The intent of the SSI Extended Range Sidemount Specialty Instructor program is to provide candidates with the knowledge, skills and experience necessary to conduct the SSI Extended Ranger Sidemount Specialty 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
Extended Range Nitrox Diving Instructor
Option 2
Have the following SSI certifications or an equivalent from a recognized training agency:
Extended Range Sidemount
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 15 and 30 feet.
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.