We are proud to announce that we are the first SSI certified store in Raja Ampat!  We are Store Number 741071.  SSI (Scuba Schools International) is one of the many diving certification-training agencies that exist.  For over 40 years SSI has been known in the diving industry for providing high quality education and outstanding training materials for divers of all levels.

SSI was founded in 1970 and is the largest school based training agency in the world. In the spring of 1999, SSI merged with the National Association of Scuba Diving Schools (NASDS founded in 1967) and created a new synergy in the dive industry. The sales and marketing expertise of NASDS, when joined with the renowned educational products of SSI, created a stronger company that is in a better position to serve Dive Centers & Dive Resorts, Dive Professionals and Instructors, and ultimately you, the divers.

PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) is another diving certification agency.  With more than forty years experience, over 135,000 PADI Professionals and more than 6,000 dive shops and resorts worldwide, PADI training materials and services let you experience scuba diving from nearly anywhere.

Scuba diving with PADI Instructors, Dive Centers and Resorts can help transform your life through education, experience, equipment and environmental conservation

PADI AND SSI

What’s the difference between PADI and SSI?

PADI and SSI are the two largest scuba diver certification companies in the world. Their qualifications are recognized all over the world and are mutually compatible – your SSI qualification will enable you to take the next step up in the PADI system and vice versa.

Which gives better training?

Both company’s set their Training and safety standards according to the World Recreational Scuba Training Council (click here for RSTC information). Therefore there’s no basic difference in the skills you will learn from either PADI or SSI. Basically the character and experience of your Instructor will be the most important factor in your course.

Then, why the prices are different?

The PADI system of `performance based` learning means that divers need to retain their learning materials, while SSI’s ‘comfort through repetition’ method doesn’t require you to own the materials. This means that PADI courses tend to be a little more expensive.