SSI vs PADI and Certifications in Belize

[sontek]

Hey, I'm SSI certified and my buddy is PADI certified, will it be possible for us to find a dive shop that can take us out for dives and certify us both at the same time?

What certs do you guys recommend us taking while we are in Belize?

 

[Jim Ernst]

These are friends of mine that own this resort and are also Instructors!

Send sandy an e-mail and see what they can do for you!

Sandy Johnson <regsanbelize@yahoo.com>

 

[sontek]

I've been reading up a bit and it seems that SSI and PADI will accept each others certifications, so we should be good with either one... Is this correct?

 

[Walter]

Your initial post is confusing, if you're certified, why do you need to get certified again?

If you are taking an advanced class, there's not an issue. You can both take it from the same agency. That agency can be SSI, PADI or any one of about 40 or 50 others.

 

[DeputyDan]

I agree with Walter - the original post makes no sense whatsoever!

 

[sontek]

Yeah, I was talking about advanced/specialty certs

 

[peterbj7]

Very unclear question. But both SSI and PADI certs will be accepted anywhere, both for diving and for progression.

Further certs to consider here - AOW and Nitrox. But you should consider just diving to build up your experience.

 

[cyberdyver]

There are definitely more operators offering PADI courses than any other agency in Belize but by doing a little research on the location you'll be going you can shop around. PADI has a detailed site with a listing of operators, not sure about SSI. The good thing about PADI, SSI, SDI, and TDI is that they offer online checks in case you lose or forget your c-card. With PADI only PADI stores and members can use their dive/pro check online service but the others I mentioned have it available to anyone with internet access. If you are a beginner diver I also suggest you bring a and maintain an updated logbook.

Safe diving
Cyberdyver