Just like there are many different universities offering the same courses, there are several scuba diving agencies that offer dive training and certifications. The two most recognizable agencies are SSI and PADI. So what’s the difference between the two? Well one has the interests of you at heart and the other … doesn’t!
Honestly, to you though the student ,it doesn’t really matter. The quality of diving courses strongly depends on your Dive Instructor and the Dive Centre you choose to train with, and not with the certifying agency. But let’s go over some of the slight differences that may have an impact on your choice.
SSI is the way you want to learn?
SSI recognizes that every person has a different way of learning, and because of that, SSI allows their scuba instructors to plan the course with a lot of flexibility. With SSI, if you run into trouble with one of the required course skills, you are allowed to skip over it, move on with the other skills, and try it again later in the course when you’re more comfortable and more skilled. This is a great way of teaching since not everyone gets it right away.
With PADI the simple skills that you just can’t quite get right away could be your downfall. With PADI, you are not allowed to move on to the next skills until you have demonstrated that you can do the skills that came before. Which means if you get stuck on one thing, you can’t move on until you get it. You may find yourself having to drop out of the course because you simply can’t move forward, and this agency couldn’t care less. Whereas with an SSI course, you have the chance to build confidence and skill level by allowing you to move forward before you try the missing skill again.
Money, Money, Money – Which one is cheaper?
PADI courses cost more than SSI courses and that’s just a fact.
With PADI you are forced to buy course manuals in addition to the course price. Some shops still provide you with actual books that you either have to get rid of before you leave, or you have to pack them around for the rest of your trip. Nowadays it all online but to get it online you pay as much as the course price itself. PADI courses generally charge 1000Bt more than SSI courses on Koh Tao.
SSI offers digital manuals at no extra cost over the price of the course. These digital materials are available through their app on your smartphone so that you can study easily from wherever you are. Even if you’re at the local beach bar.
Which one is more eco-friendly?
Education and training are the first steps in protecting the oceans. Lack of training, carelessness, negligence, and ignorance by humans has caused significant harm to the ocean.
SSI offers a variety of ecology programs including Marine Ecology, Shark Ecology, Sea Turtle Ecology, Fish Identification, and Coral Identification. SSI explains the importance of protecting the ocean, and how anyone can quickly support this effort in their daily lives. To improve the state of our ocean, we need to start with ourselves, by being role models and sharing our commitment with family, friends, and acquaintances. SSI encourages its training centers and customers to question environmental issues and take immediate and decisive action for the environment ensuring all SSI divers have ecologically-friendly training and knowledge and experience doing their bit!
PADI also have programs to educate their customers about marine ecosystems and the various sea creatures that inhabit them. PADI programs are intended to educate and teach students how to behave underwater and around individual animals but they encourage fund raising and donations for community grants rather than immediate action as a means of improving the environment.
On a personal level I feel its way more beneficial to see each and every person doing their bit than it is raising money for a charity you have no idea about using your money often for projects you have no interest in! So SSI again!
Do you still have questions about which agency you should choose? Get in touch with us and we’ll help you make up your mind!
English (UK)