SDI-how recognized?

[Ontwreckdiver]

So I'm in the middle of my DM training and my instructor asks if I want to go the PADI route or SDI route. How widely recognized is SDI world wide. I know TDI is a well recognized training agency.
I am leaning towards the SDI route because I have started my technical training with TDI. It seems that almost everyone doing their DM is going with PADI and I thought going a different route would make me stand out in the crowd so to speak.
My instructor can teach TDI, SDI and PADI to instructor trainer and she isn't affiliated with any LDS, so there isn't an issue there.

 

[Walter]

It's well recognized.

 

[SteveAD]

PADI is larger and therefore has more employment opportunities (if you're doing this for employment) but if the instructor can certify in both why not make sure that you meet all of both standards and ask for both certs.

 

[Lead_carrier]

I was thinking that SDI,TDI had to be affilated with a dive shop.

 

[pir8]

I was thinking that SDI,TDI had to be affilated with a dive shop.

You're thinking of SSI, they require instructors to be affiliated with one of their shops. No independants.

 

[tc]

PADI is larger and therefore has more employment opportunities (if you're doing this for employment) but if the instructor can certify in both why not make sure that you meet all of both standards and ask for both certs.

As long as you don't mind paying dues to both that would work- might be worth checking if there is a single liability policy that both will accept too....

 

[pir8]

You don't need to carry separate insurance for each agency. One will suffice.

 

[GDI]

I was thinking that SDI,TDI had to be affilated with a dive shop.

SDI has to be affiliated with a LDS, TDI however does not

AsK her to give you both PADI and SDI that way you are covered.

SDI is recognized worldwide

 

[tc]

You don't need to carry separate insurance for each agency. One will suffice.

If the policy is written so that it will cover you for any agency you teach for then that's correct- but some policies are agency specific- better to check first than to have to pay twice.

 

[Garrobo]

SDI? In my opinion the best agency around.