If you have been toying with the idea of getting scuba certified, you’ve probably heard terms like “PADI dive ticket” or PADI open water and this is because PADI has done a fantastic job at marketing themselves and is one of the most recognizable scuba certification agencies in the world.
The Professional Association of Diving Instructors, AKA, PADI is available pretty much anywhere you can dive. If you have your PADI cert it will be recognized around the world, and its training system is polished, structured, and designed to support continued progression as a diver.
However, when you decide to pull the trigger PADI is ready to take your money, in order to receive the course and materials they require everything upfront, so it’s worth understanding the total cost before committing.
SSI, or Scuba School international, is another major certification agency and has been one of the fastest-growing agencies worldwide, they by far have the best app and e-learning platform. In most cases SSI will give you free access to digital learning materials before you commit to the full course to see whether the program suits you.
You might have also seen other agencies like NAUI, BSAC, SDI etc… Most major recreational diving agencies follow either standards established by the WRSTC (World Recreational Scuba Training Council) or the ISO (International Organization of standardization) This means their knowledge requirements, safety practices, and in-water skills are very similar to each other.
Don’t feel like the choice you make today has to be a lifelong commitment, as you gain experience and want to expand your dive knowledge, you can switch between agencies. For example, if you decide to take your open water with PADI and then your advanced open water with SSI, both of the certs will be recognized everywhere. (just always double check with the dive center)
As both a PADI and SSI instructor I will be 100% honest with you, the agency you chose matters less than the instructor who teaches you.
A passionate, experienced instructor who takes the time to explain concepts, build your confidence and help you develop strong skills, will make your certification worth it no matter the logo on the back of your cert.