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So, what is going on with the oldest, and one of
the most respected certifying agencies in existence?
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The YMCA of the USA announced early this summer
that it would no longer be sponsoring an insurance program
through Willis Canada
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July 2008, the YMCA of the USA announced it will
no longer be sponsoring the SCUBA program.
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Also, July 2008; Tom Leaird announced that he and
the other technical advisors plan to continue the program and
the YMCA of the USA had released the copyrights and the program
itself to he and his partners. Great! The program had been
languishing for years under corporate control.
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October 2008, YDI Scuba is Born!
"Continuing
the 50-year tradition of excellence"
What does this mean?
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Is the YMCA SCUBA Program going away? NO
(this may actually be one of the best things for the
program)
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Will this be the same program? Yes
(just without the YMCA affiliation and under a new brand
name, years ago the program was autonomous and not under direct
control of the YMCA of the USA anyway)
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Will this still be the oldest program around? YES
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What about lost cards? You
will still be able to get replacement cards from the Y.
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If I have a YMCA Card is it still valid? YES
(and it doesn't expire!)
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Will ECD continue this great program? Absolutely!
(along with our being an SDI/TDI Training Facility, we will
continue with this fantastic program)
The Timeline:
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We will continue certifying YMCA SCUBA divers
through the end of the year, as well as SDI/TDI.
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Starting 2009, we will be certifying folks under
the new brand name. (same great program), as well as SDI/TDI.
"Continuing
the 50-year tradition of excellence"
We'll keep you posted,
Gary
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