors who want to complete the SSI instructor crossover process? At SSI, we are deeply committed to providing comprehensive, high-quality training for all our instructors. With this commitment in mind, we feel it is necessary to apply mandatory Instructor Evaluations for crossovers coming to SSI from some training agencies.
In recent years, some training agencies have started offering purely online crossovers or accelerated Open Water Instructor certification qualifications. While these options might be convenient, they often fall short of SSI’s recommended training durations for the Instructor Training Course (ITC) and Instructor Evaluations (IE) combined.
Our goal is to ensure that every SSI instructor receives thorough, hands-on training that meets our rigorous standards. By implementing these mandatory evaluations, we are reinforcing our dedication to excellence in diving education.
What is Involved?
So, what does this new process entail? Before attending the mandatory Instructor Evaluations, instructors crossing over from one of these designated agencies will receive thorough training in SSI’s teaching methodologies, standards, and risk management. This additional training is designed to ensure that instructors who go through the SSI instructor crossover process are fully prepared and aligned with SSI’s high standards and fully equipped to deliver this high-quality instruction to their students.
As with any agency IE, SSI is a comprehensive assessment that reviews the instructors’ knowledge, skills, and ability to deliver high-quality training. It covers a wide range of topics, including dive theory, practical skills, and instructional techniques. By the end of this process, instructors will be well-equipped to provide the top-notch training to their students that SSI is known for.
Who Does This Affect?
This requirement ONLY applies to crossover candidates from specific training agencies, regardless of whether these certain agencies are members of the Recreational Scuba Training Council (RSTC) or are ISO certified. This move underscores our commitment to maintaining the highest quality of dive professionals.
We understand that this change may raise questions among instructors considering an SSI instructor crossover. To provide clarity, we will frequently update the list of SSI-recognized training agencies.
Check this list to find out if the mandatory Instructor Evaluation applies to your training agency:
This transparency ensures that instructors have all the information they need to make an informed decision about their SSI instructor crossover.
What Are The Benefits of Joining SSI?
For instructors interested in joining the SSI team, numerous benefits make the SSI instructor crossover process worthwhile. SSI is renowned for its strong support system, offering the most advanced training materials in the industry, and its global network of Training Centers.
Here are some key advantages of becoming an SSI instructor:
1.Comprehensive Training
SSI provides thorough training that covers all aspects of diving instruction, ensuring instructors are well-prepared to teach students of all levels.
2.High Standards
By maintaining rigorous standards, SSI ensures that all its instructors deliver consistent, high-quality training that prioritizes safety and excellence.
3.Global Recognition
SSI certifications are recognized worldwide, allowing instructors to work at dive centers across the globe.
4.Professional Development
SSI offers continuous professional development opportunities, helping instructors advance their careers and stay updated with the latest industry trends.
5.Supportive Community
Joining SSI means joining a global community of passionate dive professionals who share a commitment to offering excellent customer service and quality education.
6.FREE Training Material Updates
Thanks to SSI’s all-digital training materials, all standards changes are automatically updated into your SSI materials at no cost.
7.Pro Rewards
SSI offers a cashback Pro Rewards system to all SSI Pros where you can accumulate monetary credit into your MySSI profile by teaching and taking advanced instructor courses. You can use this money to purchase any SSI materials or pay your annual Pro Renewal fee.
How to Get Started
If you are considering an SSI instructor crossover, then wait no longer! Sign up for your FREE SSI Digital Crossover Kit.
Have more questions?
Find your local SSI Training Centers using our Training Center Locator tool. They can answer any questions you have on becoming an SSI Professional and schedule your SSI instructor crossover today!
If you are curious about the current demand for SSI Instructors worldwide, check out SSI’s Worldwide Jobs page, where you can explore current job postings from SSI Training Centers around the world. Search by country, qualifications, special skills, and language. Visit the SSI Jobs Page here:
Staying Updated
As we move forward with this new requirement, we will continue to provide updates and additional information to our community. The list of SSI-recognized training agencies will be updated regularly to reflect any changes. We encourage all interested instructors to check this list frequently to stay informed about whether the mandatory Instructor Evaluation applies to their training agency.
Join Us in Our Commitment to Excellence
At SSI, we are passionate about providing the best possible education and training for our instructors. This new requirement for mandatory Instructor Evaluations is a testament to our commitment to upholding high standards and ensuring that every SSI instructor is well-prepared to deliver exceptional training.
We are excited about the positive impact these changes will have on our community and the quality of diving education worldwide. If you share our commitment to excellence and are interested in becoming an SSI instructor, we encourage you to explore the benefits and start your journey with us.