My Journey to Becoming an SSI Instructor Trainer: An International Experience in Egypt 2013
In March 2013, I reached a significant milestone in my professional diving career by completing the SSI Instructor Trainer Seminar (ITS) in Hurghada, Egypt. This experience not only shaped my journey as a dive educator but also provided a platform for growth among a diverse group of professionals from around the world.
The Setting: Hurghada, Egypt
Hurghada, renowned for its stunning Red Sea diving sites, was the perfect backdrop for this intense and rewarding program. The seminar attracted participants from Austria, Germany, Lebanon, Portugal, Spain, and the UK, all bringing their own wealth of experience and cultural perspectives. The blend of these varied backgrounds made the learning environment uniquely enriching.
The Leaders: Ronny Kain and Andreas Wyss
The seminar was guided by two highly respected International Training Directors: Ronny Kain from Germany and Andreas Wyss from Switzerland. Their extensive knowledge and leadership skills created an atmosphere of both challenge and support, pushing each candidate to reach their full potential.
The Experience: Intense, Yet Collaborative
The SSI ITS is known for its rigorous demands, and this session was no different. From refining our teaching methods to mastering advanced skills, the seminar required dedication, focus, and adaptability. However, as the seminar progressed, the intense atmosphere gave way to a collaborative and relaxed training environment.
Each candidate was not only highly skilled but also willing to share their knowledge. The mutual respect among peers fostered an environment where we could learn from one another, drawing from our diverse experiences in diving instruction. By the end of the seminar, we had built a strong sense of camaraderie and developed lasting professional connections.
A Milestone in My Diving Career
This experience marked my first Instructor Trainer course, setting the stage for the path I continue to follow in dive education today. The training and insights gained during this seminar continue to influence how I approach teaching and mentoring future diving professionals.
The Impact on My Teaching Approach
Completing the ITS in such a multicultural and dynamic setting taught me the importance of adaptability in instruction. Each student, whether a beginner or a professional, brings their own perspective and learning style. This experience reinforced my belief in creating a balanced learning environment—one that challenges, supports, and ultimately inspires growth.
Conclusion
The 2011 SSI Instructor Trainer Seminar was more than just another course; it was a transformational journey that solidified my passion for professional dive training. The combination of world-class training, cultural diversity, and shared professional expertise made this experience truly memorable. As I continue to train divers at various levels, the lessons learned during this milestone event remain at the core of my teaching philosophy.
