Question

Why choose to certify with a sanctioning body (PADI, SDI, ect) over others & does the reasoning change as I progress?

Answer 1

I'm an SSI diver and I've liked the instructors I've had so far and the dive shop I support locally is SSI, so it works out. Would I do future specialty classes with PADI or NAUI? if the price is right, why not! You aren't required to stick to one, they are all respectable, it just sometimes makes it easier to stick with one because of slight variations like the types of dive tables they may use or something like that. Important thing is to like your instructor(s)/staff you would likely end up doing business with/work with/dive with

Answer 2

They are all good organizations. In my opinion, choose the one that has the Instructor Staff that fits with your personality and your feel the most comfortable with. I stared diving as an SSI diver, all of my other certs are with PADI because I like of the instructors. I am a PADI Divemaster now and love helping people learn to dive.

Answer 3

If the question is whether you should use a sanctioned body verse an unsanctioned one, the answer is of course you should!  The tech may make diving easier, but your still undertaking a high risk activity and should learn from people using a system and method that is based on the science and experience of good, safe divers.  As for which one, that really is a matter of the people in the shops you patronize.  Go with the people who make you feel comfortable.  Oh, and the issue of sanctioning doesn't change as you progress, if anything it's probably more important as progression usually involves more technical diving and greater risk.

Comments

No the question is with all sanctioned bodies being similar why choose one over the other?
Is it just which your local shop selects? What if the shop has a choice of 2 or more?
If you intend to get involved in different aspects of the sport should your choice change?
If you want to instruct should your choice change?
Is there substantial differences or is it all politics?

Answer 4

I would, yes. Should be well trained instructors, good protocol and consistent best practices.