There are many courses and brands available for open water diving certification. Luckily, there are several options for this type of course. You can choose to get certified with SSI or PADI. Scuba gear should be purchased after you have been scuba diving for a while. Because you will use the gear to dive,
PADI
You'll be able to choose from a wide range of diving options once you have earned your PADI open water certification. You can either dive in the local waters, or you could explore the great Barrier Reef or Belize Blue Hole. You can expect to pay anywhere from $350-$500 depending upon where you learn. For example, you could take private lessons for three hours and then join a PADI instructor on a dive trip for the remainder.
SSI
SSI is the most recognised and largest scuba certification organization in the world. Through rigorous training and continuing education programs, SSI's mission is to develop competent divers. There are many SSI certification options. One option is the SSI Autonomous Diver program, which offers the most comprehensive introductory training. This course can also be offered digitally. Get started by signing up for either the lifetime "diamond" or student package.
SSI eLearning
When choosing between a PADI and SSI open water scuba certification, it's important to consider what you want from the course. PADI courses follow a rigid curriculum that makes it difficult to change the pace of your study. 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 & SSI may have a lot to share, but how are they different? Both companies require that you order course materials in advance. PADI courses come as a printed book, while SSI courses can be accessed online. The difference lies in how you use the materials. PADI courses often have a longer curriculum, and may require more adventure divers than SSI. 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 has a solid reputation for providing quality training materials. Whether you're looking for a certification or just want to learn more about diving, SSI's open water scuba courses can help you achieve both goals. The SSI Digital Training System has apps that let you log dives, track your progress and view your certifications from your smartphone.
Other certifications for scuba divers
It is possible to wonder if there are any other open water certifications that you can use. There are many bodies and training agencies that offer diving certifications. The table below is a guideline for those who want to obtain a similar certification. Note that these guides are based on maximum air depth, and some grades may go deeper with additional training. The maximum depth guides listed here are only indicative and not definitive.