You may be interested in becoming certified in open-water scuba diving. Here are some of the courses and brands that you can choose from. You have many options when it comes to this type of course. You can choose to get certified with 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 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. A private lesson can last approximately three hours. After that, you can join a PADI instructor and go on a dive with the instructor for the remaining time.
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 several SSI certification options. One option is the SSI Autonomous Diver course, which provides the most extensive introductory training. The course is also offered in a digital format. Get started by signing up for either the lifetime "diamond" or student package.
SSI eLearning
It is important that you think about your expectations when choosing between SSI or PADI open water scuba certifications. 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 may have a lot to share, but how are they different? Both companies require you buy course materials in advance. PADI courses come in a paper book format, while SSI courses are online. The difference lies with the materials. PADI courses have a more extensive curriculum, and they often require more adventure dives than SSI courses. 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 open water scuba classes can help you get a certification, or simply learn more about diving. The SSI Digital Training System features apps that allow you log your dives, track and review your progress, as well as view your qualifications right from your mobile device.
Other certifications in scuba diving
You may wonder if other open water scuba certifications are equivalent to 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. Note that these guides are based on maximum air depth, and some grades may go deeper with additional training. These maximum depth guidelines are only for air and may not be considered definitive.