If you’re looking into scuba certification, you might be deciding between SSI or PADI. Both of these organizations provide diver training courses, but there are some differences between the two to keep in mind.
Understanding SSI and PADI
SSI and PADI are for-profit organizations that provide certifications and trainings for scuba, freediving, deep water diving, and more. Most often, these organizations work in tandem with local dive schools. For example, Silent World offers PADI courses and PADI certifications.
What is SSI?
SSI stands for Scuba Schools International. It’s a diver training organization that was founded in 1970, and currently has 3,500+ training facilities located around the world. SSI is a member of the World Recreational Scuba Training Council, which creates minimum safety standards for scuba certification courses.
What is PADI?
PADI, the Professional Association of Diving Instructors, was created in 1966, and now has more than 6,600 dive training centers and partnerships worldwide. PADI is also part of the World Recreational Scuba Training Council, so it adheres to the same safety standards as SSI.
Key Differences Between SSI and PADI
Training Approach
One notable difference between SSI vs. PADI is their approach to training. PADI is known for creating very specific curiculums with little variance between dive centers. They are dedicated to diver safety, and provide certifications based on these rigid course modules.
SSI, on the other hand, has a more flexible approach to learning, and focuses on instructor-led training courses. For example, students who are struggling with a certain aspect of certification can take their time while others progress to the next level of training.
Course Structure and Materials
Whether you certify through SSI or PADI, both agencies offer online learning options, confined water training (such as in a pool), and open water training. SSI also offers a lot of professional courses for people interested in becoming dive instructors.
Cost Comparison
The cost to get scuba certified is similar between these two agencies. You can expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $600 for your initial scuba certification.
Overview of SSI and PADI Courses and Certifications
Both of these agencies offer a wide variety of courses and certifications. Some of the most popular SSI and PADI courses/certifications include:
- Open water diving
- Advanced open water diving
- Rescue diving
- Scuba refresher
- Dry suit diving
Keep in mind that these agencies are recognized internationally. That means that by earning a certification through SSI or PADI, you can continue your education abroad, and visit dive sites around the world.
Choosing Between SSI or PADI: What’s Best for You?
If you’re still not sure whether to choose SSI or PADI for your scuba certification, take this factors into consideration:
Consider Your Learning Style
Are you a fast learner? If so, you might excel in PADI courses. If you need more time to process information and learn new skills, SSI may be a better choice.
Location and Availability
Sometiems the easiest way to choose your scuba certification agency is to prioritize convenience. If the dive school closes to you certifies with SSI (and has good reviews), that may be an easy choice, especially if the nearest PADI location is far away.
You should also take into account the quality of the dive instructors at these facilities. You might love the teaching style SSI provides, but love the instructors at a PADI location more.
Future Diving Goals
If your goal is to simply become scuba certified for the occasional vacation dive, either agency will be a great choice. If you have goals to become a master scuba diver, or even an instructor one day, you might want to take courses from both PADI and SSI. It doesn’t hurt to speak with your local dive school about your goals and get their input on how to move forward.
FAQs About SSI vs PADI Certifications
Can I switch from SSI to PADI or vice versa?
Yes, you can switch between SSI and PADI courses when learning various diving skills. However, if you drop a certification class before completing it, you won’t be able to pick up where you left off with another agency.
Are there differences in safety standards?
Because SSI and PADI both belong to he World Recreational Scuba Training Council, they uphold the same minimum safety standards.
Is one certification viewed as more prestigious?
PADI and SSI are both regarded as reputable agencies for scuba certification. However, the various dive schools that partner with these agencies may vary in quality.
At Silent World, we offer PADI certifications for a variety of specialties including advanced open water, rescue diving, freediving, underwater photography, and wreck diving. Whether it’s your first dive or your 100th, we have resources for all skill levels and interests. Contact us today to book your training course!
