FloridaMan
Registered
This maybe opening a can of worms, but I am curious on everyone's view of PADI's Advanced Open Water and SSI's Advanced Open Water?
It is my understanding that SSI's AOW is more involved, giving you 4 full specialties. It's also my understanding that PADI's AOW is more akin to SSI's lower class of adventure diver. Also where I am at in FL, the PADI AOW can be done for the same price as the SSI AOW. I am leaning toward the SSI because it seems to be more bang for your buck, I get more training for the same money. Also the money saving with SSI adds up more when you look at Nitrox. I can get Nitrox certified in an SSI advanced program and not have to pay any extra. If I wanted to get AOW and Nitrox with PADI, it would be an additional amount for the Nitrox. I am curious what do you think the pluses and minuses of the SSI AOW vs the PADI AOW? Am I wrong in think SSI AOW would give me more "bang" for my buck?
The main reason why I am looking at doing AOW is to improve and widen my skill set under the supervision of an instructor. I am not looking to go pro or anything, but I do think it maybe cool to get dive master one day. (This seems to be a long term plus with SSI, you can hold dive master without paying an organization money) Also I want to build my skills so that I can help teach my 8 and 9 year old boys when they get old enough to get certified. Since I am not looking to go pro, it seems that any issues of PADI vs SSI on the professional side would not really factor into any decision I make.
Any input is appreciated, thank you.
It is my understanding that SSI's AOW is more involved, giving you 4 full specialties. It's also my understanding that PADI's AOW is more akin to SSI's lower class of adventure diver. Also where I am at in FL, the PADI AOW can be done for the same price as the SSI AOW. I am leaning toward the SSI because it seems to be more bang for your buck, I get more training for the same money. Also the money saving with SSI adds up more when you look at Nitrox. I can get Nitrox certified in an SSI advanced program and not have to pay any extra. If I wanted to get AOW and Nitrox with PADI, it would be an additional amount for the Nitrox. I am curious what do you think the pluses and minuses of the SSI AOW vs the PADI AOW? Am I wrong in think SSI AOW would give me more "bang" for my buck?
The main reason why I am looking at doing AOW is to improve and widen my skill set under the supervision of an instructor. I am not looking to go pro or anything, but I do think it maybe cool to get dive master one day. (This seems to be a long term plus with SSI, you can hold dive master without paying an organization money) Also I want to build my skills so that I can help teach my 8 and 9 year old boys when they get old enough to get certified. Since I am not looking to go pro, it seems that any issues of PADI vs SSI on the professional side would not really factor into any decision I make.
Any input is appreciated, thank you.