Open water scuba diving certification is something you might be interested in. There are many courses available. There are two options for getting certified: SSI or PADI. If you are new to diving, it is best to wait for a few years before buying scuba equipment. This is because you will be diving with it.
PADI
PADI open water diving certification will allow you to have many options for your diving vacation. You can choose to dive in the waters of a local city, or you can choose to explore natural sites such as the Belize Blue Hole or Australia's Great Barrier Reef. This certification costs anywhere from $350-$500, depending on where it is learned. 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 has the distinction of being the world's most widely recognized scuba certification body. 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 SSI Autonomous Diver. This program offers the most complete introductory training. The course is also available in digital format. Get started by signing up for either the lifetime "diamond" or student package.
SSI eLearning
You should consider your goals when choosing between SSI and PADI open water scuba certifications. PADI courses adhere to a strict curriculum which makes it difficult for students to adjust their learning pace. SSI courses let you adapt the course to suit your schedule and time in the water. This is a great option if you are looking to get your certification while you're on vacation.
SSI courses
PADI & SSI have a lot of things in common. But what makes them different? Both require that you purchase course materials in advance. PADI courses are available in a book format. SSI courses, however, can be accessed online. The difference lies in the materials. PADI courses have a more extensive curriculum, and they often require more adventure dives than SSI courses. PADI courses also require more adventure dives than SSI courses, so you need to make sure that you're comfortable with the different options before choosing a training center.
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 offers apps that enable you to log dives, track progress, and view your qualification from your phone.
Other certifications for scuba divers
It is possible to wonder if there are any other open water certifications that you can use. While there are many agencies and bodies that give diving certifications, the following table provides a rough guideline for those looking to get a similar certification. These guides are based upon maximum air depth. Some grades can go deeper with additional training. Please note that these maximum depth guides are only estimates and not final.