There are many courses and brands available for open water diving certification. There are many options for this course. There are two options for getting certified: SSI or PADI. You should wait until you're more experienced in scuba diving before you purchase scuba gear. It is essential that you have the right equipment to be able to dive.
PADI
A PADI Open Water Scuba Certification will give you a range of options when it comes to your diving vacation. You can dive in the water of your local city or explore natural areas like the Belize Blue Hole, Australia's Great Barrier Reef, and the Belize Blue Hole. You can expect to pay anywhere from $350-$500 depending upon where you learn. You can, for example, take private lessons lasting about three hours. Then join a PADI instructor-led dive tour for the rest of the trip.
SSI
SSI is the most recognised and largest scuba certification organization in the world. Its goal is to produce competent divers through rigorous training programs and ongoing education. There are many SSI certification choices. One option is SSI Autonomous Diver. This program offers the most complete introductory training. You can also take the course online. You can sign up for a lifetime "diamond", or a student pack, to get started.
SSI eLearning
You should consider your goals when choosing between SSI and PADI open water scuba certifications. PADI courses are rigid and make it difficult for you to alter the pace of your learning. SSI courses let you adapt the course to suit your schedule and time in the water. This is a great option if you are looking to get your certification while you're on vacation.
SSI courses
PADI and SSI share many similarities, but what sets them apart? Both companies require you buy course materials in advance. PADI courses are in a hardcover book format while SSI classes can be accessed online. The difference lies in the materials. PADI courses have a more extensive curriculum, and they often require more adventure dives than SSI courses. 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 strong reputation for producing high-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 includes apps that allow you to log your dives, track your progress, and view your qualifications from the palm of your hand.
Other certifications in scuba diving
You might wonder if any other open water scuba certifications match yours. There are many training bodies and bodies that issue diving certifications. However, the table below can be a starting point for anyone looking to earn 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.