PADI class, SSI cert possible?

[BADPHNX]

I recently finished a PADI class and was hoping to do my cert this weekend while in RP Mexico. I jsut found out the shop i was going to be cert through is an SSI shop, not PADI. My PADI instructors said the two may not be compatible and Id have to check with the shop to see if they could do it if i brought referral paperwork.

I called the shop and they said they thought i had to use a PADI instructor, but will check and get back to me.

I also emailed SSI and they said this:

The SSI Facility can complete your training dives and issue you an SSI Open Water Diver Certification card as long as you have the proper paperwork documentation from your original instructor.

Dennis M. Pulley
Director of Training
Scuba Schools International
training@ssiusa.com


Does anyone know how this works and if its possible to have someone with SSI certify me if i took a PADI class? I would appreciate any help or info. Thanks

 

[garyfotodiver]

Welcome to the Board.

Get a referral document from your original instructor.

 

[scubaotter]

If you took a PADI course and you are looking for a PADI certification then a PADI Instructor must sign off on your dives/certification.

This information is very fresh in my mind as I take my Instructor Exam for PADI this weekend!

 

[DandyDon]

I strongly doubt that you can use Padi training for SSI certification. Need to find a Paid Inst - and be sure to save copies of everything from your certification in case of lost paperwork, as international troubleshooting can be challenging...

 

[Steve50]

If SSI says they will except universal referrals, get a copy of the back of your completed student folder, a doctor's medical form if required by SSI, and a signed off universal referral form from your PADI instructor to take with you.

 

[fisherdvm]

I've heard this vice versa. My son basic training is SSI, and the OW instructor is PADI. He can opt for either SSI or PADI cert after the OW. Personally, I think PADI requires more skill demonstration than SSI.

 

[BADPHNX]

After a couple calls to PADI and SSI, heres the final decision. SSI can certify me with my referral papers from my PADI class. I will be SSI certified, not PADI certified. If i wanted to be PADI certified this weekend instead I would have to get certified through PADI.

Either way, I can also later do my Advanced open water through PADI if i want and then i will be PADI Advanced certified.

I was cautioned that the SSI shop could require me to take the SSI final or anything they feel the PADI course may not have taught me if they feel necessary, but the SSI shop i am using does not seem to think they will need that.

I want to learn to dive safely and have the c-card i need to get tanks filled in the future and it seems that either cert will provide me with those things.

Thanks for the help.

 

[BADPHNX]

Oh, and in my adventures i did see an article that says PADI can now certify for SSI and other URP students. See link

http://www.universalreferral.com/

 

[DandyDon]

Well, how about all that. Heck, glad I was wrong, but still suggest..."....be sure to save copies of everything from your certification in case of lost paperwork, as international troubleshooting can be challenging...

 

[rakkis]

I've heard this vice versa. My son basic training is SSI, and the OW instructor is PADI. He can opt for either SSI or PADI cert after the OW. Personally, I think PADI requires more skill demonstration than SSI.

In order for a PADI cert to be issued within standards, he'll need to take the PADI final exam and demonstrate mastery in all 18 confined water skills as defined by PADI, as well as demonstrate the PADI required OW skills.