Apnea Total is spreading! Why aren't they in amity with AIDA/SSI?

[jac_r]

Hi All,

I noticed that Apnea Total is opening many new centres around the world, it seems very popular, but yet it is not recognised by AIDA/SSI, why? What are the differences that justify the fact that it is not recognised?

Of course, some will tell me here that the most important is to have an instructor that you trust and teaches well, but if the aim is to become yourself an instructor, and if the certificate is not fullyrecognised, it does make a difference.

Thank you very much for your advice!

 

[Stephan Whelan]

That is because it has set itself up as a certifying agency itself. It is essentially in competition with AIDA, CMAS, PFI, FII, SSI, RAID, etc... none the agencies "recognise" each others certifications (apart from in some cases to allow for crossover) so in the end it doesn't seem surprising.

 

[jac_r]

True, but yet: Aida recognises levels from Apnea Academy, CMAS, SSI, Freediving Israel, IANTD, NFDB, Performance Freediving International, Rusian Freediving Federation and FSBT.
It makes sence in such a small and fast growing community to have different institution differentiate each other by their teaching style but have a common basis so the general interest of free diving is saved.
My question is: Why isn't Apnea Total part of it while they seem very dynamic in Asia?

 

[Cassandria]

I'm sure there are high level "politics" (and perhaps even lobbying) involved, although I'm not aware of the specifics.

When shopping around for a certifying agency with the specific goal to become an instructor, I think what it essentially boils down to is insurability. Can you obtain liability insurance in YOUR HOME COUNTRY as an instructor with the agency you're looking to pursue education with? That alone will determine the validity of the diploma you're getting (beyond the experience and skill set you get from the instructor trainer, which do NOT come from the certifying agency).

The absence of liability insurance requirements in Asia MIGHT explain why Apnea Total is thriving in these markets (as well as in Central America). Please note I am speculating on this.

C

 

[Kray]

If recognized means crossing over. It could be that Apnea Total do not require some skills to pass a certain level(maybe except Instructor). For example, in order to certify level 1 of SSI, (if I get it right) one has to be able to cwt head down to 15m and able to rescue at that depth. People who does not have basic equalization skill figured will fail which is 50% of the class I when attended, although their breath hold might be excellent.

In AT, one can proceed diving with feet first to higher level and hopefully sort it out with practice and time.

Not to mention dynamic /static/depth requirements.

Of course, the main benefit of strict requirement is crossing over and for others to know your capability/liability .

But the disadvantage is it can hinder potential freedivers to pursue their journey.

 

[The-Pupil]

If you would be freediving with a buddy who has done a AT course and cannot do head down eq and doesn't tell you.. That would be the best buddy.

 

[Kray]

Yeah but nobody does that. It's not like some sports that certification is a must. You can see if a guy is solid by the way he breaths, swims, duck dives, his gear set up, or even talks.