XR Training Standards and Procedures

Open-Circuit Professional Programs

Extended Range Sidemount Instructor

Intent

The intent of the SSI Extended Range Sidemount Instructor program is to provide candidates with the knowledge, skills and experience necessary to conduct the SSI Extended Range Sidemount program.

Minimum Instructor Rating

An active status XR Instructor Trainer, certified as an SSI Extended Range Sidemount Instructor, may conduct the seminar.
The candidate may co-teach the Extended Range Sidemount program with an active status Extended Range Sidemount Instructor.

Candidate Prerequisites

  • Own and use a Total Diving System in the appropriate equipment configuration as outlined in the SSI General Training Standards.
Have logged at least:
  • 20 sidemount dives.

Option 1

Have the following SSI certifications or an equivalent from a recognized training agency:
  • Recreational Sidemount Diving
Have the following active status SSI certifications or an equivalent from a recognized training agency:
  • Extended Range Nitrox Diving Instructor

Option 2

Have the following SSI certifications or an equivalent from a recognized training agency:
  • Extended Range Sidemount
Have the following active status SSI certifications (no equivalency permitted):
  • Advanced Open Water Instructor

In-Water Ratios

  • The candidate-to-instructor ratio is 4:1.

Duration

  • Recommended hours for completion: 16.

Requirements For Completion

Option 1

Co-teach at least two (2) separate Extended Range Sidemount programs under the direct supervision of an active status Extended Range Sidemount Instructor.

Option 2

Attend a two-day seminar and successfully complete:
  • A review of all SSI General Training Standards, and the standards related to the XR programs the candidate is earning a certification for.
  • A review of the program-specific student and instructor materials.
  • The applicable final exams.
  • An equipment configuration session for the appropriate Total Diving System.
  • The XR Candidate Water Fitness Evaluation as outlined in the SSI General Training Standards if it has been more than six months since the candidate has been evaluated.
  • A pool/confined water session that includes the presentation and evaluation of all required program skills. All skills must be done with demonstration quality.
  • While acting as an instructor, plan and conduct at least one (1) dive that meets the requirements of Open Water Training Dive 4 from the instructor manual for Sidemount Diving.
  • Demonstrate the ability to rescue an unconscious diver by bringing the diver to the surface from a depth between 5 and 10 meters.

Notes

  • During the planned dive, the candidate will supervise an assistant or another candidate acting as the student.

Certification

Active status Extended Range Sidemount Instructors may teach, supervise and issue certifications for the following programs:
  • Recreational Sidemount Diving
  • Extended Range Sidemount
  • Any recreational or XR program in a sidemount equipment configuration if they hold the relevant instructor rating for that program.
  • Create Personal Note
  • Report Translation Mistake
  • Report Technical Error
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