Question of the Week: Is the Reef Encounter SSI open water learn to dive course basically the same as a PADI open water course?

Today, we had several fantastic questions about learning to scuba dive in Cairns. Please read on below:

Question:

I have a question about the SSI 3-day course: https://cairnsdiveadventures.com.au/tour/reef-encounter-3-day-open-water-learn-to-dive-course/

Is this open-water learn-to-dive course basically the same as a PADI open-water course? Would I get a certification at the end of this course, just as with the very common PADI open-water courses in Cairns? Are both just the same thing, and is the SSI course just more condensed?

Is the only difference basically that this course is certified by SSI, and confined water dives are completed in the ocean rather than in a swimming pool?

Would you recommend this SSI course or would you say that this one from Pro Dives is better: https://cairnsdiveadventures.com.au/tour/pro-dive-open-water/

Finally, do I understand correct that the SSI course starts daily and that the start is not restricted to a certain week day?

Our Reply:

That is fantastic you are planning to come to Cairns to learn to scuba dive.

Yes, please note that the two largest dive training systems in the World are both PADI and SSI; they are education providers. Both will give you the Open Water Dive Certification, which allows you to dive down to a maximum depth of 18 meters anywhere in the world. Both are interchangeable with each other, and both accept each other’s certifications.

For example, if you have the SSI Open Water Certification, you can later complete an advanced PADI course if you go to a PADI training centre. The same goes for a PADI open water certification; you could also do an SSI Advanced Adventures dive course later at an SSI dive training centre.

The 3-Day/2-Night SSI Open Water Course with Reef Encounter starts every day as long as space is available. This course is a small, personalised course that takes a maximum of 4 divers to one instructor. All training dives are completed up in the shallow coral gardens of the reef instead of doing them in a swimming pool. It is a beautiful way to learn to dive as all your confined water and open water dives are done on the reef. (Please keep in mind there is no night dive on this course).

Please note that the 5-day PADI learn-to-dive course with Pro-Dive Cairns is also excellent in that it offers 2 dedicated swimming pool and classroom training days and a 3-day/2-night liveaboard. Because of this extra time spent on land, you get many more dives when on the boat. You get your 4 x training dives and then 5 fun dives, including a night dive.

Conclusion:

So, if you are short on time, the 3-Day/2-Night SSI Open Water Course with Reef Encounter is a beautiful way to learn to dive.

But if you have the time, the Pro-Dive Cairns will get you a lot more dives and a night dive.

Both offer fantastic ways to learn to dive; it really comes down to how much time you can devote to your course. Both will give you the Open Water Certification, allowing you to dive to a maximum depth of 18 meters.

Both companies offer twin-share cabins on the boat portion of your trip. Reef Encounter also has private ensuite bathrooms, while Pro-Dive has shared bathrooms outside the room in the hallway.

Remember, to try any form of scuba diving, everyone must be medically fit, have no asthma, and not be taking any prescription medication. PADI and SSI both recommend allowing up to 24 hours after diving before flying in an airplane. You also must be able to swim; if you are over 45 years old, you may need dive medical from a doctor.

If you are interested in the Reef Encounter 3-Day/2-Night course, please let us know what date you’d like to take it, and we can check availability for you. PHONE: +61 7 4041 1638 or EMAIL: reservations@cairnsdiveadventures.com

If you are interested in the Pro-Dive Cairns 5-Day PADI learn to dive course, please see live availability on our live booking engine here – https://bookings.cairnsdiveadventures.com.au/tours/5-day-learn-to-dive-course/5D

Remember, with either course, you will be eligible for our 1 x FREE underwater camera hire service. You just need to come into our shop the day before departure day before 5:30 pm to pick up the camera, you also must supply your own SD camera card.

If you are interested in the Reef Encounter 3-Day/2-Night course, please let us know what date you’d like to take it, and we can check availability for you.

Who Are We?

We are Cairns Dive Adventures. Our shop is located on the Cairns Esplanade. With over 758 dives on the Great Barrier Reef, we have been on every single day boat, island, and overnight liveaboard from both Cairns and Port Douglas in Australia. Please reach out if you have any questions. We are here to help you choose the ultimate trip to the Great Barrier Reef!