When you do a dive course, you have a choice to do that with different dive organizations. These organizations have developed their own teaching materials, standards and certifications which their instructors use to conduct the courses. There are quite a few organizations in the world and they all have different philosophies and standards. In general, the differences are not too big and no matter which organization you take a course with, you will use the same kind of equipment and see the same marine life under water. Truly, the quality of the courses strongly depends on the experience and attitude of your dive instructor and the dive school you train with – no matter what organization you should choose to certify with.
Here at Wicked Diving, we are able to offer you courses with the two biggest Dive Organizations in the world; SSI (Scuba Schools International
PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors)
In terms of diver training there is very little difference between SSI and PADI. They both follow the diving standards set by the Governing body – RSTC (Recreational Scuba Training Council) meaning that knowledge and skill requirements are almost the same. Certifications are interchangebale.
The differences between these two are quite small but at the end of the day, they both offer good and safe courses and produce proper and capable divers. Both organizations have been around for years and they have very good quality teaching materials and high standards. The biggest difference is the marketing departments.
PADI is the larger of the two organizations, yet we choose to do most of the courses with SSI. Why? The Wicked Dive Team has been teaching with both organizations for many years and in many different places around the world. We strongly feel that the SSI educational system suits our guests (that’s you!) – best for training in the Similan Islands.
*** SSI believes that no course is the same because the students, Instructors, the available time and the environment are not always the same. SSI Recognizes that every person has a different learning method, and they allow their instructors to plan the course with a lot of flexibility when it comes to theory, swimming pool exercises or open water exercises. PADI is rigid in that they have a set order in which to do the course.
For example: If the current is quite strong – the required swimming skills can be put off for another day.
*** With a such great diversity in dive sites and varying under water conditions, we must have a certain flexibility to provide you – our guest – with the highest possible training and safety standards.
SSI also empowers our instructors to add information and/or skills if that improves the quality of the course. That doesn’t mean the instructor can do just anything, but we do like to give a student as much value as possible and make sure you get a quality course in which all aspects of that course and more are covered. Are you curious about turtles? We are able to spend some extra time talking about how the Similan Islands are home to 5 different species of Turtles, and possibly stop by the government run turtle hatchery!
*** Wicked are able to process your certification card locally, so in most instances, you will receive your original certification card right at the end of your course and we don’t need to give you a “temporary” card. This means you will be registered straight away and you don’t need to wait for your original card to be sent home. No waiting months for your certification cards, when you complete the course – you are certified! With your card you may now dive anywhere else your travels take you!
*** SSI video’s are shorter and focus on the important information of the course, not the marketing. This leaves more time with the instructor which is great to ask questions and learn about the local dive spots. The class room time is pent on learning, not watching long commercials
*** You can choose to either borrow or purchase your manuals. In other words, you don’t have to buy the materials, if you want to use ours during the course and give it back at the end of it, that’s great! PADI requires that you purchase the materials – no matter if you are traveling around the world or learning at home. We prefer to not waste all that paper, nor to burden your vacation with another kilo or two of books The PADI materials range from 1000 baht to THOUSANDS of Baht PER course. If you do the Open water and Advanced course together – you would be spending 3000 baht AND lost 2 kilos of your luggage allowance.
Although we prefer to do the courses with SSI, we alwyas allow you to choose which organization you will get the course in.
Q: Are the certification cards of PADI and SSI recognized all over the world?
A: Yes, it doesn’t matter with which organization you have learned to dive. So if a PADI Open Water diver for example wants to dive with an SSI Dive center, that’s perfectly fine. This counts certification cards of all dive organizations.
Q: I have done my Open Water Diver course with PADI, can I do my Advanced Course with SSI or the other way around?
A: Yes, you can cross between PADI and SSI as much as you like for the recreational dive levels. Their levels are quite similar and certification of another dive organization is totally accepted. As noted all standards are set forth by the RSTC (Recreational Scuba Training Council).
Q: If I forgot to bring my certification card with me, will I still be able to dive?
A: Both PADI and SSI have an online system and since we are affiliated with both PADI and SSI, we will be able to look you up. If a dive center is not affiliated with the organization you have done your course with, they can contact them to see if you are in the system. A signed logbook also helps.
Q: If I forgot to bring my certification card with me and I don’t show up in the system, will I still be able to dive?
A: No, we, at Wicked Diving, need to see proof of certification before we take you on a dive, regardless of training agency or experience level.
Q: I want to do the PADI Open Water course with my family. Does everyone need to buy their own manual?
A: When doing PADI Courses -Yes, every student needs to purchase their own manual. Again, SSI does not require this – you are welcome to purchase a manual, or 20 – up to you
If you have any more questions about PADI, SSI or other dive organizations, please Contact our training team
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