PADI®, SSI® or SDI® ?
The Diving Agency Explained
What is a Diving Agency?
A scuba diving agency is an organization that develops training programs and certifies scuba divers and instructors. These agencies set safety standards, offer courses, and issue certification cards to show a diver's level of training and experience. Major agencies include PADI®, SSI®, NAUI®, SDI®, TDI®, CMAS®, IANTD®, GUE® and RAID®.
Many dive centers and instructors—ours included—are affiliated with multiple agencies. This can be for various reasons, including flexibility, cost, course availability, or to better serve students from different backgrounds.
To a great extent, the certifications attained under the different agencies have equivalents among each other and are mostly interchangeable. A diver can begin their certification path with one agency (e.g., PADI®) and continue their education with another (e.g., SSI®), as most agencies recognize each other’s training levels and prerequisites, especially at the recreational level.
What Does “I’m Doing My PADI” Really Mean?
"I’m doing my PADI" is a common phrase, but it's not technically correct. PADI® is the name of a scuba diving agency—not a certification. What most people mean is “I’m getting my scuba diving certification” or “I completed my open water certification”.
Which Diving Agency is Best?
If you’re looking to get certified as a scuba diver, all the agencies we work with at Elite Diving Curaçao offer safe, internationally recognized training that qualifies you to dive anywhere in the world.
The differences between agencies lie mostly in material focus and structure, but the skills necessary to be a good diver are all the same. What truly matters is time spent in the water. The most important factor in your learning experience is not the agency, it’s the instructor, along with your own commitment.
That’s why we believe you should focus on choosing the right instructor—one who works under a reputable, quality-controlled dive facility—rather than just picking a certification agency. A skilled and passionate instructor makes all the difference, no matter which certification path you follow.
Scuba Diving International (SDI® + TDI®)
Known for a modern approach – uses dive computers from day one.
More instructor freedom in course delivery.
A great option if you plan to move to technical or advanced diving later under TDI®.
May be less recognized at a vacation resort, but fully valid worldwide.
Often more affordable and straightforward, with less focus on “extras” and prioritizing in-water skills.
Scuba Schools International (SSI®)
Coherent, modular offers/skill progression.
Free access to digital learning through the MySSI® app once you register with a dive shop.
Courses are taught through affiliated shops only (i.e. no freelance, independent instructors).
Strong presence in Europe, Asia and growing globally.
Excellent value, especially for budget-conscious divers who highly value digital registry and more polished e-learning tools.
Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI®)
Biggest name in diving, known everywhere.
Very structured courses with fixed sequences. Instructor discretion is limited.
Uses polished e-learning, but usually sold separately and at a high price.
Recognized at almost any dive shop or resort worldwide.
Ideal if you want a global name recognition and consistent system, but know you are paying a premium for branding.
DISCLAIMER: At Elite Diving Curaçao, we collaborate with several internationally recognized scuba training agencies. While some may offer more flexible procedures or simpler administration than others, every agency we work with adheres to established global standards for safety and training. Any views we share are based solely on our experience and should not be interpreted as an official endorsement or criticism of any specific organization.
