If you are interested in becoming certified in open water scuba diving, you may be wondering about the different brands and courses that are available. Luckily, there are several options for this type of course. There are two options for getting certified: SSI or PADI. Scuba gear should be purchased after you have been scuba diving for a while. This is because you will be diving with it.
PADI
You'll be able to choose from a wide range of diving options once you have earned your PADI open water certification. You have the option to dive in a city's waters or explore the natural world like the Belize Blue Hole and Australia's Great Barrier Reef. Depending on where you learn, you can expect to spend anywhere from $350-$500 for this certification. For example: You could take private lessons that last for around three hours, then you would join a PADI instructor to dive the rest of your trip.
SSI
SSI, the largest and most well-respected scuba certification organisation in the world, is SSI. Its goal is to produce competent divers through rigorous training programs and ongoing education. As a result, there are a variety of SSI certification options. One option is the SSI Autonomous Diver program, which offers the most comprehensive introductory training. The course is also available in digital format. Sign up now for the free student package and the lifetime "diamond” package to get started.
SSI eLearning
It is important that you think about your expectations when choosing between SSI or PADI open water scuba certifications. PADI courses follow a rigid curriculum that makes it difficult to change the pace of your study. SSI certifications allow you to modify the course to fit your learning style and your time in water. This is especially useful if you plan to do the certification while traveling.
SSI courses
PADI and SSI are very similar, but what is the difference? Both companies require advance purchase of course materials. PADI courses are printed in a book format. SSI course materials can be accessed online. The difference lies with the materials. PADI courses require more adventure dives than SSI, so they have a much more extensive curriculum. PADI courses often require more adventure diving than SSI, so make sure to familiarize yourself with all the options before choosing a training facility.
SSI classes
SSI has a solid reputation for providing quality training materials. SSI's openwater scuba courses will help you reach your goals, whether you are looking for a certification. The SSI Digital Training System allows you to log your dives and track your progress. You can also view your qualification status from the palm your hand.
Other certifications for scuba divers
You may wonder if other open water scuba certifications are equivalent to yours. While there are many training agencies and bodies that award diving qualifications, the table below provides a rough guide for those seeking to gain a similar certification. These guides are based upon maximum air depth. Some grades can go deeper with additional training. These maximum depth guidelines are only for air and may not be considered definitive.