PADI or SSI... what should we do?

[TomGoodacre]

Hello,

My girlfriend and I are about to do our OW course in Koh Tao (Thailand). There are literally hundreds of dive ops offering both PADI and SSI courses for the same price. Some favour SSI some favour PADI. Now we're unsure which organisation offers the best qualification. We want to dive around the world... does it really matter which we choose?

We would really appreciate opinions on this. Thanks!

Tom

 

[oly5050user]

really does not matter..If you think you may go pro in future go with padi..more opportunities for employment that way..padi is the more recognized one..if not thinking of going pro go with the one you feel more comfortable with,it comes down to who the instr. is and his/her attitude..

 

[Al Mialkovsky]

You'll get lots of "it's the instructor" comments and as an instructor I concur.

So the price is the same, the course probably isn't. What kind of time will the instructor spend with you. Are you able to speak with the instructor first?

 

[bajashack]

Make sure the course you take is not a quick crash course and is one that will truely teach you the basics!

 

[tjmills]

Talk to the instructor and let them know what you want to get out of the class. This will usually envoke some extended conversation that will give you a good understanding of what they are all about.

No question...It doesn't matter SSI or PADI. Its all about the instructor. I have done both.

Even if you go professional some day...It doesn't matter until you get to the DM/Instructor level. Both agency's recognize each other.

 

[Red Sea Shadow]

I believe affiliations don't matter. It's only the instructor.

 

[lostplanetairman]

Affiliation doesn't matter, its the dive op and instructor(s). Close to yer hotel's nice. Anybody here work in Thailand?

 

[rmannix]

Go with NAUI

 

[Al Mialkovsky]

Go with NAUI

They have good and bad instructors too No agency is exempt.

 

[dl348]

They have good and bad instructors too No agency is exempt.

Couldn't have said it better myself!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!