News
Statement from SSI on current COVID-19 worldwide situation
There is a lot of concern right now about the global outbreak of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), which affects every one of us. This includes entire countries and just about every business around the world. Our diving industry is no different, especially when it is highly dependent on travel.
Therefore, I wanted to reach out to you personally and assure you that everyone’s safety and supporting you is our top priority. We are in this together!
Fortunately, there is some good news in all of this uncertainty. History has taught us that during the most difficult times is when the SSI advantages pay off. During this time, we all must focus on stimulating business. Consequently, I would like to provide you with a few strategies to make the most of the current situation using the many SSI tools.
STAY ACTIVE AND CONNECTED WITH YOUR CUSTOMER BASE
Stay proactive during these interesting times by frequently contacting every customer. This is when you play out one of your main advantages, fulfilling your customers diving needs.
As long as your activities are not limited by the virus, you need to be out diving. Especially now, when people are insecure about travel restrictions. Stand out and make the most out of the situation by offering lots of different activities for customers looking for fun things to do locally as a part of their normal life.
CREATE BUSINESS BY USING THE BENEFITS OF DIGITAL
Presently, part of your customer base may be concerned about getting together with other people and in some countries, they may even be limited to visiting your Training Center. This is where the advantages of digital provide you the option to register customers without the need of seeing them in person:
- Safe and Germ Free – Independent study is done on the customer’s phone, tablet or computer.
- All SSI Programs – Can be sold and registered over the phone. Knowledge development can be completed at home, while the in-water training can occur at a later date.
- B2B – Customers can only get SSI products through SSI Training Centers.
- Pricing – SSI´s digital pricing is all-inclusive and provides the highest margin in the industry, especially now when all income counts.
- Inventory – There is no need for codes or inventory, freeing up financial resources! Training Centers only pay after course fees have been collected.
- Professional Training – Prospects for becoming an SSI Professionals can start now and study all academics in a relaxed way, especially the extensive theory for Science of Diving, Dive Guide and the Instructor Training Course.
SSI has smart tools to help you deploy every tactic necessary until the world gets control of this virus.
Over the years, I have found that we always emerge stronger after world events of this nature, which might be difficult to recognize right now. I encourage each of you to please remain optimistic and execute the recommended strategies.
MYDIVEGUIDE, TRAINING CENTER LOCATOR & MORE
Creating a TRAINING CENTER LOCATOR, embedded with an EVENT CALENDAR, linked to a travel guide may seem strange coming from a company that funds itself on the sales of training materials, but that is the point. We need to focus on the industry as a whole and certification is only a part of what SSI does. Diving has always been intrinsically linked to travel, and SSI’s MYDIVEGUIDE promotes SSI Training Centers by displaying thousands of Dive Sites around the world with their potential Wildlife Encounters. Divers will be inspired to explore and discover the world’s most amazing Dive Sites and Group Travel or Courses through your Event Calendar and, ultimately, find their next dive adventure and travel destination with you, the SSI Training Centers.
SSI RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DEALING WITH CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) IN DIVE TRAINING
Since the onset of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), there have been and still are many health alerts and concerns around the world. We want you to know that we are vigilant in our efforts to provide you with correct information, especially in the areas of concern, e.g. sharing air.
I would like to thank you for your loyalty, membership and support on behalf of the entire SSI Team.
Stay positive, active and healthy!
Sincerely,
Guido Waetzig
CEO
SSI International
Source: www.divenewswire.com
Gear News
Introducing the TR-80, IR-50 and CS-30 Regulators from DYNAMICNORD
Whether you are a beginner or a professional diver – with the three new main regulators from DYNAMICNORD, everyone will find their favourite regulator. They all look super stylish.
Excellent performance with the TR-80
Quality and performance are the be-all and end-all for regulators. It is not for nothing that the TR stands for Tec Reg. The innovative design of the TR-80 guarantees absolute reliability – even in ice-cold waters.
Perfect breathing effort at 0.8 J/l / certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / structural design made of solid brass for best cold protection / membrane-compensated design with dry seal of the first stage / reduced exhalation effort thanks to optimized exhalation membrane and bubble deflector / adjustable Venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort / innovative design of the front cover prevents free-flow in strong currents or when diving with scooters / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 LP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Amazing underwater adventures with the IR-50
The IR-50 is the top regulator for advanced and experienced divers. Natural breathing is the essence of this regulator.
Ideal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / compensated membrane / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort/ outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
The Workhorse – our CS-30
For diving centres and diving beginners – the workhorse stands for strong construction, reliability and robustness. Perfect for your training.
Optimal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /recommended for diving in waters above 10 degrees / non-compensated piston / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) / outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 1 HP and 3 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Octopus OP-30
The OP-30 is the ideal addition to all DYNAMICNORD regulators. It is identical in construction to the CS-30.
The TR-80, IR-50, CS-30 (DIN & INT) regulators and the Octopus OP-30 are available from DYNAMICNORD dealers and in the online store.
DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.
Marine Life & Conservation
Paul Watson Released as Denmark Blocks Japan’s Extradition Bid
Renowned anti-whaling activist Paul Watson has been released from custody in Greenland after spending five months in detention. Denmark’s Justice Ministry rejected Japan’s request for his extradition, citing insufficient guarantees that his time already served in custody would be credited against any potential sentence.
The 74-year-old Canadian-American was arrested on July 21 in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, when his ship docked to refuel. His arrest was based on a 2012 Japanese warrant related to a 2010 encounter in Antarctic waters. Japan alleged Watson obstructed operations and caused damage to a whaling research ship during efforts to disrupt illegal whaling. Watson has consistently denied these claims, maintaining his commitment to marine conservation.
Denmark, which oversees extradition matters for Greenland, concluded that while the legal conditions for extradition were met, the lack of assurances from Japan regarding time-served credit made extradition untenable.
In a video shared by his foundation, Watson expressed gratitude and relief, saying, “After five months, it’s good to be out… and good to know they’re not sending me to Japan.” He added that the most difficult part of his time in custody was being separated from his two young sons.
Watson is a pioneering figure in marine conservation, known for founding the Captain Paul Watson Foundation in 2022 after decades of activism with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. His bold efforts to defend marine life have earned him widespread support, including from celebrities and conservationists. His work has also been featured in the acclaimed reality TV series Whale Wars.
Watson’s lawyer, Jonas Christoffersen, praised the decision, stating, “We are happy and relieved that Paul Watson is now free.” He added that Watson is eager to reunite with his family and continue his vital work.
The arrest occurred while Watson’s vessel, the M/Y John Paul DeJoria, was en route to the North Pacific with a team of 26 volunteers to intercept a Japanese whaling ship. His foundation described the arrest as politically motivated and emphasized that Watson’s actions were focused on ending illegal whaling practices.
Japan resumed commercial whaling in 2019 after leaving the International Whaling Commission, asserting that whale meat is a cultural tradition. Conservationists, however, continue to challenge these practices, highlighting their impact on marine ecosystems.
Despite the challenges, Watson remains steadfast in his mission to protect marine life and bring attention to whaling practices. His dedication to ocean conservation has made him a globally respected advocate for the environment.
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