PADI vs SSI?

[Dan Weidert]

Hey there,

New to the sport-trying to get a read on if PADI is a better certification or SSI? Criteria for "better" is internationally recognized and safer, in-depth training. I will be getting certified in Mnterey Bay (Yikes cold!) and want to make sure I go with the right outfit.

Thanks!
Vivian

My vote is that the agency is not the largest consideration. I have taken classes from NAUI, NASDS, and now PADI. I have finally figured out that certification does not make me a diver. Certification gives me a base of knowledge designed to keep me safe while I learn to become a diver. Its the diving I do after the class that makes me a diver.

If you have the option of using more than one LDS where you live, check them out. Which ones have the friendliest atmosphere, the most activity (diving), support a dive club, are likely to help you find buddies after you dive? Once you figure that out, I would use what ever agency that shop uses.

Welcome to the sport,
Dan

 

[dpaustex]

There is an underlying RSTC standard, which other agencies meet, or exceed.

SSI gives their instructors a bit of latitude in the teaching process, whereas PADI does not.

For instance, in PADI, you must do skill "A" before going to skill "B". In SSI, if you're having problems with skill "A", you can move on to skill "B", as long as you ultimately come back and pass skill "A". That's a little easier on the students psyche.

SSI really works on repetition of skill sets. They want them to become habit, which is why they stress comfort through repetition. I am working on OWI right now with a fellow that came through PADI. He switched over to SSI, and has been happy.

PADI does not work so well with other agencies on "cross-overs". If you're PADI, you can come to SSI, but not so much the other way. Very restrictive (for no reason).

PADI also has independent instructors, who answer to no one. SSI instructors MUST work through a dealer affiliation. That is due to having tight QC over the SSI instructors.

That is only what I know.

 

[Walter]

There is an underlying RSTC standard

Not really. The RSTC "standard" was written to conform to already existing agency standards. From time to time that RSTC standard has been lowered and some agencies (including both SSI and PADI) have followed suit. RSTC once required a 200 yd swim. That standard was lowered to make the swim optional if it were replaced with a 300 yd snorkel, thereby allowing non-swimmers to be certified. PADI lowered its standards to allow the same. SSI followed some time later. The same thing happened with the lowering of the minimum age. The RSTC is not a savior, it's a destroyer of higher standards.

SSI and PADI standards are similar, neither are very high.

PADI also has independent instructors, who answer to no one. SSI instructors MUST work through a dealer affiliation. That is due to having tight QC over the SSI instructors.

That's very misleading. All instructors must answer to their agency. Shop owners can ensure a higher quality class, but often they push instructors to cut corners and teach an inferior course. Many shop owners are motivated by the bottom line. The bottom line is enhanced by gear sales. Gear sales are increased when classes have as many people as possible and are over as quickly as possible. There is no motivation for a shop owner to push for a higher quality class. Their motivation is to do the opposite. Some shop owners have integrity and do maintain high quality classes, but don't count on encoubtering that everywhere. I suspect the quality of the average class would rise if no classes were ever conducted through shops.

 

[IDS_Bill]

For instance, in PADI, you must do skill "A" before going to skill "B". In SSI, if you're having problems with skill "A", you can move on to skill "B", as long as you ultimately come back and pass skill "A". That's a little easier on the students psyche.

This is an outright lie. If I you have a student who can't clear their mask, you move on to another skill to reduce anxiety but on the other side of this completely incorrect statement, the skills build on one another. How are you going to do emergency alt air source breathing if you can't clear a reg?

SSI really works on repetition of skill sets. They want them to become habit, which is why they stress comfort through repetition. I am working on OWI right now with a fellow that came through PADI. He switched over to SSI, and has been happy.

EVERY agency works on these - it's called muscle memory

PADI does not work so well with other agencies on "cross-overs". If you're PADI, you can come to SSI, but not so much the other way. Very restrictive (for no reason).

So you are saying that SSI accepts PADI's quality but PADI might not accept SSI? Hmmm - wonder why that is.....?

PADI also has independent instructors, who answer to no one. SSI instructors MUST work through a dealer affiliation. That is due to having tight QC over the SSI instructors.

Wow - even though the other info was completely inaccurate, this amounts to a boldfaced lie. PADI's QC is very good as are its standards. [/QUOTE]

That is only what I know.

I am not sure where you have gotten your information but it is GROSSLY inaccurate. PADI, just like your beloved SSI, is a business and is interested in making money (getting students and retaining them) and reducing liability. Remembering that explains that the QC to all agencies is important but so is differentiating themselves from other agencies by changing their process or cert models. That doesn't make it better, just different.

It all comes down to your instructor and hopefully you will take this to heart when you get certified some day my boy. Then maybe you will learn that it is better to have one assume you are an idiot than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.

 

[rigfordive]

I just completed the NAUI open water certification course yesterday. I was very pleased with the instruction material and the instructor. I agree that the knowledge level of the instructor and your comfort with them are probably the most important factors in choosing a course. One of the exercises that I found to be most helpful was the underwater obstacle course. They made several obstacles out of PVC pipe (some also involved bungee cords) connected with a rope. The idea is to pull yourself through the obstacles while a buddy swims along for safety. It looked pretty easy until you find out that you have to do it with a mask that is blacked out. You are sure to get stuck a few times and it reinforced the concept that as long as you have air, you can solve a problem.

Overall, I would compare my competence level to a description I once read about newly graduated Navy pilots: I can safely take off and land, but I could not take the plane into a fight. I still have a lot to learn and I plan to take the advanced course and probably rescue.

 

[RonFrank]

I think one will find that all agencies take a lot of criticism. This mainly due to a quick certification process. The materials I've seen from all agencies cover OW training at an in-depth level.

My advice is to find an LDS/instructor with a good reputation regardless of agency. If you plan on becoming an independent instructor, than PADI is likely not the best choice. PADI instructors must be affiliated with an LDS. If you are planning on becoming an instructor, and want broad options PADI is likely the best choice.

If you just want to learn to dive, than choose the OP you like the bast, and that is not really agency dependent. Some OPs have certified instructors from more than one agency. A good Shop and/or instructor is more important vs. what agency they use, unless there are future considerations involved.

 

[cwkline]

PADI does not work so well with other agencies on "cross-overs". If you're PADI, you can come to SSI, but not so much the other way. Very restrictive (for no reason).

I crossed from SSI to PADI when I did my DM. Up to and including Rescue / Stress and Rescue both agencies honor the certs. After that, you have to train with them.
Not sure where your info came from, but you might want to double check.

 

[Standingbear56]

PADI instructors must be affiliated with an LDS. If you are planning on becoming an instructor, and want broad options PADI is likely the best choice.

I believe you have this one backwards. PADI allows independent instructors. I believe that it's SSI that requires shop affiliation.
Take care,
George

 

[Walter]

I think one will find that all agencies take a lot of criticism. This mainly due to a quick certification process.

Not all. SEI Diving standards prohibit the quick class.

 

[DScytheScuba]

Go PADI.