If you're interested in scuba diving and want to become certified, there are many brands and courses available. There are many options available for this type course. You have the option to become certified with SSI and PADI. You should wait until you're more experienced in scuba diving before you purchase scuba gear. This is because you will be diving with it.
PADI
After earning a PADI open water scuba certification, you'll have a variety of options for your diving vacation. You have the option to dive in a city's waters or explore the natural world like the Belize Blue Hole and Australia's Great Barrier Reef. You can expect to pay anywhere from $350-$500 depending upon where you learn. A private lesson can last approximately three hours. After that, you can join a PADI instructor and go on a dive with the instructor for the remaining time.
SSI
SSI, the largest and most well-respected scuba certification organisation in the world, is SSI. Through rigorous training and continuing education programs, SSI's mission is to develop competent divers. There are several SSI certification options. One option is SSI Autonomous Diver, which provides the most thorough introductory training. This course can also be offered digitally. Sign up now for the free student package and the lifetime "diamond” package to get started.
SSI eLearning
It is important that you think about your expectations when choosing between SSI or PADI open water scuba certifications. PADI courses follow a rigid curriculum that makes it difficult to change the pace of your study. SSI courses allow you to adapt the course to your needs and your time in the water, which is beneficial if you want to complete the certification while on vacation.
SSI courses
PADI and SSI are very similar, but what is the difference? Both companies require advance purchase of course materials. PADI courses are in a hardcover book format while SSI classes can be accessed online. The difference lies in the materials. PADI courses have a more extensive curriculum, and they often require more adventure dives than SSI courses. PADI courses also require more adventure dives than SSI courses, so you need to make sure that you're comfortable with the different options before choosing a training center.
SSI Classes
SSI is known for its 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 features apps that allow you log your dives, track and review your progress, as well as view your qualifications right from your mobile device.
Additional certifications for divers
You may wonder if other open water scuba certifications are equivalent to yours. While there are many agencies and bodies that give diving certifications, the following table provides a rough guideline for those looking to get a similar certification. These guides assume maximum air depth. Certain grades may require additional training to go deeper. The maximum depth guides listed here are only indicative and not definitive.