ssi dive control vs padi DM

[gibbo999]

I am a padi rescue diver, or master scuba diver with 6 specialities...... am wanting to go pro and do a dive master course.
If I choose an SSI dive control course are there any differences between that and padi DM course...
is there any upskilling required.. or cross over learning with regards previous certifications taken.
what are the SSi benefits please?

 

[jar546]

They are 2 different levels so they are not apples for apples.

 

[mathauck0814]

Agree not apple to apple comparison. Are you going to go up to the instructor level? If so, what do you want to teach and to what type of diver? Will you need to be affiliated with a shop or go it alone? There are a lot of considerations that could drive you toward one agency or another. Lots of threads on those various considerations can be found in the going pro forum.

 

[TONY CHANEY]

Yes that are different. Why change from PADI?

 

[gibbo999]

thanks for quick replies...... ive just seen an internship that offers the SSI dive control course...... im not planning on a carre or teaching..... i have a career already... doing it for own personal development and experience.
from what ive researched.. padi make u buy the materials and keep.. ssi do not!

 

[mathauck0814]

There's not a lot of point in doing divecon or dive master if you don't want to teach. You're better off taking some more advanced continuing education that will make you a better diver. The intro pro level courses are almost entirely about prepping you to be an effective teacher.

 

[Jim Lapenta]

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In the UK look into a NAUI master diver course or CMAS 4 Star diver. I would also look into a BSAC course but as I am not familiar with a lot of their standards cannot recommend which one. Either will put your knowledge above either the PADI DM or SSI Dive Con. And likely require your skills be better as well.</p>
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[COLOR=&quot;Silver&quot;] ---------- Post added April 18th, 2012 at 02:24 PM ---------- [/COLOR]</p>
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I just want to add that in no way are my comments meant to reflect any opinion except my own. Apparently someone has taken exception to them and made me aware of it in a round about way. The comment made was as an individual diver responding to another based on my own experience and first hand knowledge of the skills and education required for the courses I noted. I was a PADI DM and have the SSI standards in my library. I know what is required and stand by my statements as a representative of no one but myself. Thank you. PM your concerns to me directly from now on. Or email me. I am certainly easy to find.</p>

 

[mmintz]

As others have stated before me comparing SSI's DiveCon to PADIs DM is like comparing apples to oranges. I also agree that if you don't want to end up teaching others to dive there is not much benefit to getting a professional level certification. You would be just as well to take more advanced coursed to increase your experience level. Also, my dad has a professional career and he is an instructor so he doesn't teach SCUBA to get by. Diving is a hobby that he does and teaches to pass on his passion to others. It is the same for me I am a DiveCon right now and eventually want to become an instructor. I will have a professional career when I am older and done with college and will just teach SCUBA to pass on my passion for the sport to others.

 

[tridacna]

Can someone please outline the major differences between SSI DiveCon and PADI DM please?

 

[tstormdiver]

Can someone please outline the major differences between SSI DiveCon and PADI DM please?

The Dive control Specialist is (or was) a combined Dive Master & Assistant Instructor. However, SSI now has a Dive Master only level, if a student should so wish. The Dive Control Specialist course is now divided into 3 levels- Dive Guide, Dive Master & Dive Control specialist. Any SSI professional must be affiliated with a dive shop & can not operate independently. A PADI Dive Master is similar to SSI's dive Master, however, PADI professional may operate independently of a dive shop. Of course, there is also each agencies' differences in philosophies- a can of worms I'm not going to open up again.