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. There are many courses available. You can either become 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
After earning a PADI open water scuba certification, you'll have a variety of options for your diving vacation. 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. This certification costs anywhere from $350-$500, depending on where it is learned. 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 is the world's largest and most widely recognized scuba certification organization. Its philosophy is to create capable divers through rigorous training and ongoing educational programs. There are many 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. Register for a student package or the lifetime diamond package to get started.
SSI eLearning
You should consider your goals when choosing between SSI and PADI open water scuba certifications. PADI courses follow a rigid curriculum that makes it difficult to change the pace of your study. 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 programs
PADI & SSI may have a lot to share, but how are they different? Both require that you purchase course materials in advance. PADI courses are in a hardcover book format while SSI classes 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. Also, PADI courses require more adventure dives that SSI. You should be familiar with each option before you select a training centre.
SSI classes
SSI has a solid reputation for providing quality training materials. Whether you're looking for a certification or just want to learn more about diving, SSI's open water scuba courses can help you achieve both goals. The SSI Digital Training System has apps that let you log dives, track your progress and view your certifications from your smartphone.
Other certifications for scuba divers
You might wonder if any other open water scuba certifications match yours. There are many bodies and training agencies that offer diving certifications. The table below is a guideline for those who want to obtain a similar certification. These guides assume maximum air depth. Certain grades may require additional training to go deeper. The maximum depth guides listed here are only indicative and not definitive.