PADI vs SSI Dive Master cert

[Robwho??]

Now that I am getting back into diving and am a little older and have more time and financial freedom, I am looking at working towards my Master Diver certification. I have both a PADI and SSI LDS where I live. My original certification from way back when is through NAUI. I'd like to hear opinions and which you all think is better between the two. Pro's, con's, etc for picking one over the other. Thanks in advance.

 

[wetb4igetinthewater]

Master Diver between the two agencies is basically the same thing. One is free (SSI).

 

[Ukmc]

First of all, there is a big difference between Divemaster (your title) and master diver (body of your post).
Secondly, SSI master diver is not a “cert”, it is a recognition after doing so many dives and taking so many courses.
Finally, SSI master diver is not free - it is included in the price of all the courses you take

 

[boulderjohn]

If I were in your situation, I would scout the area, identify the professionals you feel like working with the most, and build a relationship. What happens in the world-wide agency will not make a bit of difference. Your local dive professionals may include a real gem of an instructor or instructors you will mesh well with, and if so, the agency is unimportant.

 

[divingdayz]

Both agencies' certifications are basically the same. It's just a recognisation that you have completed further training and logged a certain number of dives. Go to both dive centres where you live and see where you get the best feeling. That is probably the best choice then.

 

[$cubach!ck]

Following. PADI center in my area closed and I am curious if I can use my PADI certs to qualify for Master diver with another agency,

 

[tridacna]

Following. PADI center in my area closed and I am curious if I can use my PADI certs to qualify for Master diver with another agency,

“Master Diver” is a meaningless mumbo jumbo marketing title. It confers no status or meaning. If you want to become a Dive Master, your question is relevant.

 

[rhwestfall]

Just for clarity to someone coming across this in the future, the statements being made are about PADI and SSI, and are not reflective to the NAUI Master Diver certification...

 

[boulderjohn]

“Master Diver” is a meaningless mumbo jumbo marketing title. It confers no status or meaning. If you want to become a Dive Master, your question is relevant.

The Master Diver certification was created as an incentive for people to take more training. It was modeled after the Star Scout rank in Boy Scouts, which you achieve when you get 5 merit badges.

My stack of certification cards is measured at just under 2 inches, but I don't qualify for the Master Diver certification. That is because the direction of that learning took me in other directions (technical diving and instruction.)

 

[tridacna]

The Master Diver certification was created as an incentive for people to take more training. It was modeled after the Star Scout rank in Boy Scouts, which you achieve when you get 5 merit badges.

Like I said...