XR Programs

Extended Range Foundations

Intent

The SSI Extended Range Foundations program provides divers with a workshop environment to improve their skills to a high level using Extended Range Total Diving Systems and procedures.

Minimum Instructor Rating

An active status Extended Range Foundations Instructor may conduct the Extended Range Foundations program.

Equipment Configurations

They must also meet at least one of the following conditions:

Have an active status SSI Recreational Sidemount Specialty Instructor certification to teach using a Sidemount Total Diving System

Have an active status SSI Extended Range Instructor or SSI Extended Range Foundations Instructor (Twinset) certification to teach using a Twinset Total Diving System

Have an active status SSI CCR Diving Instructor certification and at least the diver-level certification in the applicable CCR unit to teach using a CCR Total Diving System

Have an active status SSI SCR Diving Instructor certification and at least the diver-level certification in the applicable SCR unit to teach using a SCR Total Diving System

Student Prerequisites

Have logged at least:

24 total dives

Have the following SSI certifications or an equivalent from a recognized training agency:

Open Water Diver

They must also meet at least one of the following conditions:

Have a Recreational Sidemount Diving Specialty certification to use a sidemount configuration

Have a CCR Diving certification to use a CCR configuration

Have an SCR Diving certification to use an SCR configuration

Duration

Recommended hours for completion: 16.

The number of classes, hours and sessions are set by the individual instructor, based on student needs, student ability and water conditions.

Minimum Equipment

Students participating in this program must use at least one of the following equipment configurations:

A complete Single-Cylinder Total Diving System.

Note | The stage cylinder as outlined in the General Training Standards is not required for this program.

A complete Twinset Total Diving System.

A complete Sidemount Total Diving System.

A complete SCR Total Diving System.

A complete CCR Total Diving System.

In-Water Ratios

The student-to-instructor ratio is 4:1.

Depth Limitations

Maximum pool/confined water depth limit: 12 meters.

Requirements For Completion

Complete an equipment configuration session for the applicable certification level.

Complete at least four (4) pool/confined water sessions, with a cumulative time of at least 240 minutes, that include all skills for the applicable certification level.

Passing Criteria

At the recreational level:

Demonstrate the ability to maintain trim at +/- 30 degrees throughout the entire program.

Demonstrate the ability to perform all skills adequately with little shift in buoyancy or trim.

Demonstrate basic awareness of buoyancy, trim, stability, propulsion, and teamwork.

At the Extended Range level:

Demonstrate the ability to maintain trim at +/- 15 degrees throughout the entire program.

Demonstrate the ability to perform all skills perfectly with almost no shift in buoyancy or trim.

Demonstrate advanced awareness of buoyancy, trim, stability, propulsion, and teamwork.

Certification

Completing the Extended Range Foundations program means that the student has demonstrated good buoyancy, trim, stability, propulsion and teamwork in the equipment configuration used during the program, and that they have successfully passed the skill circuit for the applicable certification level.