I'm looking to start within the next few weeks, and was looking for some advice from any experienced divers out there. Is PADI the way to go or SSI? Recommendendations for someone starting out? Thanks in advance!
Maybe it depends on the instructor? Several people failed in my class, and failing any exercise was enough reason for my instructor. Sure beats hearing that former student drowned.Briank said:PADI has been taking some heat lately that they will certify anyone who is willing to pay.
Briank said:PADI has been taking some heat lately that they will certify anyone who is willing to pay. My PADI open water and advanced open water and nitrox has served me well. I do recommend doing the open water and the advanced open water as a minimum.
Being a newb myself, I really didn't know if there was a difference, or even think to ask. Reason being, my local outfit offers both SSI and PADI certs. But they do say that SSI is the "leader in quality standards for SCUBA training," for whatever that's worth.nsx13 said:Is PADI the way to go or SSI? Recommendendations for someone starting out?
i understand what you're saying, but we have a different perspective on adequately training for scuba. i'm not sure if it matters a small hill of beans whether it's padi or naui (btw, the same "padi was founded just to sell gear" thing was going on back in the early 80's, too), but i found that extensive lap swimming 2x per week, geared up, was only fair preparation for my early open water swimming & exercises.steva44 said:Go with PADI.. its easy, and you learn alot if you listen. If you have A.D.D. nothing will help you, but if your motivated and you read the whole book youll be fine.
queenlives said:i understand what you're saying, but we have a different perspective on adequately training for scuba. i'm not sure if it matters a small hill of beans whether it's padi or naui (btw, the same "padi was founded just to sell gear" thing was going on back in the early 80's, too), but i found that extensive lap swimming 2x per week, geared up, was only fair preparation for my early open water swimming & exercises.
me? when i'm exposed in the open ocean, dealing with currents, waves, wind and god knows what else, i prefer the more challenging training sessions and really encourage the OP to visit multiple dive stores in his area to find out about the best instructors available. OP, if you get a chance, while you're in those stores, pick up the local dive club mag and give some of the club officers a call for specific recommendations.
scuba is **lots** of fun - my entire family are certified divers - but it's not for the ill-prepared or lazy.
good luck, dive safe.
queenlives said:i've been naui certified for 23 yrs, have ~2,000 tank dives and i agree with the earlier post wrt instructor v course content. i'll take the instructor that teaches to high standards and isn't afraid to fail the student.
NSX-Stalker said:Be sure to pick up some additional insurance as well like DAN. When I worked in the chamber it was $350 an hour and some that we treated for DCS racked up well over a hundred hours.
NSX-Stalker
herehere. like flying, you'll be amazed how the "mundane" can hurt you.queenlives said:i understand what you're saying, but we have a different perspective on adequately training for scuba. i'm not sure if it matters a small hill of beans whether it's padi or naui (btw, the same "padi was founded just to sell gear" thing was going on back in the early 80's, too), but i found that extensive lap swimming 2x per week, geared up, was only fair preparation for my early open water swimming & exercises.
me? when i'm exposed in the open ocean, dealing with currents, waves, wind and god knows what else, i prefer the more challenging training sessions and really encourage the OP to visit multiple dive stores in his area to find out about the best instructors available. OP, if you get a chance, while you're in those stores, pick up the local dive club mag and give some of the club officers a call for specific recommendations.
scuba is **lots** of fun - my entire family are certified divers - but it's not for the ill-prepared or lazy.
good luck, dive safe.