Anyone would agree that exploring the underwater world needs important knowledge. Taking an SSI diving course is one of the best ways to equip yourself with the proper training and information. This is to ensure your marine adventure runs safely and smoothly. Indeed, the water ecosystems are very different from those in the ground.
When you plunge into the waters, your movement will become slower. You will need more energy to swim. Another key fact relates to breathing. You can breathe freely on land, but that’s not the case when you are diving. Joining the SSI diving allows you to know how to wear breathing tools, such as the Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus (SCUBA).
For that reason, anybody can join the diving programme, from beginners to aspiring professional divers. Besides safety tips, the trainers will share how to explore the ocean optimally. If you plan to build a diving career, securing a spot in the programme is such a great way to start. Scroll down for more information!
What is the meaning of SSI diving?
SSI diving means scuba diving training and certification that is issued by Scuba Schools International (SSI). This organisation is one of the biggest in the world, other than the Professional Association of Diving Instructors, or PADI. This foundation has been operational since 1970. It provides sessions for various educational programmes, such as recreational, freediving, snorkelling, and professional dive careers.
Once you obtain the certification from the organisation, you can dive anywhere in the world. The licence is proof that you have all the capabilities that are necessary to explore the marine world maximally. If you plan to join any of the classes, check several courses to see which one fits into your current needs and levels:
- Open Water Diver: This is the most popular SSI diving lesson, which is a great option for beginners.
- Advanced Adventurer: The course allows participants to experience multiple speciality dives, such as navigation, deep diving, night and limited visibility, and perfect buoyancy.
- Ecology programmes: This is one of the speciality courses, which offers lessons, such as on marine ecology, coral identification, and shark ecology.
- Core diving specialities: Another specific, advanced programme that teaches lessons and practices on deep diving, dry suit diving, enriched air nitrox, and others.
- Environment specialists: This course shares knowledge on ice, wreck, cavern, and altitude diving types for environmental goals.
3 differences between SSI diving and PADI
To reiterate, SSI diving and PADI are two agencies that offer training for global divers, both amateurs and professionals. They share the same elite global reputations. You can dive anywhere if you have a certification from one of these institutions. In terms of course structure, they offer very similar teaching plans.
At the beginner level, both offer the Open Water Diver course. The agencies provide Advanced Adventurer (SSI) and Advanced Open Water Diver (PADI) for advanced students. They have some differences. Let’s explore below!
Learning system
SSI diving opts to include all lesson materials in one system. It has an SSI app where all participants can access all materials, the logbook, and certification. PADI, on the other hand, often separates the learning materials and logbooks. It includes the digital learning materials in its PADI eLearning. The logbooks are usually excluded from the app. The participants need to pay again for obtaining the physical cards after finishing the whole lesson.
Instructor
SSI diving has a centre-based system for instructors or divers who want to teach. This means that you must have an affiliation with an SSI centre or dive shop if you want to teach. That’s not the case with PADI. You can teach anywhere as long as you have completed the Instructor Development Course (IDC).
Cost
SSI diving is relatively more affordable than PADI. This advantage is probably due to the one-stop system as mentioned above. If you are more interested in PADI courses, bear in mind that the pricing can be a bit higher. You may need to pay for several pricing schemes, such as for the materials and certification cards.
Let’s join scuba courses with Diving First!
SSI diving equips you with essential skills to not only survive but also explore the beauty of the marine world anywhere in the world. One of the top sites is Komodo Island. If you plan to join a PADI course, Diving First is right here to guide you. Our experienced instructors are more than glad to ensure your safety and fun during the training.
We welcome beginners and aspiring professional divers. Besides, we provide all equipment, including a dive computer and compass. Don’t worry if you feel nervous during the course. Our certified teachers will share tricks and tips to overcome your inconvenience. What are you waiting for? Join our class today by contacting us now. Or if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.