SSAC Recognition

[aewaite17]

Hi All, first post here - please be gentle.

Trained to PADI AOW a long time ago, have not used cert since. Since doing so, moved to Scotland and found nearest dive centre was SSAC (Scottish Sub Aqua Club). They work very much the same as BSAC, but also claim on their website that the qualification is recognised worldwide. Scottish Sub Aqua Club

Can anyone verify this from outside Scotland? I think I will train with them anyway, as their social scene is good, attitutde towards continual training a lot better than PADI. However, I would like to know if I am being sold a duff'un before considering taking any future certs abroad.

 

[Edward3c]

Hi All, first post here - please be gentle.

Trained to PADI AOW a long time ago, have not used cert since. Since doing so, moved to Scotland and found nearest dive centre was SSAC (Scottish Sub Aqua Club). They work very much the same as BSAC, but also claim on their website that the qualification is recognised worldwide. Scottish Sub Aqua Club

Can anyone verify this from outside Scotland? I think I will train with them anyway, as their social scene is good, attitutde towards continual training a lot better than PADI. However, I would like to know if I am being sold a duff'un before considering taking any future certs abroad.

Hi,

I'm the diving Officer for a BSAC Branch, with some members living down your way.

As a PADI AOW you can just dive with us (BSAC) without having to undergo any further training. You have the choice of continuing your training with PADI or commencing BSAC Sport Diver training. Now the sales pitch – includes deco, SMB, Nitrox and Dive Management unlike SSAC.

I run a training session on Loch Fyne on the 2^nd Saturday of every mont, the next 14^th September.

I'm out diving tonight.

Contact me for further details.

Kind regards

 

[knotical]

SSAC is one of the oldest scuba training agencies; they started in 1953, around the same time as BSAC and over a decade before PADI.
Qualification from SSAC should definitely be universally recognized; although there are probably some folks who are both unaware and unwilling to perform due diligence.

 

[Hickdive]

Anyone I've ever heard of having trouble with SSAC or BSAC qualification recognition (a pretty rare occasion) has only ever had to do a check-out with an instructor.

However, it is some years since I've known anyone have any such problems; nowadays a quick bit of Googling by the dive centre resolves any issue and you'll usually find that SSAC and BSAC divers get a fair bit more respect and latitude from the dive guides (provided they're not a complete shambles).

 

[aewaite17]

Cheers for your responses all, has put my mind at rest!