PADI vs SSI
PADI vs SSI - Which one to choose?
PADI vs SSI Diving Course?
When deciding to start your diving adventure, one of the most important steps is choosing the right diving course.
The two most popular diver certification organizations in the world are PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) and SSI (Scuba Schools International).
Both offer similar training programs, but they differ slightly in their approach, course structure, and teaching philosophy.
Choosing between PADI and SSI can be difficult, so it is worth taking a look at the key differences between these two organizations.
It is worth mentioning that in addition to choosing a diving organization, in my opinion the most important issue is choosing the right Instructor.
We will also discuss what an Instructor should be like.
What is PADI?
PADI is the largest and most recognizable diving organization in the world.
It was founded in 1966 and has issued millions of diving certificates since then.
PADI is present in over 180 countries, making it the most global diving organization.
PADI programs are standardized worldwide, meaning that regardless of where you do your course, you will receive the same high level of training.
Advantages of the PADI courses:
- Global recognition: PADI certifications are accepted worldwide, giving divers greater freedom in choosing where to dive.
- Standardized Training: PADI training programs are standardized, ensuring a consistent level of education worldwide.
- Wide availability of courses: PADI offers a wide range of courses, from the basic Open Water Diver, through advanced training, to instructor courses that are the most recognized in the world.
- Better Wreck course. It is not split into two courses.
- More understandable course hierarchy. Students better understand the structure of what courses to do to develop.
- Any instructor can confirm the dive in the electronic Logbook.
Instructor from each diving federation. - More dives in some diving courses, e.g. Deep Diver.
- For the PADI Instructor. First, it is easier to find employment.
PADI is more recognizable in the world.
Secondly, it is easy to move to any diving organization in the world.
Thirdly, a PADI instructor can be an independent instructor.
What is SSI?
SSI is the second largest diving organization in the world, founded in 1970.
Like PADI, it offers a wide range of diving courses that are accepted worldwide.
SSI is distinguished by a more flexible approach to teaching and a greater focus on the individual needs of the student.
Advantages of the SSI courses:
- Flexible approach to teaching: SSI instructors have more freedom to adapt the curriculum to the needs of the student, which can be beneficial for those who prefer a more personalized approach.
- Lower costs: SSI courses are often slightly less expensive than PADI courses, which can be attractive to those on a budget.Lower costs: SSI courses are often slightly less expensive than PADI courses, which can be attractive to those on a budget.
- Very good SSI application. The SSI application has one of the best electronic LOGBOOKs I have seen.
The application has a lot of different diving tools, e.g. tables, the best GAS mix, etc. - A lot of languages. Elearning has all languages for each specialization course which is very important these days.
Everyone can learn theory at home before the course. - SSI sometimes offers free courses. Sometimes SSI gives us access to the theory of a course and we only have to pay to dive the course.
- SSI awards for the number of dives and subsequent courses. SSI awards for Logging dives and subsequent courses which motivates individuals to dive and develop as a diver.
- For the SSI Instructor. First, lower annual fees.
Second, the instructor receives points for each certificate issued.
The points can be exchanged for an annual fee or at the SSI store.
Third, one annual fee for all instructor certificates and levels.
Disadvantages of PADI courses:
Disadvantages of SSI courses:
- Strict course structure: PADI has strict procedures that must be followed during courses.
This may be a limitation for those who prefer a more flexible approach to learning - Higher Costs: PADI courses can be slightly more expensive compared to other organizations.
- Lack of language availability. Sometimes there is no Polish language for some diving specializations or no instructional videos in Polish.
- For PADI Instructor. Firstly, higher fees.
Secondly, not all languages are available for specialization.
- Less Recognition: Although SSI certifications are accepted worldwide, they may not be as recognizable as those issued by PADI, which may be an issue in some less popular dive locations.
- Fewer Dive Centers: In some regions of the world, it may be harder to find SSI dive centers compared to PADI.
- Only an SSI instructor or SSI dive center can approve the confirmation of logged dives.
Sometimes there are other dive centers in the area and we cannot approve our dives. - For SSI Instructor. First and foremost, the Instructor must be assigned to an SSI center and cannot work alone.
Second, there is no possibility of moving to PADI as an Instructor after the so-called crossover.
PADI vs SSI Diving Course and Choosing the Right Instructor:
Let’s start with the fact that choosing the right instructor and diving center is much more important than choosing PADI or SSI.
The number of dives for a given course offered by the diving center is important.
It is also important that before signing up for the course you ask exactly how many dives there are in the course and who will be your instructor and how big the group will be on your course.
Who will train you is much more important than the organization itself.
A good instructor, apart from having great experience and passion for diving, should be very patient.
No one would want to train with a nervous instructor.
Choosing a good instructor is crucial, you can talk to the instructor, ask about their experience, check other people’s opinions, for example Google reviews.
Some instructors specialize in a given type of diving, for example Sidemount.
Don’t be afraid to ask the instructor to show the instructor certificate of a given diving federation.
After all, we need to be sure who we are training with.
In our diving center in Tenerife, we attach great importance to diving courses, you can see our offer here.
The courses are conducted by very experienced instructors in small groups, which gives you the opportunity to practice your skills to perfection, all in a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere.
We change diving locations to gain experience in different diving conditions.
PADI vs SSI Diving Course - what to choose - summary
Choosing between PADI vs SSI mainly depends on your personal preferences, budget, and diving plans.
If you plan to dive mostly in touristy areas or want to make sure your certification is recognized worldwide, PADI may be the better choice.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a more flexible approach to learning and a slightly lower cost, SSI may be the right option.
It is also worth paying attention to instructors and diving centers.
Who will train you is often more important than the organization itself.
A good instructor, regardless of whether he is certified by PADI or SSI, can provide high quality training and make your first steps in diving safe and enjoyable.
If you would like to do your course with the best diving center in Tenerife, where the weather is all year round, or you have additional questions about the article, please contact us.
I hope I have helped you decide at least a little in choosing your course.
Remember that the instructor plays the biggest role in your course and that diving must be fun above all.
FAQs Frequently Asked Questions:
There is no single answer.
The most important thing is to choose a good Instructor.
It is absolutely possible to move from one diving federation to another.
You can do the SSI Open Water course and then the Advanced Diver course in PADI and vice versa.
In Tenerife we have excellent weather all year round.
And the best places for diving courses.