Going from SSI to PADI

[STaB]

Hi,

I have an SSI Open Water certification. I am planing a trip to Thailand/Malaysia and I am having difficulties to find SSI dive centers in every location I plan to dive, whereas PADI centers seem to be everywhere.

So, I inquired to a dive center to ask if I could take the PADI equivalent without having to do the full course again. The answer was quite vague but they suggested that I take my PADI advanced course as I could do that with my SSI certification. I was quite surprised by this possibility. This dive center is apparently both a PADI and an SSI center so maybe that's what makes it possible ?

Do you have any information on switching from SSI to PADI without doing everything again ?
Do you think I have any chance to dive in a PADI center with an SSI certification ?

Thanks in advance for the input.

Cheers,
Xavier

 

[spectrum]

You should be fine.

Reciprocal recognition is pretty standard stuff within the major agencies especially those in the WRSTC.

The only common hitch is the required number of dives such as SSI requires. In your case you are going from SSI to PADI so that issue isn't even on the table.

Pete

 

[fisherdvm]

My LDS said that they are not interchangeable. When I went to PADI website, it said that it is. So when I referred to the website, the LDS admitted that the two programs are interchageable.

 

[mheaster]

You should be able to dive with ANY reputable LDS with a C Card.

You don't need to cross over or do any additional training to dive with a shop.

You may need additional certifications (Advanced) for deeper or more challenging dives but they should recognize and allow follow on training with your SDI OW C Card.

If they balk, find a new LDS!

Just my 2 psi worth

 

[Marek K]

What they all said. You will have no problems diving at a PADI facility with an SSI qualification. Nor would you have a problem going the other way.

Ah, now I understand... you asked your local PADI/SSI facility about this, and they tried to sell you a PADI Advanced Open Water course before you go. right?

Nice try on their part. There may be good reasons for you to want AOW, but being able to dive at a PADI facility isn't one of them.

And welcomez-vous to ScubaBoard! ( Sorry... French isn't one of my languages...)
--Marek

 

[NorCalDawg]

Hi,

I have an SSI Open Water certification. I am planing a trip to Thailand/Malaysia and I am having difficulties to find SSI dive centers in every location I plan to dive, whereas PADI centers seem to be everywhere.

So, I inquired to a dive center to ask if I could take the PADI equivalent without having to do the full course again. The answer was quite vague but they suggested that I take my PADI advanced course as I could do that with my SSI certification. I was quite surprised by this possibility. This dive center is apparently both a PADI and an SSI center so maybe that's what makes it possible ?

Do you have any information on switching from SSI to PADI without doing everything again ?
Do you think I have any chance to dive in a PADI center with an SSI certification ?

Thanks in advance for the input.

Cheers,
Xavier

You don't need to switch, regardless of where you dive. Your SSI card allows you to dive anywhere.... it doesn't matter if the dive centers are PADI or not, you could be certified by anybody and you get international recognition. The only reason they say they are a PADI center is because they TEACH PADI material. But they take divers from any agency diving with them. No reason to switch.

 

[diverdown247]

+1 Marek!

The ONLY way they are not interchangable is through the Universal Referral Program. SSI may require more OW dives for a particular cert than PADI does, though this may not always hold true.

You should not need to spend the money on a crossover unless you simply think you need it. In fact, I have been informed by a local PADI facility that they will recognize all of SSI's requirements for going pro, provided they meet PADI's minimum requirements. The same has been said for Master Diver rating (non-pro).

That dive operation you spoke with actually answered your question without you realizing it in a "sales pitch": "The answer was quite vague but they suggested that I take my PADI advanced course as I could do that with my SSI certification." Of course your SSI cert is recognized...same RSTC standards.

 

[Marek K]

Marek!

The ONLY way they are not interchangable is through the Universal Referral Program. SSI may require more OW dives for a particular cert than PADI does, though this may not always hold true.

Yeah, I didn't want to get into crossovers and URP, which mainly (only, doesn't it?) kicks in when you're doing OW qualification dives with another agency. We went through that with our daughter, SSI->PADI. :shakehead URP ain't. Ain't that universal, that is.

But I don't think that was the issue here. As you noticed, I think Xavier's LDS was trying to sell him an AOW course.

What are you doing on-line at 05:30? Oh yeah, I forgot... the U.S. went to DST two weeks ago, and we haven't here yet. It's as late as 06:30 where you are!

--Marek

 

[Walter]

Xavier,

Your post isn't very clear, but if all you want to do is dive, this isn't an issue.

 

[shotthebreeze]

If you're certified, you're certified. I'm sure your SSI card is acceptable anywhere. Afterall, PADI, SSI and all of the others have the same requirements for certification. I would check the "Asia" forum on Scubaboard and ask around there if anyone has had problems. Someone may be able to help you, but I'm sure you're good with your SSI card. Don't go wasting money on a PADI course if you're not interested in it. Best of luck!