Is PADI or SSI more expensive?
SSI is usually cheaper, as they don’t insist that the student buy a manual/app for the course. You can borrow one of the dive centers ‘library’ books or use the app for free! PADI, however, do insist on purchasing the materials – no matter if you are traveling around the world or learning at home. PADI Open Water Diver Course follows a strict, standardized structure with set requirements for every student. This is great for consistency, but it can sometimes feel rigid. SSI Open Water Diver Course is designed to be more flexible, allowing instructors to adapt the training to individual learning speeds.In terms of dive training, there is very little difference between SSI and PADI. They both follow the diving standards set by WRSTC (World Recreational Scuba Training Council) meaning that knowledge and skill requirements are almost the same. Certifications at any level below Divemaster are interchangeable.Your SSI Open Water Diver certification is internationally recognized and valid for life, allowing you to dive up to 18 meters anywhere in the world. The course takes 3 days to complete, blending diving theory, confined water practice, and 4 open water dives, all paced to match your comfort and confidence.The SSI Open Water Course qualifies you to dive to 18 meters. If you want to confidently plan and dive down to 40 meters, then the SSI Deep Speciality Course is for you. As a diving specialty, this course also contributes towards the SSI Advance Diver Certification.Will my certification expire? No, your certification will not expire. As an PADI Open Water Diver, your certification is good for life. If you do not actively participate in scuba for an extended period of time, however, it’s a good idea to refresh your skills through the PADI ReActivate class.
Does PADI recognise SSI?
Cross-Recognition: Both PADI and SSI certifications are recognized worldwide and are interchangeable at dive shops and resorts. If you’re looking to become professional as a scuba diving instructor you may want to opt for PADI since it is the more well-known of the two. If you want to pursue diving as a career (and not be a dive instructor) then SDI may work better for you, given their connection to TDI.Flexibility in switching up to divemaster level: you can switch between organizations anytime up to divemaster level. If you have a padi divemaster certification, you can continue your instructor training with ssi and vice versa you can be an ssi divemaster and continue your training with padi.PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) PADI, founded in 1967 in the USA, is the largest diving organization in the world. Around 70% of divers are certified through PADI. Courses are standardized and available almost everywhere.So outside of Solo diving and Underwater Hunter there are no major differences in course offerings. The ability for SDI to teach to a higher comprehension with greater opportunity at skill development is something PADI course of instruction can’t meet.
Can I convert SSI to PADI?
Yes you can convert from SSI to PADI for professional certifications, but you will need extra training or crossover. Be prepared for extra requirements during this process. The science, theory, skills, and techniques are exactly the same, meaning no difference in safety at all between PADI and SSI, and all Dive professionals from both agencies undergo the same rigorous standard of Instructor Training & Instructor Examinations as set by the RSTC to ensure professionalism throughout the .Flexibility in Switching up to Divemaster level: You can switch between organizations anytime up to Divemaster level. If you have a PADI Divemaster certification, you can continue your Instructor Training with SSI and vice versa you can be an SSI Divemaster and continue your Training with PADI.SSI is usually cheaper, as they don’t insist that the student buy a manual/app for the course. You can borrow one of the dive centers ‘library’ books or use the app for free! PADI, however, do insist on purchasing the materials – no matter if you are traveling around the world or learning at home.Scuba Diving Professionals who have already achieved Instructor status with another training agency like, SSI, SDI, NAUI or RAID, are able to crossover and become a PADI Instructor.
Who can verify SSI dives?
Go to, or get in contact with an SSI instructor/center. Bring the paper logs with you and they can add them to the total number of dives shown in the SSI app, and verify them. Both SSI and ISC offer safe, structured diver training that meets international standards, giving you a certification that’s recognised around the globe.Most reputable scuba diving organizations, including PADI, recognize certifications from agencies like SSI, NAUI, and SDI. This means that if you’ve already completed foundational courses like Open Water Diver, you likely won’t need to repeat those same lessons.The SSI Open Water Course qualifies you to dive to 18 meters. If you want to confidently plan and dive down to 40 meters, then the SSI Deep Speciality Course is for you. As a diving specialty, this course also contributes towards the SSI Advance Diver Certification.In conclusion, there is very little difference between PADI and SSI. As a recreational diver, the differences are so small that if you aren’t completing a course, you probably won’t notice. Both maintain high standards of training around the world. Both are globally acknowledged as diving qualifications.To earn the prestigious SSI Master Diver rating, you must log at least 50 dives and get certified in a minimum of 5 SSI specialty programs , including SSI Diver Stress and Rescue. Specialty programs are a great way to enhance your dive skills and begin your journey to become a Master Diver.
What is SSI scuba certification?
Scuba Schools International (SSI) is a for-profit organization that teaches the skills involved in scuba diving and freediving, and supports dive businesses and resorts. SSI has over 3,500 authorized dealers, 35 regional centers, and offices all over the world. The SSI Scuba Diver qualification does not expire and is certified according to ISO 24801-1, making it valid worldwide. It allows you to dive with a diving professional up to a depth of 12m.Understanding Scuba Certification Lifespans. Scuba certifications from PADI, SSI, NAUI, CMAS, and SDI/TDI have an indefinite duration, meaning they don’t expire.Scuba certifications from PADI, SSI, NAUI, CMAS, and SDI/TDI have an indefinite duration, meaning they don’t expire. However, diving frequently is crucial to maintaining your basic scuba diving skills and safety procedures and increasing your confidence in the water.
What level of SSI is scuba diving?
SSI Specialty Diver (level 2) – a certification to confirm your skills in 2 SSI specialty with 12 dives. SSI Advanced Open Water Diver (level 3) – a certification to certify four Specialties as well as 24 logged dives. SSI Master Diver (level 4) -the final step in your recreational diving career. PADI (the Professional Association of Diving Instructors) is the most recognized dive training organization worldwide with over 30 million divers and counting. PADI Dive Instructors undergo rigorous training to ensure your scuba certification class is fun and conducted with care.Master Scuba Diver: The highest non-professional certification, the Master Scuba Diver level recognizes divers who have completed various specialty courses, demonstrating a broad range of skills and experience.Can you scuba dive without being certified? Yes, you can. It’s called a Discover Scuba Diving® experience (often shortened to DSD®). A DSD is the perfect way to try scuba diving and find out if you like it.Master Scuba Diver: The highest non-professional certification, the Master Scuba Diver level recognizes divers who have completed various specialty courses, demonstrating a broad range of skills and experience.Some of the most known and recognized ones are CMAS, SSI, NAUI, and, of course, the largest diving training organization in the world, the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI).