XR Training Standards and Procedures

Open-Circuit Professional Programs

Technical Extended Range Instructor

Intent

The SSI Technical Extended Range Instructor Training Course certifies the candidate as one of the following::
  • Technical Extended Range Instructor
  • Technical Extended Range Trimix Instructor

Minimum Instructor Rating

An active status Technical Extended Range Instructor Trainer may conduct the Technical Extended Range Instructor Training Course.

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:
  • 200 total dives.
  • 50 decompression dives deeper than 45 meters.
Have the following SSI certifications or an equivalent from a recognized training agency:
  • Technical Extended Range
  • Technical Extended Range Trimix
Have the following active status SSI certifications or an equivalent from a recognized training agency:
  • Deep Diving Instructor
  • Diver Stress & Rescue Instructor
  • Enriched Air Nitrox Instructor
  • Extended Range Instructor
Have issued at least:
  • 10 Extended Range certifications.
OR
  • 5 Extended Range Nitrox certifications.
  • 5 Extended Range certifications.

Note | If candidate has not issued the required certifications, they may complete the Instructor Training Course by requesting a waiver and meeting additional completion requirements. See “Requirements for Completion” for details.

Duration

  • Recommended hours for completion: 16.

In-Water Ratios

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

Depth Limitations

  • Maximum pool/confined water depth limit: 12 meters.
  • Maximum open water depth limit: 50 meters.

Requirements For Completion

Attend a three-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 academic presentation on a topic applicable to the program and training level.
  • A dive planning session for orientation to the XR Dive Planning Sheets.
  • 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.
  • An in-water teaching presentation on a topic applicable to the program and training level.
  • While acting as an instructor, plan and conduct at least one (1) full decompression dive from the program.
  • Demonstrate the ability to rescue an unconscious diver by bringing the diver to the surface from a depth between 5 and 10 meters.

Notes

  • The minimum required Total Diving System and stage cylinders must be worn during all in-water training.
  • During the planned dive, the candidate will supervise an assistant or another candidate acting as the student.
  • The dive must be to a depth of at least 50 meters, with at least 25 minutes of planned staged decompression time, and at least two (2) gas switches.

Co-Teaching Waiver

Prior to receiving their certification, candidates who have not issued the required number of certifications must complete the following requirements after successful completion of the seminar:
  • Co-teach at least two (2) complete Technical Extended Range programs with an active status Technical Extended Range Instructor.
  • Provide recommendation letters (completed and signed by the supervising instructor) for each co-taught program.

Certification

In addition to the programs taught by active status Extended Range Instructors, active status Technical Extended Range Instructors may teach, supervise and issue certifications for the following programs using the equipment configurations they are qualified to teach in:
  • Technical Extended Range | with or without trimix as per certification.

Upgrade

Technical Extended Range Instructors with the Technical Extended Range Trimix certification:
An active status Technical Extended Range Instructor who has a Technical Extended Range Trimix certification may be upgraded to a Technical Extended Range Trimix Instructor.
The candidate must register for the applicable professional digital kit and submit a signed XR Professional Upgrade Completion Record with copies of relevant certifications to the SSI Service Center or to an XR International Training Director.
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