Where's PADI?

[500psi]

I live just outside of San Francisco, and it seems lately that I haven't been able to find a PADI dive shop. Gone are the days that PADI used to be everywhere. The shops close to me have all changed to SSI.

Anybody know why this would be the case? Also, I was looking to get my rescue diver certification, do I have to start from the beginning with SSI or is my current advanced certification with PADI sufficient enough to take the SSI rescue course?


Thanks
500psi

 

[Scubaroo]

There are several PADI shops in Monterey (Aquarius, Aquarius II, Monterey Bay Dive Center, probably more), as well as PADI independant instructors in San Francisco.

There is one SSI shop in San Francisco I recommend you DON'T go to - PM me for details.

 

[500psi]

I live in Walnut Creek (if you are familiar) and maybe I'm just being lazy since San Fran is a 30-45min drive when it used to be a 10 minute walk to a PADI instructor.

I heard that getting a SSI instructor cert. is easier than PADI and that's why there are more SSI showing up than PADI. Any truth to this?

500psi

 

[norcaldiver]

Probably not. But even if it were easier to get, it's harder to teach. I think SSI instructors have to be associated with an SSI shop/store to instruct. They just can't go off and be an independent SSI instructor and teach out of your trunk. As a PADI instructor, you can do that, you don't need a PADI shop to sponsor you to be valid.

 

[norcaldiver]

Thinking about it now....maybe it's easier to be an SSI shop. SSI claims to be non profit, whereas PADI is for profit. Maybe theres a fee to be a PADI shop, I know there are certain quotes a shop must maintain to be an IDC or 5 star IDC shop, etc.

 

[usil]

I wouldn't trust one thing that an agency says. The sticker in the shop windows means nothing. Find the instructor that you are comfortable with, ssi, padi, joes dive shop, they are all the same thing. The guy showing you the stuff under the water and in the class room is the only important thing.

By the way PADI instructor is no indication on the quality of the diver!!

 

[Scubamedicjoe]

I heard that getting a SSI instructor cert. is easier than PADI and that's why there are more SSI showing up than PADI. Any truth to this?

that isnt true at all actually from my personal experence SSI is harder in some area's .
allot of the shops have switch because of padi fee's increases ect and for other reasons too I am sure .

 

[dc4bs]

My LDS is a 5 star but it doesn't look like they are going to stay that way. They are beginning to move towords SDI/TDI.

The owner has finaly had enough of dealing with them. They will still teach PADI but they plan to start promoting SDI/TDI more in the future.

I'm their first completed SDI divemaster (as of last week).

All I need to finish PADI divemaster is to get some pooltime and do the 400M swim. I have 13 pts from the other 3 skills so I just have to show up and float for 400M (don't worry, I'll still give it my all) to get the final signoff from my instructor.

Then I can assist instructors on both sides of the fence...

 

[joens]

there is no problem with your PADI certification counting for the requirements for the SSI stress and rescue course .Find a shop you like and sign up.
Joens

 

[Drewpy]

Hello 500psi-There is a padi local shop in Pacheco about 10min from Walnut Creek-Its my LDS Pm me and I wiil give you details/directions if interested( Its a good shopIMHO)