
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. There are many options available for this type course. There are two options for getting certified: SSI or PADI. If you are new to diving, it is best to wait for a few years before buying scuba equipment. This is because you will be diving with it.
PADI
Once you have your PADI open-water scuba certification, there are many options available for your diving vacation. You can choose to dive in the waters of a local city, or you can choose to explore natural sites such as the Belize Blue Hole or Australia's Great Barrier Reef. This certification can cost anywhere from $350-$500 depending on the location you are learning. You can, for example, take private lessons lasting about three hours. Then join a PADI instructor-led dive tour for the rest of the trip.

SSI
SSI is the most recognised and largest scuba certification organization in the world. Its philosophy is to create capable divers through rigorous training and ongoing educational programs. There are several SSI certification options. One option is the SSI Autonomous Diver program, which offers the most comprehensive introductory training. The course is also available in digital format. Sign up now for the free student package and the lifetime "diamond” package to get started.
SSI eLearning
You should consider your goals when choosing between SSI and PADI open water scuba certifications. PADI courses have a strict curriculum, making it difficult to adjust the pace of your studies. SSI courses make it possible to customize the course to meet your needs.
SSI courses
PADI & SSI may have a lot to share, but how are they different? Both require that you purchase course materials in advance. PADI courses are in a hardcover book format while SSI classes can be accessed online. The difference lies in the materials. PADI courses are more detailed and often require more adventure diving than SSI. The PADI course requires more adventure diving than SSI courses. Before you choose a training center, make sure you are familiar with all options.
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.

Other certifications for scuba divers
It is possible to wonder if there are any other open water certifications that you can use. Although there are many certification bodies and training agencies that can award diving qualifications, this table will give you a rough guide to help you find a comparable certification. These guides are based at maximum air depth. However, some grades may be deeper with more training. Also, the maximum depth guides provided here are only for guidance and are not intended to be definitive.