SSI Revokes Instructor's Licence

SSI has terminated an instructor's licence after a video surfaced showing the man manhandling an octopus

SSI instructor Mark Scott of Diving Vietnam and Aloha Vietnam Scuba Divers came under fire after he uploaded a video to his Facebook page showing him dragging an octopus out of its shelter and harassing the animal for several minutes.

Adam Hanlon, editor of Wetpixel, who reposted the video, said the footage was 'in breach of all environmental, professional or legal regulations' and encouraged his followers to report the dive operation to SSI.

Indignant divers from across the world called on SSI to take action.

SSI's response followed promptly, announcing the termination of membership of Mark Scott and the two associated dive centres.

'Please note that Mark Scott, Mark Scott Diving Vietnam, divingvietnam.com and Aloha Vietnam Scuba Divers are no longer SSI Dive Professionals or SSI Dive Centres. Now and hereafter, the named parties may not represent themselves as such in any way, shape or form,' the statement read.

'This concludes SSI’s Grievance Resolution Procedure.'

Hanlon complimented SSI on the decision, 'SSI has shown such great leadership in dealing with this situation.'

'They have enforced a line in the sand and taken action against a rogue individual. This is good for the dive industry, for diving in general and most important for the marine environment.'

'In my opinion, they deserve the support and respect of the diving community for doing so,' Hanlon added.