Scuba Schools International

Scuba Schools International
Abbreviation	SSI
Formation	1970
Headquarters	Fort Collins, Colorado, United States
Region served	Worldwide
Parent organization	Concept Systems International
Affiliations	Recreational Scuba Training Council (RSTC)
Website	http://www.divessi.com

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

Scuba Schools International 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.

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.

Scuba Schools International is a member of the World Recreational Scuba Training Council.

SSI received ISO certification on June 1st 2010.

Certifications

Non certification programs

• Try Scuba Diving

Snorkeling & Free diving certifications

• Snorkel Diver
• SSI specialty: Snorkel Shark Diving (not in every country)
• SSI specialty: Snorkel Digital Underwater photography
• Free diving Basic & Levels 1 to 3

Recreational diving certifications

• Indoor Diver (not in every country)
• Junior Scuba Diver
• Scuba Diver
• Junior Open Water Diver
• Open Water Diver
• Advance Adventurer (not in every country)
• Specialty Diver
• Advanced Open Water Diver
• Diver Stress & Rescue
• Master Diver

Professional certifications

• Dive Guide (DG)
• Divemaster (DM = DG + Science of Diving)
• Snorkel Instructor
• Dive Control Specialist (DCS = DM + Snorkel instr. + Diving assistant instr.)
• Training Specialist (TS = DCS + limited specialties instructor)
• Open Water Instructor (OWI)
• Specialty Instructor (SI = OWI + 2 specialties instr.)
• Advanced Open Water Instructor (AOWI = OWI + 4 specialties)
• Dive Control Specialist Instructor
• Master Instructor
• Instructor Trainer
• Instructor Certifier

External links

• Official SSI website