Take a scuba diving training course with one of Island Divers Hawaii dive shops Oahu and you will receive the best diving lessons available on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. Island Divers Hawaii, an Instructor Development Center, offers SSI scuba diving courses that range from introduction to scuba diving to Master Scuba Diver.
What are the Differences between SSI and PADI?
There is almost no difference in the actual training. The quality of the scuba diving course strongly depends on your dive instructor no matter what organization you should choose to certify with.
In terms of dive training, there is very little difference between SSI and PADI. They both follow the diving standards set by WRSTC (World Recreational Scuba Training Council) meaning that knowledge and skill requirements are almost the same. Certifications at any level below Divemaster are interchangeable.
The certification received from either organization is recognized and accepted worldwide. So in the end, no choice is wrong.
The SSI certification is better than a PADI certification
There are multiple reasons for this.
Both SSI and PADI have online learning options for students, courses from both organizations result in lifetime certification, and the training duration for both organizations are relatively the same. However, SSI digital learning works across multiple devices all synced to a free MySSI account. You can download the course to do it on the plane, and sync it back when you get back to reception. You can change the language with a button click. Upgrades to the training material are free and access in lifetime. SSI simply has better digital infrastructure than PADI.
SSI has significantly better pricing. We can provide the same quality instructor at a significantly lower price with SSI. The student also receives a free digital card, which is environmentally appropriate. PADI charges for a digital card this but puts another plastic card into the environment as a default (that’s not environmentally responsible PADI – change your ways!). The log book is also free, lives in your MySSI app with your digital certification card, and can never be lost!
SSI empowers instructors to alter the order of skill training if that improves the quality of the course. PADI requires strict adherence to the course structure no matter the learning style of the students. Because of this, when a student has a training issue, SSI students are more likely to be able to complete a course while on vacation.
It is probably also worth noting that dive shops around the globe making the switch from PADI to SSI. The reverse is not true.
However, while Island Divers Hawaii is not a PADI organizational member, a number of our instructors are PADI members. If you truly have your heart set on that organization, we will make it happen for you. We charge an extra $100 and PADI.com will charge you about $231 for their version of digital learning.
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Island Divers’ Advantages
Our Boats
Island Divers owns five Coast Guard certified vessels. All of our boats have fresh water showers, toilets, shade, and ample room for divers to move around and store their personal items. We pride ourselves on comfort and safety for all of our dive buddies.
Rental Gear
Our rental gear is top of the line from Aqua Lung and Oceanic. It is serviced on a regular basis with proper maintenance records and replaced on an annual basis. All of our shops supply dive computers and integrated weight systems with all full gear rentals.
Training Facilities
We offer well-equipped training facilities at three of our four locations. Dive courses are held with video and other AV media teaching aids. You will have the best instruction in a fully supported learning atmosphere. Having a choice of location also provides you with ease of access to your dive course training.
**Please note that for any kind of scuba diving training, the student will first need to be medically cleared. If the student is able to answer “no” to all the questions on the form, they will not require a physician’s signature. A “yes” answer means that the form and packet must be taken to a physician for medical approval before they can engage in any scuba diving activities.
CANCELLATION POLICY:
If you’re unable to attend your class, please contact the shop at least 48 hours in advance. Cost of digital material is non refundable. Make-up sessions may also be required if students are unable to complete scuba skill performance requirements in the provided time frame, which is more than ample for all of our students who arrive prepared.