Choosing SSI or PADI when learning to dive.
Choosing PADI or SSI When Learning To Dive.
When it comes to learning to dive there are a multitude of course options out there. The main choice that people seem to research the most is "do i choose PADI or SSI" when learning to dive.
The differences are subtle, but at the end of the day, they both offer quality and safe courses, producing capable divers.
Both dive training agencies follow international standards outlined by the World Recreational Training Council (WRSTC).This provides international dive training to have a safe and consistent training around the world. The WRSTC tell dive training agencies who then passes it to their diving professional's, what the minimum requirements for each course. This means that training standards are universal. Both SSI and PADI are just two of these dive training agencies globally.
Flexibility in training.
The main difference in their training philosophy comes down to the flexibility given to the dive professionals when conducting courses. SSI instructors are able to add a personal touch and even add additional skills or material to their courses. Padi regards this as over teaching and prohibits their instructors from doing so.
PADI - A more ridged teaching structure
PADI follow a strict plan. Course requirements are structured in a way that the student must complete skills in the order. If the student is having trouble with a given skill they are unable to move on to the following skills. Skills are completed on the bottom all the way through the course, this makes the instructors job a lot easier when it comes to group control.
SSI - Flexible approach to teaching
SSI allows the instructor to grow the students confidence when teaching skills. The skill requirements for each course are outlined, but how the instructor gets the students through each skill is at the discretion of the instructor. For example f a student is having trouble with clearing their mask the instructor is able to move past this skill and give the student more confident with other skills, then come back to the uncompleted skill.
SSI believe that all skills should be learned in the diving position, as this is more real world application, " If you need to clear your mask, you should be able to do it then and there, instead of having to damage the environment because you have to rest on the bottom to clear it".
There are valid arguments to both philosophies and both may appeal to different individuals.
At the end of each of the initial Open Water Courses with PADI or SSI Students will be safe and competent divers. It comes down to the individual instructors.
Both training agencies offer very similar out lines to the course. E-learning options for the dive theory, this allows you to learn at home at your own pace. The pool sessions allow you to become confident with the equipment and skills needing to be a good diver. Then there are the open water dives. Open water dives is where you put all your newly learned skills into practice. This process is the same with both PADI and SSI open water courses and this allowed the students to add to their knowledge as they are putting it into practice.
Wether you choose to complete your course with PADI or SSI the most important this after completion is to get in the water and dive. Your instructor gives you the knowledge and skill to dive safely, but it is up to you to make diving your own. It may take a couple of dives after your course to feel comfortable under the water, but remember you need to learn to walk before you can run.
Goat Island Dive & Snorkel offer SSI Courses As we believe in the approach best suited for creating confident, capable and conscious divers. The focus on learning in the environment that you are in and having an educational system that adapts allows our instructors to provide a great level of training in New Zealands conditions.
Moving forward to advancing your diving adventures and gaining more experience SSI has so many great options.
For more information on our courses Click Here.
