Switching SSI to PADI- Help Please :)

[FLfreshdiver]

Myself and my dive buddy are certified PADI, but three of my friends would like to get certified for open water and the shop they are looking at only certifies for SSI. Is there much of a difference? Will it ever pose any difficulties if we all want to dive together/take further training? Is there anyway to switch certifications over for further training? Thanks for any one's help!

 

[Damselfish]

As far as diving together or taking further training it really doesn't matter which of the mainstream agencies you take OW from. They recognize each other and it's not an issue unless someone is getting into professional levels (DM, Instructor.) So you can take OW from one, AOW from another, specialties like Nitrox from wherever. There's no need to switch anything.

 

[FLfreshdiver]

Thanks damsel!

 

[nielsent]

Damsel is totally correct, i did my OW and Nitrox through SSI, MY AOW through to divemaster with padi, no problems.

 

[tstormdiver]

For levels below the professional levels (DM, AI, Instructor), the agencies are very close & generally honor each other's certifications. As for problems diving because of different agancies,...? I seriously doubt there will be any. Just make sure you do your pre-dive buddy check & planning, including emergency procedures & communications to make sure everyone is on the same page, as should be done before any dive. We're all divers, just go out & enjoy yourselves.