FAQs

---

General eLearning FAQs

Q. Can I really get certified to dive online?
A. The most important part of learning to dive is getting in the water with a qualified instructor, to develop and practice critical underwater skills. That’s something you cannot do on a computer.

What you can do is eliminate the need to spend valuable time in a classroom setting, going through academic material you are perfectly capable of learning on your own, at your own pace and when it is most convenient.

This ability, by itself, saves considerable time. For some people, this makes the difference between being able to get certified or not.

Q. Can I learn as well online as I could with a real live instructor?
A. Different people learn best in different ways. For some, it’s a traditional classroom setting. Others prefer to have a real-live textbook they can touch, feel and flip through. Most people, however, find that computer-based learning systems provide the best possible combination of convenience, enjoyment and effective learning.

What’s important to understand, however, is just that because you are learning in the comfort and convenience of your home or office, doesn’t mean you are on your own. The staff at your SDI Dive Center will be monitoring your progress and is available by phone or e-mail if you have questions.

Q. How can I tell if my computer is capable of letting me take part in online training?
A. If you can read this, you can take part in online training. Any desktop or laptop computer that has an Internet connection and is capable of running a web browser such as Internet Explorer, Netscape, Safari or Firefox will work.

Some pages in the online course contain short video clips. To see these, you will need to have or install Apple’s QuickTime plug-in, which you can download free of charge from Apple’s website.

With the video clips, it also helps to have a high-speed connection. The video clips, however, are a “nice to have” feature — not a “need to have” one. If you have a dial-up connection, you can still take the course (although you may want to skip watching the videos). All the need-to-know information is provided in a non-video form as well.

Q. What if I normally use AOL to browse the Internet?
A. If you normally use AOL to browse the Internet, through a dial-up connection, you can continue to do so to participate in the online course; however, you should avoid using AOL’s built-in web browser when doing so.

AOL routes a lot of outside content through what are known as proxy servers. This can cause a substantial delay in your ability to access online course content.
What you should do instead is:

Use AOL to open a connection to the Internet.

Open another web browser, such as Microsoft Internet Explorer, Netscape, Firefox or Safari, and use it to access the online course.

If you have a high-speed connection, then you already connect to the Internet through a provider other than AOL. Just use another web browser and bypass AOL entirely.

Q. What options will I have for completing my in-water training?
A. Depending on the course, you may have several options to complete the in-water phases of your training. For example:

You can complete any skill-development sessions and the final open-water training dives with your local SDI Dive Center.

You may be able to complete the skill-development sessions at your local SDI Dive Center, then do your open-water training dives at the vacation destination of your choice.
You may also be able to complete both the skill-development sessions and open-water training dives at the vacation destination of your choice.

The SDI Dive Center through whom you sign up can tell you more.

Q. What costs will be involved, over and above the online course fee?
A. Completing your skill-development sessions and final open-water training dives will involve additional fees. These can vary from one dive center to the next and depend on the options you choose. Your local SDI Dive Center can help you with the arrangements. When you are done with all three phases of your training, your SDI Dive Center will order your permanent certification card.

Q. What equipment will I need to take the course?
A. This, again, will vary from one dive center to the next. As a generalization, students are typically required to supply a minimum of mask, snorkel, adjustable scuba fins, and wetsuit boots. Do not make any equipment purchases, however, without first consulting your SDI Dive Center. The right equipment can last for years. Thus, it makes sense to purchase the right equipment the first time — and to avoid making any costly mistakes.

---

Leadership Courses FAQs

Q. What type of training can I complete with the online Dive Leadership website?
A. You can complete your training for SDI Dive Master and Assistant Instructor. Additional programs will be available in the future.

Q. How much of the Dive Leadership training can I complete online?
A. You can eliminate the need to spend valuable time in a classroom setting, going through academic material you are perfectly capable of learning on your own, at your own pace and when it is most convenient. This ability, by itself, saves considerable time. For some people, this makes the difference between being able to get certified or not.

Q. What agencies are accepted for pre-requisites or equivalent qualifications?
A. Agencies that are accepted to meet the prerequisites for SDI include:

• IDEA
• PADI
• PDIC
• SSI
• YMCA
• NAUI
• BSAC
• Sub Aqua Association
• European Standard
• CMAS
• IANTD

Agencies that are accepted to meet the prerequisites for TDI include:

• IANTD
• ANDI
• DSATI
• SSI
• NAUI
• NACD
• NSS-CDS
• CMAS
• BSAC
• CDAA

Agencies that are accepted to meet the prerequisites for ERDI include:

• Life Guard Systems
• Dive Rescue International
• Public Safety Diving Association

Q. What paperwork requirements do I need to complete to receive my certification?
A. These are the forms you need:

• Leadership registration form
• Copy of Physician sign off
• On-line completion Form.

Q. What if I normally use AOL to browse the Internet?
A. If you normally use AOL to browse the Internet, through a dial-up connection, you can continue to do so to participate in the online course; however, you should avoid using AOL’s built-in web browser when doing so.

AOL routes a lot of outside content through what are known as proxy servers. This can cause a substantial delay in your ability to access online course content.
What you should do instead is:

Use AOL to open a connection to the Internet.

Open another web browser, such as Microsoft Internet Explorer, Netscape, Firefox or Safari, and use it to access the online course.

If you have a high-speed connection, then you already connect to the Internet through a provider other than AOL. Just use another web browser and bypass AOL entirely.

Q. What happens if I leave my computer logged on to the website?
A. For security measures, we have implemented a 20-minute session into the course. If you do not interact with the system by clicking a link for more than 20 minutes the course will log you off and send you back to the home page. At that time you will need to log back in to continue your training.

Q. I have Windows Vista and am experiencing problems with QuickTime videos.
A. There seem to be some minor issues with Vista and QuickTime. There should be a patch soon but you can do a few things in the meantime.

You can download the newest version of QuickTime if you haven't already at www.apple.com/quicktime

Additionally, there is a free codec at free-codecs.com which a number of vista users have been viewing QuickTime media with.

Q. Why do I get the error "Bad Encrypt Dictionary” when I try to open a PDF?
A. This error is commonly encountered when a PDF document was created for a higher version of Adobe Acrobat Reader than the version that is installed on a users computer. Generally, documents are created in higher versions of Adobe Acrobat in order to utilize newer features that lower versions of Adobe Acrobat do not have.

It is important that you have the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your browser. You can get the latest version from Adobe's website: get.adobe.com/reader

Q. Do I need any special programs to use this online training system?
A. Like many sites, including the SDI/TDI homepage, this system utilizes Adobe Flash Player. You can check your browser and download the most recent version of the player from Adobe's website: get.adobe.com/flashplayer

We also utilize the Adobe Acrobat Reader which allows users to open and read PDFs, also called "Portable Document Format." It is important that you have the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your browser. You can get the latest version from Adobe's website: get.adobe.com/reader

---

Crossover Course FAQs

Q. What type of training can I complete with the online Dive Professional website?
A. You can complete your training for a crossover (familiarization) for Dive Master, Assistant Instructor or Instructor. These ratings are available for Scuba Diving International (SDI) Technical Diving International (TDI or Emergency Response Diving International (ERDI). Additional programs will be available in the future.

Q. How much of the Dive Professional training can I complete online?
A. You can eliminate the need to spend valuable time in a classroom setting, going through academic material you are perfectly capable of learning on your own, at your own pace and when it is most convenient. This ability, by itself, saves considerable time. For some people, this makes the difference between being able to get certified or not.

If you are completing a familiarization program you can meet with either an SDI/TDI/ERDI Representative or someone from the local store/dealer.

Q. What agencies are accepted for pre-requisites or equivalent qualifications?
A. Agencies that are accepted to meet the prerequisites for SDI include:

• IDEA
• PADI
• PDIC
• SSI
• YMCA
• NAUI
• BSAC
• Sub Aqua Association
• European Standard
• CMAS
• IANTD
• Agencies that are accepted to meet the prerequisites for TDI include:
• IANTD
• ANDI
• DSATI
• SSI
• NAUI
• NACD
• NSS-CDS
• CMAS
• BSAC
• CDAA

Agencies that are accepted to meet the prerequisites for ERDI include:

• Life Guard Systems
• Dive Rescue International
• Public Safety Diving Association

Q. What paperwork requirements do I need to complete to receive my certification?
A. Familiarization (crossover)
Copy of Equivalent Ratings
Online completion Form and Copy of Insurance where Required.

Q. What if I normally use AOL to browse the Internet?
A. If you normally use AOL to browse the Internet, through a dial-up connection, you can continue to do so to participate in the online course; however, you should avoid using AOL’s built-in web browser when doing so.

AOL routes a lot of outside content through what are known as proxy servers. This can cause a substantial delay in your ability to access online course content.

What you should do instead is:

Use AOL to open a connection to the Internet.

Open another web browser, such as Microsoft Internet Explorer, Netscape, Firefox or Safari, and use it to access the online course.

If you have a high-speed connection, then you already connect to the Internet through a provider other than AOL. Just use another web browser and bypass AOL entirely.

Q. What happens if I leave my computer logged on to the website?
A. For security measures, we have implemented a 20-minute session into the course. If you do not interact with the system by clicking a link for more than 20 minutes the course will log you off and send you back to the home page. At that time you will need to log back in to continue your training.

Q. I have Windows Vista and am experiencing problems with QuickTime videos.
A. There seem to be some minor issues with Vista and QuickTime. There should be a patch soon but you can do a few things in the meantime.

You can download the newest version of QuickTime if you haven't already at www.apple.com/quicktime

Additionall,y there is a free codec at free-codecs.com which a number of vista users have been viewing QuickTime media with.

---

ERDI Courses FAQs

Q. Can I really get certified for this course on line?
A. The most important part of learning to dive is getting in the water with a qualified instructor, to develop and practice critical skills. That’s something you cannot do on a computer.

What you can do is eliminate the need to spend valuable time in a classroom setting, going through academic material you are perfectly capable of learning on your own, at your own pace and when it is most convenient.
This ability, by itself, saves considerable time. For some people, this makes the difference between being able to get certified or not.

Q. Can I learn as well on line as I could with a real live instructor?
A. Different people learn best in different ways. For some, it’s a traditional classroom setting. Others prefer to have a real-live textbook they can touch, feel and flip through. Most people, however, find that computer-based learning systems provide the best possible combination of convenience, enjoyment and effective learning.

What’s important to understand, however, is just that because you are learning in the comfort and convenience of your home or office, doesn’t mean you are on your own. The staff at your ERDI Facility will be monitoring your progress, and is available by phone or e-mail if you have questions.

Q. How can I tell if my computer is capable of letting me take part in on-line training?
A. If you can read this, you can take part in on-line training. Any desktop or laptop computer that has an Internet connection and is capable of running a web browser such as Internet Explorer, Netscape, Safari or Firefox will work.
Some pages in the on-line course contain short video clips. To see these, you will need to have or install Apple’s QuickTime plug-in, which you can download free of charge from Apple’s website.

With the video clips, it also helps to have a high-speed connection. The video clips, however, are a “nice to have” feature — not a “need to have” one. If you have a dial-up connection, you can still take the course (although you may want to skip watching the videos). All the need-to-know information is provided in a non-video form as well.

Q. What if I normally use AOL to browse the Internet?
A. If you normally use AOL to browse the Internet, through a dial-up connection, you can continue to do so to participate in the on-line course; however, you should avoid using AOL’s built-in web browser when doing so.

AOL routes a lot of outside content through what are known as proxy servers. This can cause a substantial delay in your ability to access online course content.
What you should do instead is:

Use AOL to open a connection to the Internet.
Open another web browser, such as Microsoft Internet Explorer, Netscape, Firefox or Safari, and use it to access the online course.

If you have a high-speed connection, then you already connect to the Internet through a provider other than AOL. Just use another web browser and bypass AOL entirely.

Q. What options will I have for completing my in-water training?
A. Depending on the course, you may have several options to complete the in-water phases of your training. Consult with your ERDI facility for available options.

Q. What costs will be involved, over and above the on-line course fee?
A. There are many variables to course fees. Some examples include: number of practical sessions, equipment needed, park/boat fees and additional training materials. Consult your ERDI facility for additional fees.

Q. What will happen if I leave my computer while logged into www.tdisdi.com
A. For security measures we have implemented a 20 minute session into the course. If you do not interact with the system by clicking a link for more then 20 minutes the course will log you off and send you back to the home page. At that time you will need to log back in to continue your training.

I have Windows Vista and I am experiencing difficulty with the QuickTime videos
There seem to be some minor issues with Vista and QuickTime. There should be a patch soon but you can do a few things in the meantime.

You can download the newest version of QuickTime if you haven't already at www.apple.com/quicktime

Additionally, there is a free codec at free-codecs.com which a number of vista users have been viewing QuickTime media with

---

System Requirements

To insure a smooth experience while using this site there are a few requirements that need to be met.

Operating System – Windows 7 or Windows 8, OSx 10.0+, iPad, iPhone or Android 4.0+
Internet Browser – the latest version of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox or Internet Explorer

Your browser must allow cookies and have Javascript enabled. If you are using Internet Explorer you must set your privacy settings to Medium-High or lower. It's also advisable to add https://www.tdisdi.com as a trusted site in Internet Explorer.