Starting your journey as a Divemaster is a significant step in building a professional diving career, and choosing the right certification agency is essential.
Both SSI (Scuba Schools International, established in 1970) and PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors, established in 1966) are respected organizations with extensive histories. However, the experience and unique advantages of becoming an SSI Divemaster are worth a closer look so you can make an informed decision.
- SSI fees are much lower than PADI
- Online platform for professionals
- More options to teach as a SSI Divemaster
- Where do you want to work as divemaster
- Benefits of staying with SSI vs switching
- SSI is fully digital
- Earning (SSI) recognition ratings vs paying (PADI)
- SSI Flexible Learning Path
- SSI emphasis on Dive Experience
Conclusion: Your Path to Success as an SSI Divemaster
We will discuss the key differences between SSI and PADI and why SSI is the preferred choice for many professionals around the world and the benefits you will enjoy by choosing SSI.
What are the similarities between SSI and PADI ?
Safety & Fun: Regardless of which organization you choose, the fundamental principles of scuba diving remain consistent. Both SSI and PADI prioritize safety, education, and enjoyable and professional diving experiences.
Global Recognition: Both SSI and PADI certifications are recognized worldwide, allowing you to use your certification anywhere.
Flexibility in Switching: You can switch between organizations anytime. If you have a PADI Divemaster certification, you can continue your Instructor Training with SSI and vice versa you can be an SSI Divemaster and continue your Training with PADI.
Course Equivalency: The SSI Divemaster certification is equivalent to the PADI Divemaster certification, with a similar course structure and a certification.
Why choose SSI ?
While there are many similarities between the two organizations, there are also some key differences that could determine which one is right for you. If you're serious about building a career in the diving industry, the following points are essential for your future success.
SSI fees are much lower than PADI
As dive professionals, we are passionate about what we do, but we also need to earn a living from our diving careers. With the rising costs of daily life, it's reassuring to see how much SSI supports diving professionals. Let’s break down the numbers to see how much you can save as an SSI dive professional compared to a PADI dive professional.
If you're serious about continuing your diving career, you’ll likely aim to become a Dive Instructor qualified to teach several Specialty Courses. With SSI, this recognition rating is called the Divemaster Instructor, with the PADI equivalent Master Scuba Diver Trainer (MSDT). Let’s take a closer look at how much you can save by choosing to become a Divemaster Instructor with SSI compared to PADI.
The graph above highlights the significant financial advantages of joining SSI. By choosing to become a SSI Divemaster Instructor you can save over $1500 USD.
Additionally, when you teach courses, you earn Reward Points with SSI. For every 200 points, you receive a $20 USD/EURO discount on your Annual Membership Renewal. This means you could end up paying reduced or even no membership fees.
In contrast, the PADI annual renewal fee is $250 USD for a Divemaster and $430 for a Dive Instructor.
Online platform for professionals
As a PADI professional, finding the right course documents can be a challenge. You have to navigate two online platforms: the newer PADI website and the older PADI Pro platform, which can make it confusing to locate the information you need. This often results in a time-consuming and frustrating search for forms. Additionally, sending your students their online PADI materials can take at least 20 to 30 minutes.
In contrast, SSI professionals enjoy 24/7 access to a fully integrated platform that is user-friendly and works seamlessly on all devices. The SSI website features an excellent search function, allowing you to quickly find what you need. All forms and materials are just a click away on the download page, and best of all, as a dive professional, you have free access to all student and professional materials!
The search function on the PADI Pro website is less effective, and you have to pay for instructor materials and updates, adding to your costs. With SSI, sending your students their online materials takes no more than 30 seconds.
These practical benefits of SSI shouldn’t be underestimated; they save you significant time in managing your courses, allowing you to focus more on what you love.
More options to teach as a SSI Divemaster
The SSI Divemaster program provides candidates with the knowledge and training necessary to supervise and guide certified divers on recreational scuba dives. SSI Divemasters have the knowledge and training necessary to perform the duties of a certified assistant. These duties including assisting SSI Instructors with conducting entry-level and continuing education scuba training programs.
SSI divemasters can:
Certified Assistant for Open Water and Advanced Open Water Instructors
Lead certified divers on guided tours
May earn a Specialty Instructor rating in all Ecology Courses and React Right
Teach Snorkel Diver Course
SSI Divemasters can also teach the snorkel diver program and on top of that they can earn the Specialty Instructor Rating to teach React Right (Emeregency First Response course) and all the Ecology courses. This is a big advantage over PADI since now you can gain real valuable teaching experience as a Divemaster before you become a Dive Instructor. And this will help you being more comfortable going through the Instructor training course.
And on top of that if you are teaching courses you will earn Reward Points with SSI. And for every 200 points you will get $20 USD/EURO discount on your Annual Membership Renewal which is $85 USD per year. So you will end up paying less or no SSI Membership fees at all. As where the PADI Divemaster Annual Renewal fee is $250 USD for a divemaster.
Where do you want to work as divemaster ?
Did you know that there are over 120 different scuba diving training agencies in the world? Historically PADI has been the world's largest Scuba Diving agency but in recent years dive shops worldwide are increasingly switching to SSI, while the reverse trend is rarely seen. SSI is currently the fastest-growing organization and is becoming the preferred training agency in many regions. If you have a specific shop or area in mind for your divemaster career, it's essential to check which agency is most prevalent and if they are switching over to SSI to ensure your job security.
Benefits of Staying with SSI vs. Switching
If you complete your divemaster training with SSI, you’ll already be familiar with their skills and teaching methods. Therefore, it makes sense to continue your career with SSI if you decide to become a dive instructor. Switching organizations means you’ll need to learn new skills and teaching methods. That said, many PADI divemasters successfully transition to becoming SSI dive instructors and complete the SSI Instructor Training Course without any issues.
SSI is fully digital
SSI is dedicated to offering fully digital solutions for its users. As a PADI professional, you may find it challenging to navigate the site for the necessary paperwork, and completing and sending forms to PADI for approval can be time-consuming. The SSI system is designed for a completely digital experience, eliminating the need for physical paperwork. All forms can be filled out online and submitted to SSI with just a click, all in one convenient location. This means that as a dive professional or dive center, you’ll always have access to your student records and forms, without the hassle of maintaining physical documents.
Comprehensive Digital Learning: SSI’s online learning platform is more complete and fully integrated across all mobile devices and your computer. Your SSI digital learning syncs seamlessly with your free MySSI account. You can even download your course to study offline, like on a plane, and sync it once you’re back online. Course materials are available in over 40 languages and switching languages is easy with a simple button click. Plus, training material updates are free and available for a lifetime !
Integrated Training System: The MySSI app offers a complete training system, logbook, and certifications all in one place. With 24/7 access, you can:
Access all your training materials, documentation, and certification cards.
Log every detail of your dives in the digital logbook.
Enjoy free online training courses and updates
Plan your dive travel and marine life encounters
Connect with the entire SSI network and more !
Earning (SSI) recognition ratings vs paying (PADI)
When you achieve milestones in your professional career, SSI automatically awards you recognition cards. You'll receive a congratulatory email, and the card will appear in your MySSI App at no extra charge. Which makes sense because you have worked very hard to achieve this rating.
In contrast, with PADI, you must apply for recognition ratings and pay a fee to receive them. For example, as a dive instructor, if you meet the Master Scuba Diver Trainer requirement by certifying 25 PADI Divers and being qualified to teach 5 specialties, you’ll need to submit a PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer application to your PADI Regional Headquarters for review and pay a processing fee of $114 USD (fees vary by region). Additionally, you’ve already paid between $88 and $140 USD for each individual instructor application, depending on the submission method. This totals at least $555 USD for the PADI MSDT rating.
With SSI, the entire process is simplified. The fully digital system automatically recognizes your achievements and sends your recognition card at no cost, thanking you for your hard work in delivering excellent courses. Designed by dive professionals, the SSI system aims to make your life easier and more cost-effective, saving you between $555 - $814 USD for the Divemaster Instructor rating. It’s just one more reason why SSI is so great !
SSI Flexible Learning Path
Unlike PADI’s rigid order of skills, SSI emphasizes the importance of personalized instruction and encourages instructors to adapt their teaching methods to suit the needs of individual students. This results in a more efficient and effective learning experience for students who may benefit different learning styles.
If a student has difficulty with a skill, they can complete it later in the training, as long as all course skill requirements are fulfilled before certification. This SSI approach helps students build confidence naturally and effectively. For instructors and divemasters assisting on courses, this flexibility allows for smoother and more adaptable course planning.
SSI emphasis on Dive Experience
One of the core strengths of the SSI Divemaster program is the emphasis on practical experience and working with real customers in real life environments. At an SSI Career Center like Rich Coast Diving, you'll gain hands-on experience, assisting instructors in real-world diving scenarios, including challenging conditions that prepare you for professional diving roles worldwide.
Another example of SSI’s focus on real-life scenarios is the Night and Limited Visibility course. While PADI primarily emphasizes night diving, it's important to recognize that there are many daytime situations where visibility can be limited. The SSI Night Diving and Limited Visibility specialty is the ideal way to learn about night diving and practice the techniques necessary for becoming a safe and confident diver in low visibility.
With a blend of online learning and open water training dives, students will learn how to enter and exit the water, use specialized equipment, and effectively communicate with their buddy at night or in limited visibility.
Based on real-world experiences and conditions, dive professionals skillfully adapt training to meet the needs and abilities of their students. SSI prioritizes creating safe and confident divers that can handle real life situation.
Conclusion: Your Path to Success as an SSI Divemaster
Both SSI and PADI offer respected Divemaster certifications, but the benefits of becoming an SSI Divemaster, can give you the edge in terms of flexibility, cost-effectiveness, hands-on experience, and career opportunities.
Whether it’s the personalized learning, real-world dive experience, or integrated digital platforms, SSI offers a modern, comprehensive approach to professional dive training that’s hard to beat. And choosing SSI will save you money so you can spend it on other things you love.
Ready to dive into your future? Join our SSI Divemaster program at Rich Coast Diving and take the first step towards an exciting and fulfilling career in the diving industry.
For more information about becoming a Divemaster, Contact Rich Coast Diving
Mrs. Céline Monfort
Email: info@richcoastdiving.com
WhatsApp +506 8610 0914
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