PADI or SSI

[squidster]

When i learned to dive i learned through NASDS, at that time it seemed like nasds and other scuba schools had an attitude about PADI,
But It seems like PADI kept growing with leaps and bounds.
Many today say that it doesnt really matter where you learn, that all the scuba schools are pretty much the same, is that true ? is there any one feature that sets one apart from the other?
The reason i ask is i am taking a advanced class and i really would like to go with thePADI instructor, both ssi and padi instructors at LDS
My buddy just got certified through padi last year and is planning to take advanced .
we may be diving alot together in future so i thought it may be good if we took are advanced course through same organization.
Does Padi teach about the same advanced course as ssi?
Please no bashing,just good reliable info.

 

[Davetul]

The most important aspect of any diving course of instruction is the student. The second most important aspect is the instructor. The rest doesn't matter. If you want to learn the info, you will, if you don't, you won't. If the instructor sucks, but you're the type that wants to learn the info, then you'll learn it. If you have the best instructor in the world, and you don't want to do the work to learn the info, you won't get the cert.

There's no mystery to diving, it's all written down. The only difference between a SSI instructor and a PADI instructor is the writing on the card they have.

The ppl here that bash PADI (or the other agencies) are just blowhards. Don't pay attention to them, it'll just give you hives. The info is all out there in some form or another and distributed in mass by multiple sources. It's all the same.

 

[Scubasw]

I can speak from both sides of the fence since I hold Instructor Ratings from PADI and SSI. Both scuba agencies are members of the RSTC which sets minimum limits on the required skills that all divers have to be taught at the open water and advanced levels. Each agency may have it's own way of teaching those skills, but it's really up to the instructor to cover everything they should. PADI says your advanced open water diver after completing the 4 OW and then 5 AOW including 1 deep, 1 navigation, and three other specialty diver dives, total 9 dives, only one below 60 feet is required. SSI requires 4 scuba and 1 snorkel or scuba, total 5 at OW. For Advanced you have to do at least 6 specialty dives and earn 4 specialties (I usually do 2 deep, 2 navigation, 2 limited vis/night and then the equipment specialty). SSI also has a minimum experience requirement of 24 logged dives, the 11 above plus at least 13 more of your choice with an instructor or other buddy. You also earn 4 specialties with your AOW. In Padi you don't earn any specialties. I do believe the 24 dive minimum makes for a more comfortable and relaxed diver in the water. But it still comes down to being comfortable in the water. Some people get it at 5 dives, while others still are working on it at dive 50. A key component is finding an Instructor that you feel comfortable with and then start diving any time you can. Advanced divers should have experience in a variety of differnet environments and conditions, Shore dives, boat dives, ocean dives, lake/quarry dives, night dives, drift diving, cold water, able to navigate using a compass, comfortable with all basic skills including self-rescue skills and buddy assist.

Just my 2cents. Can't we all just get along!

 

[Walter]

Does Padi teach about the same advanced course as ssi?

No. PADI has an extremely basic advanced course. If you've been an active diver since you were certified (NASDS merged with SSI in the late 90s), it's not likely you'll learn anything at all from their course. SSI doesn't have an advanced course at all. They will sell you an advanced card if you meet their qualifications (the 4 SSI specialties and a minimum of 24 dives as explained by Scubasw above).

 

[Doc]

PADI has way better patches.

 

[Lead_carrier]

Find an instructor you like and go with them. Walter is right, SSI doesn't have an advanced course, they have individual specialties that combine to be and advanced "course". Choose the specialties that you have the most interest in and go with them.

 

[String]

SSI doesn't have an advanced course, they have individual specialties that combine to be and advanced "course". Choose the specialties that you have the most interest in and go with them.

Thats PADI surely

 

[tedtim]

Just my 2cents. Can't we all just get along!

http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=171536

I don't believe that will happen, but we can always wish.

 

[plot]

Why don't you take SSI and your buddy can take PADI, then you can compare notes and take away what both courses offer.

Personally, I already have my SSI OW and AOW, and soon will have nitrox... but I'd like to get a PADI cert under my belt sometime just for the recognizable card. (Not that I've ever had any problems with SSI, just want to have that option out there)

 

[amascuba]

No. PADI has an extremely basic advanced course. If you've been an active diver since you were certified (NASDS merged with SSI in the late 90s), it's not likely you'll learn anything at all from their course. SSI doesn't have an advanced course at all. They will sell you an advanced card if you meet their qualifications (the 4 SSI specialties and a minimum of 24 dives as explained by Scubasw above).

SSI created an "Adventures in Diving" program, which is basically the same thing as the PADI AOW course.