Dive Control Specialist

Dive Control Specialist - The Assistant in the Training Process

DCSCards_Redesign_1107In 1978, SSI introduced the original Dive Control Specialists (DCS) course with an ambitious goal: to combine assistant instructor and divemaster training. At that time, those were the two main courses offered, and SSI felt that both were important to the development of a good dive leader and instructor candidate.

In 1985, SSI introduced the Dive Control Specialist handbook, which was part of a complete teaching system featuring candidate and instructor materials. Over the years, the handbook served DiveCon candidates well, providing a reference that was supported with extensive handouts from the DiveCon Instructor. The eventual development of the Open Water Diver, Diver Stress & Rescue, and Specialty Diver materials outshined the handbook, however, and it became apparent that candidates deserved upgraded materials.

DCS freiDevoted divers who are motivated to pass along their love of recreational scuba diving to others will find the SSI Dive ControlSpecialist program a rewarding experience that will add a new dimension to the sport. The candidates will be taking a unique program that has stood the test of time, and you are accepting a challenge that many capable divers before you have accomplished. The difference today is a new approach with embedded business training to be a Dive Professional supported with improved materials.

The revised Dive Con Manual in association with the Science of Diving- and Dive Guide materials follow a completely new approach. The intent was to create programs in terms of design and flexibility which never have been available before. By implementing a multi-level system incoperating academics and a lot of practical application today´s DiveCons are just better qualified. Therefore the Dive Control Specialists (DCS) is able to teach  and lecture pool classes without direct supervision. By assisting an active SSI Instructor with open water training the DiveCon can collect valuable training experience which is the best possible preparation for an Instructor Training Course (ITC).

Certified and active Dive Control Specialists (DCS) are even allowed to upgrade to Training Specialists (TS). This rating allows them to conduct limited Specialty Course training for the following programs and issue certification independently:

  • Boat Diving
  • Equipment Techniques
  • Digital Underwater Photography / Underwater Videography
  • Shark Diver / Fish ID
  • CPR / First Aid
  • O2 Provider / Advanced O2
  • AED

With additional training an Dive Control Specialists (DCS) can also become a SCUBA RANGERS Instructor (SRGI).