SSI/PADI My Diving Advancement

[cuznbrad]

:14:
Last month I finally went for my open water certification with SSI. The problem that I am finding is that I got it in California with SSI. I am in the military stationed here in El Paso Tx and the dive shops here are all associated with PADI. I really enjoy diving and want to advance in the sport but I not sure that I can flip-flop back and forth between the two. How can I further my diving education and keep it all legit? What can I do?
:14:

 

[cwkline]

cuznbrad,
SSI and PADI will both accept each others certs up to and including Rescue. At that point, you will have to choose which agency to advance with. I am SSI through Rescue, and PADI DM. I haven't found too much difference with the Agencies, just that PADI is the only one on the Island.
Safe Dives
Charlie

 

[Lead_carrier]

You will find that both teach very close to each other. Right now on some of the SSI programs and classes, they seem to be out PADIing, PADI.

 

[squidster]

:14:
Last month I finally went for my open water certification with SSI. The problem that I am finding is that I got it in California with SSI. I am in the military stationed here in El Paso Tx and the dive shops here are all associated with PADI. I really enjoy diving and want to advance in the sport but I not sure that I can flip-flop back and forth between the two. How can I further my diving education and keep it all legit? What can I do?
:14:

Just take your openwater card in to PADI and they can change you to a PADI Diver.

I had the same deal come up when i moved here.
But instead of changing my certification the instructer changed his from PADI to SSI,not because of me,but because he was an independant instructor and decided to work for LDS in area.

Keep on keepen on

 

[muddiver]

It really is not a problem. I am a PADI Basic Open Water diver, NAUI Advanced SCUBA Diver, a PADI Divermaster and a NAUI Master Diver.

Just find out what your current level of training is equal to (i.e. SSI Open Water = PADI Open Water Diver, BESAC 1 Star, or NAUI SCUBA Diver) and then just follow the flow chart for what ever agency is the most convienent for you at teh time.

Here is a link to PADI's flow chart PADI Courses