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. Luckily, there are several options for this type of course. You can either become certified with SSI (or PADI). Scuba gear should be purchased after you have been scuba diving for a while. You will use it 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 choose either to dive in your home city or to explore the Great Barrier Reef and Belize Blue Hole. This certification can cost anywhere from $350-$500 depending on the location you are learning. 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 is the world's largest and most widely recognized scuba certification organization. Its goal is to produce competent divers through rigorous training programs and ongoing education. There are several SSI certification options. The SSI Autonomous Diver Program offers the best introductory training. You can also take the course online. Get started by signing up for either the lifetime "diamond" or student package.
SSI eLearning
It is important that you think about your expectations when choosing between SSI or PADI open water scuba certifications. PADI courses adhere to a strict curriculum which makes it difficult for students to adjust their learning pace. 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 have a lot of things in common. But what makes them different? Both companies require advance purchase of course materials. PADI courses come in a paper book format, while SSI courses are online. The difference lies in the materials. PADI courses have a more extensive curriculum, and they often require more adventure dives than SSI courses. You will also need to be more comfortable with PADI courses than SSI courses.
SSI classes
SSI has a strong reputation for producing high-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 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
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. These guides assume maximum air depth. Certain grades may require additional training to go deeper. Please note that these maximum depth guides are only estimates and not final.