Scuba Schools International?

[ckjacques53198]

A local dive shop offers certification from Scuba Schools International. I just assumed that everyone used the PADI certication. Anyone have experience with this type of certification? How does it compare to PADI? Thanks in advance.

 

[pants!]

PADI does more certs than anyone else, but the other "big names" in the US are SSI, NAUI, and YMCA. There are a few more around the world.

The standards are very similar... not enough in any area for you to worry about it. SSI, I believe, has slightly higher standards in some regards, but the quality of the class depends more upon the instructor than the agency.

Among my regular buddy list, they are split pretty evenly between SSI, PADI, and NAUI.

 

[Diver Dennis]

I took the SSI Nitrox course but as pants! said I based my decision on the instructor.

 

[herman]

I agree. I had the chance to look at an OW SSI book the other day and it was very similar to the PADI books I have seen. If they are close by you and you feel good about the instructor, go with them.

 

[Dr. Doug Ebersole]

All of the agencies in the U.S. have basically the same standards and all of their certifications are recognized worldwide. I would agree with what has been said above in that you should go with the instructor you feel comfortable with.

As an SSI advanced open water instructor myself, there is one difference in how SSI is organized compared to PADI, NAUI, etc. While these other instructors are independent contractors who can work out of their home, car, etc, SSI requires their instructors be affiliated with a dive store where someone is tasked with checking up on how they are doing for quality assurance purposes. Obviously, this type of set up has its advantages and disadvantages.

That having been said, go with the best instructor you can find and not worry about what acronym follows his or her name.

 

[Al Mialkovsky]

They'll take your card, even an SSI card

I'm also a SSI instructor. Best to chose your instructor rather than an agency.

 

[jsmharley]

my g-friend amd I have gone thru an SSI ow class, and I do agree it is the instructor that matters. ours was great, took time with the individual if they needed it. answered all questions, no matter how remedial, and was very patient with all.

 

[dbg40]

SSI used to be NASDS, it was considered to be the first name in training for years. In fact, the BOW was equal to AOW in other agencies.

 

[ProfessorAronnax]

Our LDS is SSI and they're great

 

[skybird]

Mine was from one that is rarely mentioned ( though they are getting ready to switch to SSI) mine was MDEA. I don't have a lot of experience, but from what I have noticed with doing a lot of reading here, that the most important thing is the instructor