Is one card better than the other for travelling?

No. Every legitimate dive operator worldwide accepts both. Both agencies are WRSTC members and certifications are recognised under the same ISO 24801 standard.

Can I start with SSI and switch to PADI later?

Yes, both directions. Your existing certification is accepted as a prerequisite for the equivalent next-level course on the other agency. You don't repeat skills.

Why does Gili Air Divers default to SSI?

The online theory is free. PADI charges roughly $200 for the equivalent eLearning. For a 3-day course where the in-water portion is identical, the SSI route saves the student money without changing what they learn.

Are PADI instructors more experienced?

No correlation. Both agencies have the same minimum experience thresholds for instructor rank. At our centre, every instructor holds both PADI and SSI ratings.

Comparison

PADI vs SSI — welke duikcertificering op Gili Air?

In one paragraph

PADI en SSI zijn de twee grootste agentschappen voor recreatieve duikcertificering — beide vallen onder dezelfde WRSTC-industriestandaarden. Een Open Water van beide kwalificeert je om wereldwijd en levenslang met een buddy tot 18 m te duiken. De verschillen zijn administratief — manier van theorie aanleveren, papierwerk en cursusprijs — niet wat je onder water leert. Onze instructeurs hebben beide brevetten; wij certificeren via SSI omdat de online theorie gratis is.

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	PADI	SSI
Open Water cost (Gili Air)	~€450 incl. eLearning fee	€395 — theory free
Online theory	PADI eLearning — paid (~$200)	SSI Online Training — free
Depth qualification	18 m	18 m
Worldwide recognition	WRSTC member	WRSTC member
Card / certification	Issued by PADI HQ; ~2-week postal wait	Issued by the dive centre on the spot
Card expiry	Never	Never
Standards body	WRSTC + ISO 24801	WRSTC + ISO 24801
Lifetime certified divers	~29 million (PADI corporate)	~3 million active (SSI corporate)

Our recommendation

Voor beginnende duikers op Gili Air raden we de SSI Open Water Diver aan: de gratis online theorie zorgt dat je voorbereid aankomt en de drie dagen in het water doorbrengt in plaats van achter een bureau. Mocht een toekomstige werkgever of club specifiek PADI-kaarten eisen (zeldzaam maar het gebeurt), dan kunnen we je voor dezelfde praktijktraining tegen dezelfde prijs ook als PADI certificeren — vraag gerust.

Common questions

Is one card better than the other for travelling?: No. Every legitimate dive operator worldwide accepts both. Both agencies are WRSTC members and certifications are recognised under the same ISO 24801 standard.
Can I start with SSI and switch to PADI later?: Yes, both directions. Your existing certification is accepted as a prerequisite for the equivalent next-level course on the other agency. You don't repeat skills.
Why does Gili Air Divers default to SSI?: The online theory is free. PADI charges roughly $200 for the equivalent eLearning. For a 3-day course where the in-water portion is identical, the SSI route saves the student money without changing what they learn.
Are PADI instructors more experienced?: No correlation. Both agencies have the same minimum experience thresholds for instructor rank. At our centre, every instructor holds both PADI and SSI ratings.