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Switching your professional affiliation to Scuba Schools International (SSI) is a smart move for many dive professionals. If you already hold an instructor rating with another recognised training agency, the SSI Instructor Crossover course provides a fast, effective way to join the SSI system without redoing everything you have already mastered.
Ocean Tribe offers a streamlined Dive Professional Crossover program that respects your experience. The training introduces you to the SSI philosophy, systems, and standards while acknowledging your prior instructor knowledge. The main focus is helping you become confident and familiar with SSI’s teaching structure, not retraining you from scratch.
At Ocean Tribe, your crossover typically runs over two to four days, depending on your current status. After the academic and skills sessions, you will intern alongside experienced Ocean Tribe Instructors, assisting with real Open Water Diver students.
If you are a certified instructor from WRSTC agencies like PADI, NAUI, CMAS, SDI, TDI/SDI, IANTD, or BSAC, you are eligible. Active and inactive instructors can join, provided their inactive period has not exceeded five years. If more than five years have passed, returning to active teaching status under SSI standards is necessary before crossing over. Alternatively you can take the full SSI Instructor Training Course.
Importantly, you must not be involved in any ongoing quality assurance proceedings with another agency. Candidates who have been expelled from other agencies cannot join the crossover. If you are under investigation or involved in a compliance issue, full disclosure to SSI is required before enrollment.
Before you begin, you must upload copies of your current instructor certifications and professional documents into the MySSI system. Registration for the appropriate SSI professional certifications is required, along with purchasing the relevant crossover materials.
To enroll, you must be at least 18 years old. A renewed or unrented instructor certification, current First Aid, CPR, and oxygen provider certification are essential. Additional equipment may be necessary, so it is best to contact Ocean Tribe directly to check requirements.
Throughout the Dive Professional Crossover, you will cover SSI’s educational philosophy, teaching standards, and operational procedures. Ocean Tribe’s trainers will guide you in safely conducting SSI programs, matching your previous qualifications. The program emphasizes knowledge development and familiarisation with the SSI system, building on your already proven dive professional skills.
Since SSI typically requires a stronger academic background and a broader set of in-water skills compared to many other agencies, the crossover will ensure you meet those standards. However, this is done in an enjoyable, supportive way, recognising and valuing your past training.
Once you complete the crossover and pass the final exam, you will be eligible to attend a two-day Instructor Evaluation (IE). Successfully passing the IE finalizes your official status as an SSI Open Water Instructor.
Candidates coming from non-SSI agencies with instructor-level certifications or higher will be welcomed, but may need additional sessions depending on their previous experience and current knowledge levels.
The SSI Instructor Crossover course costs total $1150 which includes
The SSI Instructor Crossover course at Ocean Tribe gives you a direct path to grow your dive career with one of the most globally connected and innovative training agencies. Your journey to becoming an SSI Instructor builds on the solid foundation you already have while opening doors to new teaching experiences around the world.
Ocean Tribe Dive Team
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