Scuba Schools International (SSI) has launched a new Diver Stress & Rescue Contest across North America, encouraging divers, dive professionals and Training Centers to put greater emphasis on rescue skills and emergency preparedness.
Running until October 31, 2026, the initiative covers the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean and challenges SSI Training Centers and Professionals to certify as many students as possible through the agency’s Diver Stress & Rescue program.
The campaign is designed to increase the number of divers who are better prepared to recognise stress, prevent problems from escalating and respond effectively when another diver needs assistance.
SSI’s Diver Stress & Rescue program combines knowledge development with practical training aimed at helping divers recognise stress in themselves and others, prevent accidents and develop techniques for responding to rescue and emergency situations.
A Contest With Three Ways to Win
SSI has added incentives for Training Centers, dive professionals and individual divers taking part in the campaign.
The SSI Professional who records the highest number of qualifying Diver Stress & Rescue certifications during the contest will receive an Aqualung i330R dive computer.
The SSI Training Center recording the highest number of certifications will receive SSI Pro rash guards for its staff.
Individual divers are also included. Anyone earning a new SSI Diver Stress & Rescue certification between September 1 and October 31, 2026 will automatically be entered into a random drawing for an Aqualung i330R dive computer.
Encouraging More Divers to Develop Rescue Skills
Rather than focusing solely on how to respond once an emergency has developed, Diver Stress & Rescue training places considerable emphasis on recognising the circumstances that can lead to an incident.
Stress can develop before or during a dive and may affect a diver’s ability to make decisions or respond appropriately. Learning to recognise those warning signs, both personally and in a buddy, can therefore become an important part of a diver’s continuing education.
The SSI program includes pool and open-water training alongside its academic component, giving participants opportunities to practise responses to realistic situations in a controlled environment.
SSI is encouraging its Training Centers and Professionals to schedule Diver Stress & Rescue programs during the campaign and promote the courses through their websites, social channels and customer communications.
Training Centers can also list courses through Scubago to make upcoming training opportunities available to divers searching for courses.
Contest Continues Through October
The competition remains open through October 31, giving SSI Training Centers across the participating territories the remainder of the month to add qualifying certifications.
For divers, the campaign provides an additional incentive to move beyond entry-level training and develop skills that could prove valuable if a problem develops underwater or at the surface.
More information about SSI training programs and local SSI Training Centers is available through Scuba Schools International.
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