SSI vs. PADI

[gdwtvb]

Hello everyone! Let me give you some background before I start with the questions. I've been wanting to dive since I was in high school, which was twenty years ago. (reunion next month) Well my son just turned thirteen and we've decided to get certified this coming spring. I've always loved water activities, and Jules (my son) shares my enthusiasm for getting certified. I'm not at all woried about either of us getting certified. We live 6 miles from lake watteree and it's like our second home in the summer. (Jules is around 5'8'' and 150 lbs, swims like a fish, surfs, and is more responsible and level headed than most of the men I work with. I'm not bragging, He's just never had much of a choice in the matter) Our goal is to get certified, and then dive while on a cruise vacation in the bahamas in the summer. I'm pretty sure we'll both end up with a full setup, (we'll probably rent in the bahamas) I'm interested in just diving and maybe photography while Jules want's to try spearfishing later on. here's the thing I live near Columbia SC and we have 2 LDS, one SSI one PADI. I've visited both and I feel a little more comfortable with the SSI, even bought the training manual. My impressions in reading the manual are that the SSI is maybe pushing the gear sales a little hard. (just my impression don't want to step on anyones toes.) I'm a pretty cautious guy (I used to have a motorcycle, but I never road without a full face helmet, boots and leather jacket) I want to learn how to be safe, but I'm not real worried if I've got the best form when kicking. I'm sure there's lousy and wonderful instructors with both PADI and SSI, so all things being equal what do you think? SSI or PADI. Thanks in advance for any and all opinions.

 

[duckster3d]

I teach for a lds that is an SSI training facility, I don't push any equipment, I teach in-water skills, and do teach that your own equipment will make you more comfortable, because you are used to where everything is and how it works, but I also stress that if you're only looking to dive a few times a year while on vacation, then you'd be better off renting.

The up side of an SSI facility, is that instructors can only teach through the the shop, while PADI instructors can and do set up shop in their garages, basements or where ever they want.

In the shop they have some control over the instructors. this doesn't mean SSI instructors are better than PADI instructors, it just means instructors can't free lance, and may have someone double checking their teaching methods.

it is and will always be the instructor not the agency that makes or breaks the class!!!!!!!!

 

[meesier42]

PADI is great for people who just want to dive, SSI is great for people who want to learn how to dive.

But it is the instructor that will make or break you as a diver, I have seen great PADI instructors, but all of the ones that I trained under were worthless and couldn't answer a single question that I had. but 2 buddies of mine who I dived with a lot and were instructors were very good and did a great job not only making sure that people were comfortable but actually knew what they were doing and were safe divers.

 

[soonerwink]

I am padi certified, but a lot of my buddies are SSI both are excellent organizations, just go with the one that makes you feel the most comfortable and safe. Both have pretty much the same requirements. Good luck and hope you both stick with it.

 

[rookers]

I think its really a push. I don't have comparable experiences at the OW level of instruction, but every thing I have seen suggests there is little difference.

 

[1_T_Submariner]

My vote is for the instructor you are the most comfortable with. I'm sure you will get more opinions from others.

 

[plot]

They're both nearly identicle. SSI pushes the shop a little bit more, PADI pushes themselves a little bit more. The technicalities may differ here and their, but overall, it's the same class.

When it comes to the certifications, both are on par with each other (wether that is a good thing or a bad thing is a different thread...).

Look at the instructor, not the certifying agency.

 

[rawls]

The up side of an SSI facility, is that instructors can only teach through the the shop, while PADI instructors can and do set up shop in their garages, basements or where ever they want.

There's one point about this. If a PADI instructor is willing to go to the effort to set up as an independent instructor, I would feel that he or she is actually pretty dedicated to his or her desire to teach, simply because it takes quite a big investment to pull this kind of operation off. Not to mention that the instructor is probably not getting rich off of the endeavour...

 

[garyfotodiver]

I went SSI because I needed a new card and SSI has the old NASDS records. Now that I did, I am glad. My daughter is PADI and I was able to compare pilosophies. SSI comes much closer to my diving philosophy than PADI.

But, as has been mentioned before, it is the instructor that really matters.

 

[Al Mialkovsky]

I instruct for a SSI shop and train a couple of hundred divers a year. I think I do a good job. I'm pretty certain I'd do a good job if I were a PADI instructor.

Boils down to the instructor, not the agency.