As an SSI Career Center, we often receive inquiries about the new SSI Crossover program. 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.
1. Why is SSI discontinuing the current compact crossover programs?
2. What is the new process for instructors from other agencies?
3. Does this new process apply to all instructors from other training agencies?
4. How long will the training process take? Can it be completed in one session like the
crossover process before?
5. Where can I find detailed information about the updated procedures?
6. How can instructors from other training agencies sign up?
7. What happens to instructors registered under the current crossover process?
8. Can I join the SSI Crossover program at Rich Coast Diving in Costa Rica ?
9. How many days is the SSI Crossover program ?
10. Who should I contact for more information?
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.
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?
The duration depends on the number of participants and the program type. Instructors may train alongside regular ITC candidates or in a compact ITC designed specifically for certified instructors from other agencies. If the group consists exclusively of already certified instructors from other training agencies, the ITC parts plus mandatory IE can be completed in a compact face-to-face training format only taking a few days. This approach reflects SSI's commitment to flexibility while maintaining high training standards.
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, already attached for your reference and available through a 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 can register either through the SSI Training Center they wish to join or via the Become an Instructor page online. During the self-registration process, they must select a training center and specify their ITC and IE training dates.
7. What happens to instructors registered under the current crossover process?
Instructors who registered and paid fees for the current crossover process by December 31, 2024, can complete their training under the existing guidelines until June 30, 2025, without requiring the mandatory IE.
8. 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 program. The program consists of 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
9. How many days is the SSI Crossover program ?
Depending on the number of candidates the SSI Crossover program takes 3 to 4 full days. After completion of the crossover program the candidate will join the 2-day Instructor Evaluation. So the total crossover program takes 5 or 6 days.
The SSI instructor crossover program at Rich Coast Diving will coincide with the Instructor Evaluation. Visit our website for upcoming IE dates.
10. Who should I contact for more information?
If you are interested to join our crossover program then you can contact our in-house Instructor Trainer Niels Prinssen at info@richcoastdiving.com
Mr. Niels Prinssen
Email: info@richcoastdiving.com
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