PADI is the Professional Association of Diving Instructors, while that the acronym SSI correspond to the International Diving Schools (Scuba Schools International).
Differences
Below, we tell you the aspects in which both certifications differ so that you can get started in this exciting sport with all the necessary information in your pocket.
| PADI | SSI | |
| Price | Higher prices. | Much cheaper courses. |
| Popularity | It is the most internationally recognized. | It is not so well known but it is valid throughout the world. |
| Teaching form | Strict, the instructor must adhere to the order and content of the courses. | Flexible, the instructor can change the order of the syllabus or add information. |
| Online learning | With additional cost and lasts one year. | Free and without expiration. |
| Teaching materials | You have to buy the material. | The material can be borrowed or purchased online. |
| Quality control | The instructor can teach the course independently. | The instructor teaches the course through a diving school. |
| Certifications | You receive the card by regular mail. Meanwhile, you will have a temporary one. | You get the card instantly in the app. |
You may be wondering, "Do I What difference does it make to me if the instructor is part of a school or not?" Well, on the one hand, if the instructor is regulated by a diving school or center, you can be more certain that what you are learning is correct.
But if, for example, you have an instructor friend with a PADI qualification, you can go on your own and have him give you classes. Open Water Diver without needing the support of a school.
Are these diving courses reliable?
Of course! Both agencies have quality courses, with professional instructors and good materials. In addition, they have been training prepared divers for more than 50 years.
Both meet high standards based on years of research on diving and its different practices. It is these standards that make both certificationsrecognized worldwide.
Furthermore, it is important that you are clear that if you have taken the Open Water Diver with PADI, you can do the Advanced with SSI or vice versa, since both agencies recognize the levels lower than the one you are going to take, regardless of where you have taken it. .
| Validation table | |
| PADI | SSI |
| Open Water Diver | Open Water Diver |
| Advanced Open Water Diver | Advanced Adventurer |
| Discover Scuba Diving | Basic Diver |
| Scuba Diver | Scuba Diver |
| Rescue Diver | Diver Stress & Rescue |
| Divemaster | Master Diver |
| Open Water Scuba Instructor | Open Water Scuba Instructor |
| Assistant Instructor | Associate Instructor |
If you take a look at our website, you can find a wide variety of courses from different agencies. Choose the one you like the most, whether it's close to you or in your favorite area.
So, what is the best certification?
We have a clear winner: SSI courses are much more accurate. Especially in relation to quality/price.
Despite the great popularity of its opponent, these courses will allow you to learn at your own pace, without necessarily having to follow an order. If you get stuck, you can skip to the next exercise and come back later. You will also have the application on your mobile phone for as long as you want, with access to educational content and your diver's license. These courses, being less known, have more affordable prices for students.
And, since both are equally valid internationally, you won't have to worry about not being allowed to dive in different places around the world.
If you want to be a professional instructor, the PADI certification is better due to its greater popularity and that you will be able to teach courses independently.
On the other hand, if what you want is to specialize in diving but not be an instructor, the SSI certification will allow you to do so in a less strict, cheaper and more accessible way.
But, without a doubt, what you always have to remember is that what makes the difference between a good course and a bad one is not the diving agency, but the instructor!
