FAQS

SSI and PADI are the two leading names in recreational scuba diving. Both offer internationally recognised certifications and very similar practical training. Their systems are compatible, so you can complete your Open Water Diver course with PADI and continue your training with SSI, or vice versa.
At Red Sea Blue Paradise, we favour SSI for several reasons:
• A superior digital learning experience: SSI’s MySSI app provides convenient access to course materials, learning progress and certifications. SSI has been a pioneer in digital dive education and continues to improve its platform.
• More affordable courses: SSI’s digital learning materials and certifications are considerably less expensive than PADI’s, helping us offer better value without compromising the quality of your practical training.
• A strong dive-centre-based system: SSI professionals must be affiliated with an authorised SSI Training Centre to conduct SSI training. PADI also works with affiliated dive centres, but its instructor system allows greater independence. We appreciate SSI’s close relationship between instructors and dive centres, which supports consistent standards and ongoing professional oversight.
• Continuous improvement and multilingual learning: SSI continually develops its digital platform and learning resources. One of our favourite features is that you can easily switch between languages in the MySSI app, making learning more convenient for international divers.
Our instructors are affiliated with both SSI and PADI, so you can choose either system with confidence. Whichever you choose, you will benefit from our experienced team, personal attention and commitment to safety.
Our recommendation? SSI. We believe its modern digital learning, excellent value for money and dive-centre-focused approach make it the best fit for the way we teach at Red Sea Blue Paradise.

SSI offers two options for its digital course materials, giving you more flexibility and helping keep your diving course affordable. Both versions include digital learning materials and videos in the MySSI app.

Rental version: The more economical option. Access to your digital learning materials expires when you receive your certification or six months after receiving the materials, whichever comes first.

Diamond version: The premium option gives you permanent access to your digital course materials, allowing you to revisit the theory and videos whenever you like, even years after completing your course. You can also download your books and videos on up to three different devices, such as your phone, tablet and laptop.

At Red Sea Blue Paradise, we appreciate this flexibility. Choose Rental to keep your initial course costs down, or Diamond if you want permanent access to your learning materials for future reference.

Another advantage of SSI is the freedom to choose the option that best suits your needs and budget, without compromising the quality of your practical training.

PADI offers digital learning materials with or without videos. The version including videos is considerably more expensive, so it is worth checking which option best suits your needs and budget.
If you prefer the version with videos, please check with us first to confirm that it is available in your preferred language before we assign your digital learning materials.