Need help regarding Certification!

[Jaymaxpax]

Hi everyone,

I need a little help here. I know that PADI certification is internationally recognised and probably one of the more recognised certifications. But has anyone heard of SSI ( scuba schools international ) ?

Is it also a kind of certification and how recognised is it?
I've been searching for schools in Singapore and found out that http://www.dolphinscuba.com.sg offers courses a lot cheaper than other companies. Could it be something to do with not being PADI?

Thanks!

 

[El Orans]

SSI is fine.

http://www.ssiusa.com/

BTW, welcome (Scub)aBoard! :happywave

 

[Marek K]

Hi, and welcome!

Yes, SSI is just fine. A smaller organization than PADI, but certifications are recognized worldwide just like PADI's.

If you've got a few hours to kill, do a search here using "SSI*" (with the asterisk, because you apparently need at least four characters for a search).

If this place offers significantly cheaper certifications than PADI in the same area, it's not because of the agency...

--Marek

 

[Jaymaxpax]

Yeah the search function defintely helps alot.

It's amazing how active and full of friendly people this forum is.

Thanks guys!

 

[Web Monkey]

SSI is just fine. They're just not as noisy as PADI and don't do as much marketing.

One thing you should check on is what the price covers. Some shops charge seperately for the class, the OW dives, the books, etc., while others combine all the charges. Others do it cheaper by shortening the class.

(I'm about to stir up a hornet's nest)
See how long they say it takes for you to get certified. If they tell you "2 days", find another shop. There's just too much stuff to learn in 2 days. Traditionally, OW SCUBA classes were done over 7 or 8 days of Class/Pool work. Many places have gradually reduced this, and some now do it in 2 or 2.5 days, which is (in my opinion) way too short.

While most people take the class thinking the end-result is a C-Card, the end result you really want is for you to be proficient and comfortable in the water.

Terry

Hi everyone,

I need a little help here. I know that PADI certification is internationally recognised and probably one of the more recognised certifications. But has anyone heard of SSI ( scuba schools international ) ?

Is it also a kind of certification and how recognised is it?
I've been searching for schools in Singapore and found out that http://www.dolphinscuba.com.sg offers courses a lot cheaper than other companies. Could it be something to do with not being PADI?

Thanks!

 

[Walter]

Don't let recognition sway you. Any class you find will be through a recognized agency. I'd be wary of a cheaper course, you often get what you pay for.

Often a better course is available through colleges, universities, YMCAs and independent instructors than through shops. Pressure to rush you through the course is missing, so you usually get a better class as a result. There are some questions you need to ask to find a good course.

Look here.

 

[Jaymaxpax]

Hi Web Monkey
I have checked with them and they said no hidden costs whatsoever and they do appear genuine.


I've got another problem now though. One of my friend, who learned diving a few years ago, just told me then he thinks he remembers something about SSI not being recognised in the US or Europe or something along that line. Can anyone help to verify this?

The last thing I want is a cert not widely recognised. :huh:

 

[ScubaMike05]

Good luck getting certified! SSI is known in the US and you shoudl be fine.

 

[Jaymaxpax]

Thanks for the reply Walter...

Those are some great questions that Ill take into consideration.

 

[ScubaMike05]

Often a better course is available through colleges, universities, YMCAs and independent instructors than through shops. Pressure to rush you through the course is missing, so you usually get a better class as a result. There are some questions you need to ask to find a good course.

I'd like to echo that because I took AOW and Rescue through the University. I got a whole semester of theory and pool dives to help my technique.

Helped out a lot!