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EXCLUSIVE: Scubaverse talks to SSI about their big announcements at this year’s DEMA Show
Following Scuba Schools International’s big announcements at this year’s DEMA show in Las Vegas, we caught up with their UK Manager Richard Corner to ask him to tell us more about the training agency’s rebranding, ‘Digital Learning, Real Diving’, and their new Open Water Diver Programme.
Scubaverse: There were some big announcements from SSI at DEMA 2014 last month; let’s start by talking about the rebranding. What motivated SSI to give its brand a facelift?
RC: The SSI purchase by HEAD was seen as a major stepping stone in both brands’ histories, so we decided to give the logo a change to set the new company apart from the old. The entire organisation was getting a ‘facelift’ so it seemed right to give the logo a ‘facelift’ at the same time. Once the logo change had been confirmed the design of the new logo was aimed at making it easier to read and more modern looking, but at the same time keeping it recognisable with the old. In addition we wanted some similarity to the mares logo (fonts and colours), so the two become recognised and associated with each other.
Scubaverse: You launched ‘Digital Learning, Real Diving’ at this year’s DEMA Show. What is it?
RC: In a nutshell ‘Digital Learning, Real Diving’ is the launch campaign of our new digital programme which goes live in January. We wanted to make a lot of noise about the development of this extra content as this is a new direction for digital tools in the diving industry.
Scubaverse: What sets ‘Digital Learning, Real Diving’ apart from the digital programmes the other training agencies are offering?
RC: Digital courses are not new, and most other training agencies have some kind of digital offer; in fact SSI have had digital options for a number of years. But like most other agencies the current SSI online training doesn’t include most of the nice features you would normally expect from a recently developed and purposefully designed app. This new digital programme is unlike anything seen in the diving industry to date. The manual has been completely redesigned to work as a digital tool with integrated videos. In addition, the app is not just designed as an extra marketing tool for our dealers; it is also an awesome tool for divers, as it will give you one of the best digital log books developed to date, keep all your training records in one place and enable the student to communicate with their instructor directly through the app. The app will scale to fit any device, can be used on and offline and works with Android and Apple. By the end of 2015 we will have all courses and all languages available.
Scubaverse: SSI also launched a new Open Water Diver programme at DEMA – what’s new about the course?
RC: The new SSI Open Water Diver programme is based on an “Integrated Learning System”. Measures of testing are strategically placed throughout the program to assess the quality of new divers experiences. The program links physics and physiology to why and how equipment plays an important role in a new diver’s comfort and confidence underwater – it’s REALDIVING! It also deals with the reason why you go diving — to have fun! You’ll find the course clear, concise, and enjoyable. Customers will look forward to each section as they take their first step toward becoming a well-trained SSI diver and their lifetime of adventure. With the evolution of digital learning, SSI has effectively mastered the uses of technology to strengthen the learning experience, anytime and anywhere. The new Open Water Diver program is comprehensive, with first rate videos, illustrations, animations and photos to stimulate the learning experience.
Scubaverse: Richard, many thanks.
RC: Thank you, and Merry Christmas!
SSI Launch ‘Digital Learning, Real Diving’ next month. To learn more, visit www.divessi.com.
Get ready for an unforgettable day of adventure, exploration, and all things scuba and watersports! Oyster Diving’s Big Scuba Day Out is taking place on Sunday, 4th May 2025, at Mercers Park, near London —and best of all, entry is completely FREE!
Whether you’re a seasoned diver, a total beginner, or just looking for a fun day out by the water, this event has something for everyone — including lovely walks around the lake with your four-legged friends!
Come and experience the latest dive gear from some of the world’s leading brands, including Santi, Suex, Apeks, Aqualung, Garmin, GoPro and XDeep. Get hands-on with dive scooters, cutting-edge dive computers, and high-performance gear designed to take your underwater adventures to the next level.
Take part in fun dives with expert guides try out other exclusive demo kit. Whether you’re looking to refine your skills, try out new equipment, or simply enjoy the stunning underwater world of Mercers Park, this is the perfect opportunity.
A special raffle in aid of the Shark Trust will include prizes such as PADI branded goodies, Apeks 30m reel and wet notes, and Shearwater Peregrine TX worth £689!
As a special highlight for those wanting to “live the dream”, Course Director Mark Taylor and PADI Regional Manager Emma Samuelsson will be giving an exclusive talk at 12:00 PM about how to become a PADI Pro, including Divemaster and Instructor pathways. If you’ve ever dreamed of turning your passion for diving into a career, this is the perfect chance to get insider knowledge from one of the best in the industry.
Not just for divers, the Big Scuba Day Out also offers a variety of watersports courtesy of www.aquasports.co.uk. Try your hand at kayaking, paddleboarding, or other exciting water activities.
After all the action, relax on the beautiful lake terrace, where you can enjoy a selection of delicious food and licensed bar while soaking in the breathtaking views.
Don’t miss this incredible day of diving, watersports, and fun for the whole family. For full details and to register your interest, visit Oyster Diving’s website. https://oysterdiving.com/diving-club/uk-diving-trips/the-big-scuba-day-out-4th-may/.
There’s something magical about night diving— the ocean transforms into a whole new world, alive with mystery and wonder. At Euro-Divers Meeru, we love sharing this unique experience with our guests, and the West Rock Shipwreck is one of our favourite sites for night diving.
Here’s why:
Setting the Scene
The adventure begins at 17:30 as divers gather on the boat. After thoroughly checking our equipment, the boat departs for the dive site. The 15-minute journey is a treat, with the calm sea and the soft glow of the setting sun creating the perfect atmosphere.
Arriving at West Rock, the boat gently moors above the wreck. As our team briefs you on the dive, we will walk you through the special night diving techniques, such as using a torch and maintaining buddy contact, ensuring you feel confident and prepared. While we wait for the sun to set, there is time to relax with a cup of tea or coffee and take in the breathtaking colours of the Maldivian sunset.
The Dive Begins
Once darkness settles, it’s time to dive. The West Rock Shipwreck—a small cargo freighter sunk in 1999—rests at 20 meters on a sandy plateau. Over the years, it has become a vibrant reef, teeming with marine life.
As we descend, the beams of our torches cut through the dark water, revealing the wreck’s coral-covered surfaces. It is always thrilling to see the wreck come to life under the light. Colourful nudibranchs, scorpionfish, frogfish, and shrimps are just a few of the creatures that call this wreck home.
We often find parrotfish and pufferfish inside the wreck settled in for the night, while lionfish and moray eels lurk in the shadows. We frequently spot larger residents, too—Napoleon wrasse or even a resting nurse shark, peacefully tucked away beneath the ship’s hull. Every corner of the wreck offers something new to discover.
Underwater Galaxy
As the dive comes to an end, we have one final highlight to share. During the safety stop at 5 metres, we may ask you to switch off your torch and gently move your hands through the water. This action stirs up bioluminescent plankton, lighting up like tiny stars surrounding you— a magical, otherworldly experience that never fails to amaze.
Post-Dive Bliss
Emerging from the dive, we are welcomed by the cool night air and a canopy of stars. The boat crew helps us as we climb aboard, where hot tea or coffee awaits to warm us up. The journey back to shore is filled with shared stories and a sense of camaraderie that only diving together can create.
Night dives like this one at the West Rock Shipwreck offer more than just an exploration of marine life; they remind us of the beauty and mystery of the underwater world.
For more information, contact the Euro-Divers Meeru team at meeru@euro-divers.com or visit www.euro-divers.com.
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