There are plenty of scuba certification agencies out there—PADI, SSI, NAUI, RAID, CMAS, TDI, and SDI, to name a few. While the numbers can vary, it's safe to say PADI leads the pack, certifying around 60% to 75% of divers worldwide, with over 25 million certifications since 2017. Chances are, you'll dive alongside someone who was certified by a different agency, and they'll probably insist theirs is the best. In this article, we’re diving into the two most popular contenders: PADI and SSI.
On the surface, PADI and SSI scuba certifications are quite similar, but there are some key differences that could make one a better fit for you. Both offer safe, reliable training, are recognized globally, and are regulated by the World Recreational Scuba Training Council. Let’s explore what sets them apart so you can make an informed choice!
What are their origins?
PADI = Professional Association of Diving Instructors In 1966 John Cronin and Ralph Erickson decided to break away from NAUI (then the biggest training organization) to create their own scuba school known as PADI. They thought that it would be better to break down the curriculum into more "digestible modules" thus making it easier for the students to learn and retain the knowledge.
SSIÂ = Scuba Schools International Just 4 years later in 1970 Robert Clark, one of the pioneers of scuba diver training, created SSI which is the first to offer a full teaching curriculum.
SIMILARITIES | PADIÂ | SSIÂ |
Is the open water certification for life? | Yes | Yes |
Open water certification max depth | 18 m/60 ft | 18 m/60 ft |
Certification accepted worldwide? | Yes | Yes |
App where you can log dives and have access to your credentials? | Yes | Yes |
Online database access to check certification? | Yes | Yes |
Lifetime access to digital learning materials | Yes | Yes |
Follow international standards outlined by the World Recreational Training Council (WRSTC) | Yes | Yes |
Let's discuss some of the differences.
Instructor Flexibility:
PADI: The curriculum is set in stone, with no room for personalization.
SSI: Instructors have the freedom to add extra info and tailor the lessons to your needs.
PADI: Skills must be mastered in a specific order.
SSI: You can skip a tricky skill, move on to another, then come back when you're ready.
PADI: Instructors can freelance at multiple dive centers.
SSI: Instructors are tied to one specific dive center.
Underwater Techniques:
The way you're taught to handle certain situations can vary greatly between agencies.
PADI: In an "out of air" scenario, you’re taught to grab your buddy’s alternate regulator.
SSI: You’re trained to reach for your buddy's primary air source—the one they're currently using.
The SSI method is based on the instinct that an out-of-air diver will naturally go for the nearest air source. It's crucial to know these differences, especially when diving with a new buddy.
Course Costs:
Certification Card: Both agencies offer a digital card, but PADI charges extra for a physical card, while SSI includes it in the course cost. PADI also gives you a temporary card to use until your physical card arrives, whereas SSI can issue a physical card immediately after you finish the course.
Course Materials: With SSI, course materials are free but only available online. PADI requires payment (included in the course fee) whether you opt for online access or a physical book.
Certification Levels:
The names of certification levels differ between agencies, so make sure you know what you're signing up for. If you plan on mixing courses from PADI and SSI, be aware that "crossing over" can be easier with SSI. With PADI, it’s a bit more challenging to meet crossover requirements.
Leveling Up:
PADI: Experience isn’t as important—you can take one course after another without needing to log dives in between.
SSI: To move up the ranks, you need to log a certain number of dives to show your experience.
Training Path:
PADI: The path is straightforward—start with Open Water, then Advanced Open Water, followed by Specialty courses, and finally Rescue Diver. To reach Master Scuba Diver, you’ll need Rescue Diver, 5 Specialties, and 50 logged dives. Bonus: since 2017, there’s no application fee for the Master Scuba Diver rating.
SSI: The focus is on Specialty courses after Open Water. The Advanced Adventurer course is similar to PADI's Advanced Open Water, but to earn Advanced Open Water status with SSI, you’ll need 4 Specialties and 24 logged dives. SSI automatically awards this and other milestones like Master Diver (4 Specialties + Diver Stress and Rescue + 50 dives) and Century Diver (100 logged dives) without any extra fees. They even have Silver and Gold ratings for 300 and 500 logged dives, respectively.
If you are interested in doing either PADI or SSI certification be sure to contact us!
For certification pricing visit - Learn to Dive
Happy and safe diving from Scuba Dave Mexico!
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