A new version of the SSI Training and Dive Centre Standards for our region, effective March 2009.

After reviewing the feedback from our members, we are pleased to inform you that this latest document uses a new format, which is easier to read and we hope will make information easier to find.

Some exciting changes and additions are:

· Introduction of SSI’s new ECOLogical Standards and Code of Practice;

· New Nitrox Level 1 (up to and including 32% Oxygen) and Level 2 (up to and including 40% Oxygen) certifications;

· SSI’s forthcoming SSI Dive Leader levels: Dive Guide and Dive Master, and changes to the existing Dive Control Specialist (DiveCon) and Instructor Training Course (ITC) Courses.

Please familiarise yourself with the full list of Key Changes and Additions, which is outlined on page 9.

As always, your feedback is appreciated and will be used in future editions.

If you are have problems with the attachment, you can download the standards at www.ssithailand.com/dealers/resources/forms/SSI_Thailand_Training_Standards_2009.pdf (username: thailand, password: ssi) or by logging onto the Downloads section on ODiN at www.diveSSI.com using your Member number and password.

Happy diving,

SSI In Vietnam

I always enjoy going to Vietnam, . Once again I was lucky enough to spend some time in Nha trang. While there we had a real busy week and achieved the following.

• Crossovers : SSI welcomed two new instructors Steve and Chris from Octopus divers. I was impressed with their attitude and loved the enthusiasm these young guys had for teaching diving.

• Standards Check: SSI believes in quality and took this opportunity to ensure that courses and facilities met the high standards that SSI has set across the globe.

• Dive center update: SSI introduced all the new services and courses we have on offer.

• Diving: I couldn’t miss the opportunity to visit the dive sites around Nha Trang, as usual the diving had me hooked. Visibility was good and my camera went in overdrive with all the critters that diving in Vietnam has to offer. On my next visit I have been promised a trip out to some of Vietnam’s outer islands I can’t wait.

• MPA Training: First aid and Oxygen provision Training for the Marine Park Association was conducted the first course in a commitment made to provide ongoing training for the Vietnamese government s MPA.

• Ecological : campaign was launched in the Vietnamese market.

SSI Training goes on line.




SSI Online training is now available!

As a potential diver you have many choices when it comes to activities and we wanted to make sure you had a chance to try the SSI system of scuba diving training. One of the barriers to becoming a diver is the fear of the unknown and the investment of time and cost. Online training is designed to educate you on what it means to become a scuba diver. The information demonstrates what it takes to stay safe and comfortable during your underwater adventures. At anytime during your online experience you can contact your local SSI Dive Center and complete your scuba diving course! Once you try it you¹ll be hooked!

Check out the SSI online training program by clicking on the graphic above.

Dive centres wishing to run this exiting program contact us on info@ssithailand.com

DEMA in Las Vegas.

Viva las Vegas DEMA show.

Well someone had to go !This time I was lucky enough to endure two twelve hour flights from Thailand’s southern beaches to the desert oasis that is Las Vegas in the USA. The DEMA show (Dive Equipment Manufacturers Association) is a huge show so big in fact that they had motorized transport inside the hall.

SSI Thailand was there to see how our colleges in SSI USA done things and to promote Thailand ,Vietnam and other world class diving destinations’ within our region.SSI had a great presence there and it was awesome to see our co workers rushed of their feet dealing with new and old customers alike.

However after walking for miles and visiting the famous Las Vegas Strip. I was missing home so it was with great relief that I found the Tourism Authority of Thailand had a stand at DEMA. Within minutes I felt right back at home eating Thai sweets and receiving lots of warm Thai smiles.

West Coast Dreaming

SSI Has just had an awesome trip to the west once again visiting Koh Phi Phi ,Krabi ,Phuket and seeing our friends up in Kow Lak. Beaches are busy bars are buzzing on Phi Phi,Mantas are playing hard and thrilling divers at the Simmilans so be quick you may get to dive with these awesome flying Rays. Krabi and phuket offered the same idilic surroundings as always.However my credit card preffered Island life as Donna found a slice of heaven at all the shopping venues in Phuket.