You are about to begin an exciting and rewarding adventure. Diving is an exciting and enjoyable sport that will challenge your mind and body. As with any demanding outdoor sport, there are certain risks involved, but these risks will be minimized with proper training. The purpose of this statement of understanding is to provide you and your Instructor with an accurate presentation of the important responsibilities of each in the process of successfully completing your dive training. When you have completed this training, you will enjoy expanding your freediving experience in the open water.
Learning to dive is like learning to live. As children grow, they learn to share responsibility for their well-being and quality of life with their parents. Over time, they take on more and more responsibility until they become fully responsible for themselves as adults. During your diver training, you will share the responsibilities with your instructor. As the training progresses, your Instructor will gradually transfer the responsibility for your own safety and enjoyment to you. In the SSI printed materials, you and your Instructor will be asked to affirm, certify and sign that you are comfortable, confident and ready to continue your training.
To enter the underwater world, so different from the terrestrial world, you need specific equipment. Diving is therefore an activity that depends greatly on the equipment used. With this in mind, you will need to use appropriate, complete and high quality equipment. An important part of your training will be the equipment, its use and the associated skills you need to acquire. With solid experience and quality training, your Instructor has developed a high degree of skill and attention to his students. This will be made clear during your program and when you sign this statement and medical history form. Be as complete and honest as possible. If you have any doubts about any aspect of the program, please ask your Instructor.
The following responsibilities are carefully designed to ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable experience learning to dive.