If you are interested in becoming certified in open water scuba diving, you may be wondering about the different brands and courses that are available. You have many options when it comes to this type of course. You can choose to get certified with SSI or PADI. It is best to wait several years if you are just starting scuba diving. It is essential that you have the right equipment to be able to dive.
PADI
PADI open water diving certification will allow you to have many options for your diving vacation. You can either dive in the local waters, or you could explore the great Barrier Reef or Belize Blue Hole. This certification costs anywhere from $350-$500, depending on where it is learned. For example, you can take private lessons for about three hours and then join a dive tour with a PADI instructor for the remainder of the trip.
SSI
SSI is the most recognised and largest scuba certification organization in the world. Through hard training and ongoing education, its philosophy is to make competent divers. As a result, there are a variety of SSI certification options. One option is SSI Autonomous Diver, which provides the most thorough introductory training. The course is also offered in a digital format. Register for a student package or the lifetime diamond package to get started.
SSI eLearning
It is important to think about what you desire from your PADI or SSI open-water scuba certification. PADI courses require you to follow a set curriculum. This makes it difficult to modify the pace of learning. SSI courses let you adapt the course to suit your schedule and time in the water. This is a great option if you are looking to get your certification while you're on vacation.
SSI courses
PADI and SSI have a lot in common, but what makes them different? Both companies require that you order course materials in advance. PADI courses are available in a book format. SSI courses, however, can be accessed online. The difference lies in the materials. PADI courses often have a longer curriculum, and may require more adventure divers than SSI. PADI courses often require more adventure diving than SSI, so make sure to familiarize yourself with all the options before choosing a training facility.
SSI Classes
SSI has a strong reputation for producing high-quality training materials. SSI's open water scuba classes can help you get a certification, or simply learn more about diving. The SSI Digital Training System includes apps that allow you to log your dives, track your progress, and view your qualifications from the palm of your hand.
Additional certifications for divers
Some people may be curious about whether other open-water scuba certifications can be used to replace yours. While there are many training agencies and bodies that award diving qualifications, the table below provides a rough guide for those seeking to gain a similar certification. These guides are based upon maximum air depth. Some grades can go deeper with additional training. These maximum depth guidelines are only for air and may not be considered definitive.