Nitrox training SSI vs PADI??

[DiveMaven]

My DH and I want to get our Nitrox certifications. PADI requires 2 dives for EAN certification, whereas SSI requires no dives. I've heard many people comment that the required PADI dives are worthless since learning Nitrox is about the classwork, not the dives.

The appeal of no required dives is mostly about the cost of the certification (SSI is about 1/2), but I don't want to short change us on training. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Bobby]

My DH and I want to get our Nitrox certifications. PADI requires 2 dives for EAN certification, whereas SSI requires no dives. I've heard many people comment that the required PADI dives are worthless since learning Nitrox is about the classwork, not the dives.

The appeal of no required dives is mostly about the cost of the certification (SSI is about 1/2), but I don't want to short change us on training. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

The reason that PADI requires two dives is not for the dives themselves but instead to ensure that the student has gone through the process of analyzing and properly marking the cylinders with mixture, mod, etc. If it is all class room or on the internet you may not get that training and experience which is important. Not to say the SSI class would not give it to you, I do not teach SSI so I do not know thier standards.

Bobby

 

[triscu]

My DH and I want to get our Nitrox certifications. PADI requires 2 dives for EAN certification, whereas SSI requires no dives. I've heard many people comment that the required PADI dives are worthless since learning Nitrox is about the classwork, not the dives.

The appeal of no required dives is mostly about the cost of the certification (SSI is about 1/2), but I don't want to short change us on training. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

I'm an SSI and PADI Nitrox Instructor, as well as an IANDT Divemaster, certified at the IANTD Deep, Nitrox, Advanced Nitrox, and Blending levels...so I hope you take this seriously...not taking the dives means not being exposed to the actual gas analysis, real world calculations, and other questions that can come up once you start your dives...with an experienced person, learning on-site "differences" between the class and the real world can make all the difference is making you a good and knowledgeable nitrox-certified diver and just being book-smart... I think it is similar to learning anything from the book and then trying your hand at it...don't short yourself...take the 2 dives...good luck and safe diving no matter which you choose...

 

[Dr. Doug Ebersole]

I'm an SSI and PADI Nitrox Instructor, as well as an IANDT Divemaster, certified at the IANTD Deep, Nitrox, Advanced Nitrox, and Blending levels...so I hope you take this seriously...not taking the dives means not being exposed to the actual gas analysis, real world calculations, and other questions that can come up once you start your dives...with an experienced person, learning on-site "differences" between the class and the real world can make all the difference is making you a good and knowledgeable nitrox-certified diver and just being book-smart... I think it is similar to learning anything from the book and then trying your hand at it...don't short yourself...take the 2 dives...good luck and safe diving no matter which you choose...

I agree entirely with Triscu. I'm an SSI Nitrox instructor and an IANTD Advanced Nitrox instructor. The course contents are similar and, while not required, SSI does recommend two nitrox dives as well for the reasons mentioned in the other posts. You need experience with analyzing your mix, etc. I would take which ever course you want but would highly recommend making at least two dives with "supervision" of your gas analysis, etc. before considering yourself "certified".

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

Likewise ... as a NAUI instructor, I believe there is no substitute for experience. Besides, who would want to pass up the opportunity for a couple more dives?



... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[munkispank]

definately do the PADI version- I actually did the class work for both and they are no different, but the dives are important. I had lots of dives under my belt before nitrox, but felt slightly more cautious using this tank that has all these big stickers on it- and the extra procedures to take. Was important to go through this with an instructor so next time I did it it was not a problem. In addition, I felt it was usueful to see if I felt any different breathing enriched air ( no) but it was good to know.

and - as posted above- extra dives

 

[moneysavr]

My DH and I want to get our Nitrox certifications. PADI requires 2 dives for EAN certification, whereas SSI requires no dives. I've heard many people comment that the required PADI dives are worthless since learning Nitrox is about the classwork, not the dives.

The appeal of no required dives is mostly about the cost of the certification (SSI is about 1/2), but I don't want to short change us on training. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Hi, I Did PADI NITROX course, but my book was lost. so I got the SSI book and like they way its set up,and the dive card is easy to me. They seem to make it easy as PADI is more, well hard to understand,but gets the point to you.
Do The PADI OR SSI but use or read the SSI Book.
And its well worth the money$$ if you dive mid range depths and love bottom time=NITROX is the way to go-and to be safe!!

 

[diver567]

Hi Diveme,

Where do people learn to dive? It certainly aint in the classroom. I remember my open water course with 25+ hours of classroom work, boring, boring, asleep. This nearly put me off which is why PADI emphasise the diving part of their courses and try to minimise the classroom work. Do the dives, have fun, keep learning.

 

[HammerNoMore]

My DH and I want to get our Nitrox certifications. PADI requires 2 dives for EAN certification, whereas SSI requires no dives. I've heard many people comment that the required PADI dives are worthless since learning Nitrox is about the classwork, not the dives.

I agree with this statement 100%. If you do the class properly, you will analyze tanks (serveral times) and plan several dives. Once that is done there is absolutly no difference between diving EAN and Air from a skills standpoint. The dives are a waste of money.

Now if the cost difference is no more than a 2 tank dive would normally cost you, then by all means, do the dives for the fun of the diving...

James

 

[mech]

I did the SSI nitrox class.
I got a lot out of it.
The instructor and class size, and being prepared I think is the most important thing.
There was one other guy in my class.
We both (by chance) had our study material 3 weeks before the class.
We did a quick review.
Took the test.
Reviewed wrong answers.
Spent the next several hours learning (actually into the night because it was fun learning)to blend and blending for the shop.
Learning to blend and doing the blending in my opinion was a bonus round.
I did my own dives.
Cost $95