10 Questions about the SSI Crossover program for Dive Instructors

Rich Coast Diving
Jan 29
4 min read

Updated: Sep 24

As an SSI Career Center, we often receive inquiries about the "new" SSI Onboarding Program (previously named: Crossover). With so many dive instructors making the switch from PADI and other organizations to SSI, we’ve compiled answers to the most frequently asked questions about the updated crossover process.

As announced recently, SSI – the world’s largest professional dive training agency – has discontinued its compact crossover procedures, effective January 1, 2025.

Starting on this date, instructors from all training agencies who wish to join SSI will need to complete specific components of the Instructor Training Course (ITC) and undergo a mandatory Instructor Evaluation (IE) as part of their transition. This revised process will apply to all instructors, regardless of their RSTC or ISO certification.

With so many instructors transitioning to SSI, we’re here to answer their most common questions about the new Crossover program.

FAQs – Instructors from Other Training Agencies Joining SSI

1. Why is SSI discontinuing the current compact crossover programs?

SSI has observed a trend of training agencies offering purely online crossover programs without any in-water assessments. To uphold SSIs high training standards, we have introduced a more robust process to ensure instructors joining SSI are comprehensively trained in SSIs teaching methodologies, standards, and risk management. Additionally, this decision strengthens SSIs Instructor Training Courses and the SSI Center Network.

2. What is the new process for instructors from other agencies?

Starting January 1, 2025, instructors from other training agencies will be required to complete selected parts of the ITC (not the full course) followed by a mandatory IE to transition to SSI.

SSI Crossover program in Costa Rica Testimonial

3. Does this new process apply to all instructors from other training agencies?

Yes, this process applies universally to instructors from all training agencies, regardless of their affiliation with RSTC or ISO certification.

4. How long will the training process take? Can it be completed in one session like the crossover process before?

Instructors can choose to train alongside regular ITC candidates (10 day program) or take part in a compact ITC (4 day program) designed specifically for certified instructors from other agencies. If the group is made up entirely of already certified instructors from other training organizations, the ITC components plus the mandatory IE can be completed in an intensive, face-to-face format over just 4 full days.

Please note that passing the IE is required. For the best preparation, we strongly recommend joining the full ITC program if your schedule allows. However, if time is limited, you can opt for the 4-day Crossover program instead.

5. Where can I find detailed information about the updated procedures?

The updated procedures and schedules for the ITC parts and mandatory IE will be outlined in the Appendix section of the ITC Instructor Trainer Manual (training materials update in January 2025). The Instructor Evaluation procedures will remain consistent with those outlined in the Instructor Certifier Manual.

6. How can instructors from other training agencies sign up?

Instructors from other agencies can begin their journey with SSI in one of two ways:

Instructors can register through the SSI Training Center they wish to join. If you wish to join us here at Rich Coast Diving in Costa Rica then contact us directly at info@richcoastdiving.com.

Self-registration via the SSI ”Become a Professional“ page. During the self-registration process, they must select a training center and specify their ITC and IE training dates.

7. Can I join the SSI Crossover program at Rich Coast Diving in Costa Rica ?

Yes, we look forward to have you join our SSI crossover onboarding program. The program consists of 4 full days and we review the SSI Assistant and Instructor:

Academic sessions
Academic teaching presentations
Confined and Open Water presentations
Practical applications for confined and open water
Final Exams
Candidate Final Performance review

Join our SSI Crossover Program in Costa Rica

8. How many days is the SSI Crossover program ?

The SSI Crossover program takes 4 full days. After completion of the crossover program the candidate will join the 2-day Instructor Evaluation. So the total crossover program takes 6 days.

If you have the time available, we strongly recommend joining the regular ITC (10 day) to ensure you are fully prepared for the Instructor Evaluation (IE).

The SSI instructor crossover program at Rich Coast Diving will coincide with the Instructor Evaluation. Visit our website for upcoming IE dates.