Open water scuba diving certification is something you might be interested in. There are many courses available. You can choose to get certified with SSI or PADI. It is best to wait several years if you are just starting scuba diving. You will use it to dive.
PADI
You'll be able to choose from a wide range of diving options once you have earned your PADI open water certification. You can either dive in the local waters, or you could explore the great Barrier Reef or Belize Blue Hole. Depending on where you learn, you can expect to spend anywhere from $350-$500 for this certification. You can, for example, take private lessons lasting about three hours. Then join a PADI instructor-led dive tour for the rest of the trip.
SSI
SSI is the largest and most recognized scuba certification agency in the world. Its goal is to produce competent divers through rigorous training programs and ongoing education. There are many SSI certification options. One option is the SSI Autonomous Diver program, which offers the most comprehensive introductory training. The course is also offered in a digital format. Register for a student package or the lifetime diamond package to get started.
SSI eLearning
It's important that you consider what you want from your course when choosing between a PADI or SSI open water scuba diving certification. PADI courses have a strict curriculum, making it difficult to adjust the pace of your studies. SSI courses are flexible enough to allow you to adjust the course to fit your schedule and to make the certification happen while you're away.
SSI Courses
PADI & SSI have a lot of things in common. But what makes them different? Both companies require you buy course materials in advance. PADI courses come as a printed book, while SSI courses can be accessed online. The difference lies in how you use the materials. PADI courses require more adventure dives than SSI, so they have a much more extensive curriculum. The PADI course requires more adventure diving than SSI courses. Before you choose a training center, make sure you are familiar with all options.
SSI classes
SSI's reputation for quality training materials is solid. SSI's open-water scuba courses are available for anyone who is looking to get a certification or learn more about diving. The SSI Digital Training System has apps that let you log dives, track your progress and view your certifications from your smartphone.
Additional certifications for divers
You might wonder if any other open water scuba certifications match yours. Although there are many certification bodies and training agencies that can award diving qualifications, this table will give you a rough guide to help you find a comparable certification. These guides are based at maximum air depth. However, some grades may be deeper with more training. Also, the maximum depth guides provided here are only for guidance and are not intended to be definitive.