Market Leadership of PADI and SSI
The two largest training organizations in the diving industry are PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) and SSI (Scuba Schools International). Both organizations offer high-quality training opportunities for freedivers and are distinguished by their professionalism and global network. The long-standing experience of both organizations in training SCUBA divers is also reflected in freediving: the training materials are top-notch, available in many languages, and both organizations provide professional course marketing and certification processing. Both organizations also have professional websites and mobile apps for eLearning and more. If any problems arise, there are regional representatives who can quickly resolve issues.
Professional and Global Presence
Both PADI and SSI have established themselves as leading training organizations with a widespread network of diving schools and instructors worldwide. Their programs are designed to meet the needs and experience levels of freedivers, whether beginners or advanced. With hundreds of training centers in various countries, both organizations offer top-tier education and access to professional instructors.
Use of eLearning
Another shared feature of PADI and SSI is the use of eLearning platforms. Both organizations allow participants to complete theoretical lessons online, offering flexibility and a personalized learning experience. These modern learning methods help freedivers focus on the practical aspects of freediving once they dive into the underwater world.
Comparable Training Content and Requirements
The training content and requirements of PADI and SSI are comparable, ensuring that participants are well-prepared for the challenges of freediving. Both organizations emphasize safety standards, technique, and the development of mental skills necessary for freediving. The courses cover the fundamentals of freediving, breathing techniques, pressure equalization, safety procedures, and practical diving exercises. PADI and SSI have equivalency tables to recognize each other's courses and offer further advanced training.
Differences between PADI and SSI
PADI operates independently and allows certified instructors to offer courses and certify students autonomously. In contrast, SSI is part of a larger sports group (Head) and is more closely tied to the diving equipment industry (Mares). While SSI instructors conduct the courses, an SSI service center handles the administrative processes, from student registration to certification.
Commonalities between PADI and SSI
Didactically and in terms of learning content, PADI and SSI are equivalent. A PADI freediver does not differ in skills from an SSI freediver, as the same certification criteria apply to both. The differences lie more in the way individual schools train their students and, even more so, in the personal approach of the instructors, who emphasize different aspects and tailor their teaching accordingly.
Which Course is Better for Me: PADI or SSI?
If you are new to diving, I recommend taking an SSI Basic Freediver or SSI Freediver course. Due to the different costs associated with eLearning and certification, I can offer you SSI courses at a slightly lower price than the equivalent PADI courses.
If you have already completed PADI courses in the past, such as the PADI Open Water Diver, it may be easier for you to continue your freediving education with PADI. This way, you have all your certifications in one app and only need to deal with one point of contact if something goes wrong.
Why does freedive-thurgau offer both PADI and SSI courses?
I am certified as a Freediver and Advanced Freediver Instructor with both organizations. To give you the choice between PADI and SSI, I offer eLearning and certification from both. The learning content I teach in the classroom, pool, and lake remains the same, and you will complete the exercises required for the certification of your chosen organization. It’s possible you will take the course alongside students pursuing certification from the other organization, and you will hardly notice any difference.