
PADI®, SSI® or SDI® ? Diving Agencies 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 learned to dive”.
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 real differences between agencies lie in things like material focus, course structure, and delivery methods. However, the most important factor in your learning experience is not the agency—it’s the instructor.
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.
Diving Agencies Overview
Professional Association of Diving Instructors
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 steeper 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.
Scuba Schools International
Offers and skill progression comparable to PADI®.
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.
Good value for money, especially for budget-conscious divers who highly value digital registry and learning tools.
Scuba Diving International
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.
May be less recognized at a vacation resort, but fully valid worldwide.
Often more affordable and straightforward, with less focus on “extras”.
DISCLAIMER: At Elite Diving Curaçao, we work with multiple internationally recognized scuba diving agencies. While we may find that some agencies have more flexible processes or are easier to work with administratively, all agencies we support meet global safety and training standards. Any opinions expressed here reflect our professional experience and should not be taken as an official endorsement or criticism of any one organization.