PADI stands for the Professional Association of Diving Instructors, while SSI refers to Scuba Schools International.
Key Differences
Below, we outline the distinctions between these certifications so you can dive into this thrilling sport with all the necessary information at your fingertips.
| PADI | SSI | |
| Price | Higher costs. | More budget-friendly courses. |
| Popularity | Globally recognised. | Less well-known but valid worldwide. |
| Teaching Method | Strict—instructors must follow a fixed course structure. | Flexible—instructors can adjust the syllabus or add content. |
| Online Learning | Requires an additional fee and expires after one year. | Free and unlimited access. |
| Learning Materials | Materials must be purchased. | Materials can be borrowed or accessed online. |
| Quality Control | Instructors can teach independently. | Instructors must operate through a dive school. |
| Certification | Physical card sent by post (temporary card issued in the meantime). | Instant digital certification via the app. |
You might wonder, Open Water Diver course independently, without a school’s oversight.
Are These Diving Courses Reliable?
Absolutely! Both agencies offer high-quality courses with professional instructors and excellent materials. Plus, they’ve trained competent divers for over 50 years.
Both meet rigorous standards based on decades of diving research and best practices. These standards ensure their certifications are globally recognised.
It’s also worth noting that if you complete your Open Water Diver with PADI, you can take the Advanced course with SSI (or vice versa), as both agencies recognise prior certifications regardless of where you earned them.
| Certification Equivalency Table | |
| PADI | SSI |
| Open Water Diver | Open Water Diver |
| Advanced Open Water Diver | Advanced Adventurer |
| Discover Scuba Diving | Basic Diver |
| Scuba Diver | Scuba Diver |
| Rescue Diver | Diver Stress & Rescue |
| Divemaster | Master Diver |
| Open Water Scuba Instructor | Open Water Scuba Instructor |
| Assistant Instructor | Associate Instructor |
Browse our website to explore courses from various agencies. Choose one that suits you best—whether nearby or in your favourite location.
So, Which Certification Is Best?
We have a clear winner: SSI courses are the smarter choice, especially for value-for-money.
Despite PADI’s popularity, SSI lets you learn at your own pace without rigid sequencing. If you’re stuck, you can skip ahead and revisit later. You’ll also have lifetime access to the mobile app for study materials and your e-certification. Being less mainstream, SSI courses are more affordable.
And since both are equally valid worldwide, you won’t face restrictions diving anywhere.
For aspiring professional instructors, PADI certification is preferable due to its broader recognition and independent teaching options.
But if you’re focused on diving (not instructing), SSI offers a more flexible, economical, and accessible path.
Remember: What makes a course great isn’t the agency—it’s the instructor!
