If your interested in getting your scuba diving certification and become a proficient diver, capable of diving a variety of dive sites around the world, gaining experience and hopefully becoming an advanced diver. You've probably heard of the two main agencies SSI and Padi.
What does SSI stand for? SSI stands for Scuba School International.
What does Padi Stand for? Padi stands for Professional Association Of Diving Instructors.
SSI vs. Padi which one is better?
Every training agency will teach you how to be a skilled diver, there are certain skills every diver needs to have, both agencies follow the general framework laid down by the World Recreation Scuba Diving Council. There are no significant difference in the skills and requirements every diver needs to have, both agencies create capable divers.
SSI or Padi Certification?
The choice comes down to personal preference and other factors such as:
The confidence you have in them and
The professionalism of the dive centre.
Of equal importance is your learning environment.
How does the cost of certification and training materials differ between the two?
Both agencies offer online training but with SSI it's free where as with Padi eLearning is extra.
When you compare prices for open water courses or any course make sure you calculate the total package including:
All course material,
Certification fee,
All equipment and
Entrance fees to dive sites.
A "cheap" course at first glance can work out more expensive once all the extras have been included.
SSI vs. Padi Coursework Involved
It is generally acknowledged that the dive instructor, rather than the course itself, is the most important factor in learning to dive. How well you learn the skills you need to be a scuba diver depends on the relationship you build with your instructor.
The coursework involved with both agencies gives you the skills and knowledge you need to become a comfortable and safe diver. This is due to both adhering to the standards set forth by the governing body the "WRSTC". There are only very minor differences between SSI and Padi certification programs.
The SSI Advanced Open Water Diver
While in Padi you can go from Open Water Diver and then instantly go for your AOWD with no prior experience, with SSI you are required to have a little bit more. SSI need to ensure you have the requisite skills and so you need to have undertaken 4 specialities, including 24 open water dives. The SSI Advanced Adventurer is equivalent to the Padi Advanced Open Water certification.
Whilst SSI allow you to crossover and certain bridges exists, it is a little harder to fulfil Padi's requirements for a cross-over.
SSI and Padi certifications
Because both agencies adhere to the guidelines set forth by the "WRSTC", you can rest assured that your SSI and Padi certification will be recognised at dive centres around the world.
SSI and Padi dive centres have access to a database of students and certifications on line. So if you forget your certification card, the dive centre will be able to access your information on line. All that is required is your name and date of birth.
Your dive certifications can be accessed on each agencies app on your phone or tablet. The DIVESSI app also holds a variety of checklists:
A hand signal review
First aid flow charts and of course
A list of all SSI dive centres.
SSI vs. Padi: flexibility in Teaching Methods
SSI allows its instructors to have more flexibility in teaching their students, whereas Padi courses are more rigid.
Therefore, SSI instructors have the ability to add more personalised or additional information to the course. Although this is known as "over-teaching" it gives both the instructor and the student more leeway with the course structure. With Padi this is prohibited as the course must be taught in Padi format.
The main difference between SSI and Padi is the way they teach the 'out of air' scenario.
During the Padi open water course, the priority is teaching the diver whom has run out of the air to reach for the spare regulator (octopus) from his dive buddy.
The SSI approach is based on experience and the fact that an 'out of air' diver will instinctively reach for the nearest available air source (the one in their buddies mouth). SSI prepare the student who hasn't run out of air, how to react in this situation. You calmly give your regulator to your buddy and use your spare octopus to resume breathing.
Who is the best scuba diving agency
There is no best, all organisations teach you how to become a capable and comfortable diver.
In the end it will be down to how much you want to learn and your relationship with your instructor.
There is only one thing that lets you evolve into a great diver and that is spending time under the water.
There is no substitute for experience and knowledge, these breed confidence and enjoyment.
