Scuba School International
- Thread starter Phakur
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emtdan
Contributor
Yes, SSI is universally accepted. There are several major certification orginizatons and they are all accepted. PADI has a looming dominance, but dont let it overcome your decesions. Some on this board see PADI as reckless, and in for a buck, SSI is more thorough....
garyfotodiver
Contributor
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No one has ever refused my SSI c-card.
For that matter, no one has ever refused my NASDS c-card.
For that matter, no one has ever refused my NASDS c-card.
cuddlefish
Contributor
There are many certification agencies...PADI, NAUI, SSI, YMCA, BSAC, SDI...you'll see the occasional LA County card now and then, plus there are more than I can't think of right now. They all aim to teach safe diving. I would meet the staff of the LDS, get a feel for their personality and your instructor and then pick the one you feel comfortable with. (On a side note...I don't know why anyone would view PADI as "reckless". I know a lot of the upper level PADI people and they are extremely dedicated to safe, fun adventure. Are they businessmen/women? Heck yeah, and congratulations to their success and to anyone who can succeed in the dive business.)
Blackwood
Contributor
cuddlefish:
Because it's not DIR, I suppose.
Qtacevac
Guest
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SSI is universally accepted, and depending on which side of the fence you sit on more experience demanding than other certifying agencies. Example: you cant recieve or attend class for AOW until yo have completed at least 24 dives. Unlike some other organizations you cant just be a class bunny. The important thing is getting certified, happy hunting.
StSomewhere
Contributor
Six posts before the inevitable "24 dives to SSI advanced" comments. Who had "six" in the pool? 
Honestly, does anyone believe a diver with either 10 training dives or 10 training dives plus an additional 14 splashes is actually advanced? I've seen scary, firsthand evidence to say no, from SSI Advanced divers and their instructor who had the cojones to pontificate about the "24 dives to SSI advanced" back at the dock. Some truly amazing ****...
Back on topic, yes, most any place will recognize an SSI card.
The real difference between SSI and most other agencies is that SSI doesn't allow for independent instructors, you can only be an SSI instructor through an LDS, which by design benefits the LDS. What makes you a a better diver depends on your actual instructor (regardless of agency) and you. Find an instructor who won't teach you skills kneeling on the bottom of a pool, who emphasizes buoyancy control and trim and buddy awareness. If that happens to be your SSI instructor, you're golden. Otherwise keep looking.
Honestly, does anyone believe a diver with either 10 training dives or 10 training dives plus an additional 14 splashes is actually advanced? I've seen scary, firsthand evidence to say no, from SSI Advanced divers and their instructor who had the cojones to pontificate about the "24 dives to SSI advanced" back at the dock. Some truly amazing ****...
Back on topic, yes, most any place will recognize an SSI card.
The real difference between SSI and most other agencies is that SSI doesn't allow for independent instructors, you can only be an SSI instructor through an LDS, which by design benefits the LDS. What makes you a a better diver depends on your actual instructor (regardless of agency) and you. Find an instructor who won't teach you skills kneeling on the bottom of a pool, who emphasizes buoyancy control and trim and buddy awareness. If that happens to be your SSI instructor, you're golden. Otherwise keep looking.
wetrat
Contributor
StSomewhere:
Amen. BTW, I'm SSI and have never had my card refused either.
wetrat
Well-
I certainly did get my answer. Actually, we picked the school because of how well we thought of the instructor, then found out it was SSI (although the instructor did advise that he does carry teacher credentials from PADI amongst others and can provide that certification as well). But the course materials are SSI based so I thought I'd ask the question.
Thank you all for your responses.
Larry
I certainly did get my answer. Actually, we picked the school because of how well we thought of the instructor, then found out it was SSI (although the instructor did advise that he does carry teacher credentials from PADI amongst others and can provide that certification as well). But the course materials are SSI based so I thought I'd ask the question.
Thank you all for your responses.
Larry
As always it's the instructor not the agency and I'm glad to see you found someone you're comfortable with. Have fun.
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