PADI vs SDI vs SSI in Aqaba certifications: Who to choose?

There are many dive organizations in the world. PADI, SDI, CMAS, SSI, NAUI, etc.: choosing which dive agency you will be certified with is one of the first steps you should take. Read our post PADI vs SDI in Aqaba.

The first thing you should know is that all of the major dive agencies are governed by the World Recreational Scuba Training Council (WRSTC). The WRSTC ensures that all these agencies’ courses meet certain minimum requirements for all of their courses. This is then relayed to the instructors from each of those agencies, which is then passed unto the students. The fact of the matter is that the core curriculum in most of these courses are almost identical.

Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) in Aqaba

The Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) was founded in 1966 by John Cronin and Ralph Erickson. Their goal was to break down and make more accessible the single universal diving training course prevalent in those days.

PADI is the most well-known and widespread agency, with over 6500 affiliated dive centers and resorts all over the world.

Their motto “the way the world learns to dive” perfectly sums up PADI’s efforts to provide a safe standardized dive experience for average recreational diver all over the world.

Scuba Diving International (SDI) in Aqaba

Scuba Diving International (SDI) was created in 1998-1999 as the sister organization of Technical Diving International, specialized in training recreational divers.

If you envision processing into technical diving, SDI provides a clear pathway. Their training develops the advanced knowledge and skills needed as you advance into more complex, challenging underwater environments.

Scuba Schools International (SSI) in Aqaba

Scuba Schools International (SSI) highlights education as a core part of every diver's ongoing development. They believe informed divers make safer divers. SSI training materials dive deeper into the science, physics and physiology behind safe diving practices.

SSI also offers one of the industry's largest set of specialty courses. Their niche programs allow you to pursue personal diving interests while expending your knowledge and abilities.

PADI vs SDI in Aqaba: Key takeaways

• PADI is the most popular training agency globally, while SDI focuses more on technical diving
• When comparing open water certifications, PADI has the widest availability while SDI and SSI is not so popular
• For advanced programs, SDI focuses on skills while PADI lets you sample specialties. SSI has structured specialty courses
• Technical diving requires extra training beyond recreational certifications – PADI and SDI both offer tech programs
• There are a lots of specialty course options for interests like underwater photography or enriched air diver across the major agencies
• Divemaster and instructor courses allow you to work as a dive professional or teach scuba
• Crossover between agencies is generally straightforward. Previous certifications transfer over

Why we choose PADI in Aqaba?

As a PADI 5star Instructor Development Center in Aqaba, Coral Garden Diving Center focuses on high quality education programs for all courses we teach. We offer personalized training and wide range of courses: beginners diving courses, continue education diving courses, specialty courses, pro level diving courses up to instructor level.

Furthermore PADI training provides comprehensive training in scuba diving techniques, equipment, safety procedures, and dive planning.  It covers essential knowledge and skills that will enable you to dive independently with a buddy (where local rules don't required dive guide).

Secondly completing the PADI courses results in an international recognized certification.

The courses offers you more time to practice and develop your skills as a diver.  With multiple confined water sessions and open water dives, you will gain confidence and become more competent in handling different diving situations.

Overall during the courses you will learn how to plan and execute dives using recreational dive planner tables or dive computer.

The courses cover important theoretical aspects of diving physics, physiology, and safe procedures.

Moreover PADI offers a range of specialty courses and advanced certifications that you can pursue to expend your diving skills and knowledge.

Lastly courses emphasizes safety practices, emergency procedures, and risk management.

Join us! Quality guaranteed!