#124
SKubaSteve - 8/25/2014 2:59 PM
I suppose since I’m testing for my OWI (SSI) in October I should just say "SSI RULES!". Okay now that that’s out of the way...

Fun aside - local availability is a huge consideration. If a potential diver has a limited number of choices available I’d hate for them to buy a set of golf clubs instead of learning to SCUBA dive just because someone told them that "XYZ" agency was the way to go. As was mentioned earlier - we all certify OW to the same basic set of standards.

If you actually have a choice then some research is warranted. I like the SSI program and would certainly recommend it to students. They (SSI) keep us accountable for the quality of our instruction and I like the association with a retail center (I know there’s debate about this but for me it has been a good experience). This affiliation lets us focus on teaching SCUBA rather than marketing, repair, rental gear, etc. which has been beneficial to me, our other instructors and our students.

There are good points to all the agencies though... I have a PADI ’Encyclopedia of Recreational SCUBA Diving’ on my bookshelf and I’ve also trained with SDI and TDI.

My advice to future dive buddies: Find the shops you might work with, meet the instructors and go with who makes you feel the most comfortable and excited about SCUBA then get certified and go diving!