Focus on the different diving federations

When we want to try our hand at diving and experience the thrill of feeling weightless in the water, we don’t immediately think about our choice of diving federation. However, those of you who have taken your first dive will often wonder how to continue and what choice of federation to do it with. There are lots of different diving federations around the world. The most widely known ones include PADI, SSI and FFESSM. These 3 federations issue diving certificates ranging from beginner to instructor level. So, which one to choose? What are the key differences that are worth remembering?

For many years, underwater activities have been getting more accessible and attracting more and more people who are curious about the sport; both men and women, and even children can be very eager to put their heads underwater. Freediving, conventional diving, snorkelling or monofin swimming lessons that teach you how to swim like a mermaid or merman… There’s something for everyone! Large sporting equipment brands have even created easy-to-use masks that allow you to keep your head underwater while snorkelling. But when you want to stay underwater for longer, drifting around among the fishes, it’s still easier to do so by taking the plunge!

The PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) is the world’s largest diving training organisation. With more than 6,500 PADI-approved diving centres, more than 128,000 registered professionals and more than a million divers being certified each year, PADI positions itself as a world leader in diver training.

Apart from the impressive numbers, why choose this federation?

Wherever you are in the world, you will always have no problem finding a PADI-approved diving centre to train you or even recognise your current level of diving. Moreover, you will often be surrounded by PADI divers who will have made the same choice as you. PADI training courses are known for their style of teaching and are designed to make learning fun and effective. Confidence building and diving safety awareness are also included among the skills taught to divers in training. The teaching aids are very diverse and can be adjusted to your specific learning needs: in your locality or on holiday, with or without internet access. PADI has thought of everything! Hard copies, videos, e-learning… The professionals teaching you must also follow strict educational standards and enable you to reach these standards.

La FFESSM (Fédération Française d’Etudes et des Sports Sous-marins) was established in 1948 and is one of the world’s oldest federations. This non-profit organisation was set up under the “French law of 1901” by Jean-Flavien Borelli to unite the 7 clubs of submarine chasers existing at the time. The FFESSM now counts more than 150,000 licence holders and certifies more than 70,000 diving certificates across all levels, essentially all situated in France.

FFESSM training concentrates on teaching good diving technique. Therefore, it can have the advantage of providing more serious training and FFESSM-approved centres will ensure that trainee divers acquire sound knowledge of basic safety guidelines such as managing equipment and stress, maintaining buoyancy, and applying first-aid before certifying them.

Because FFESSM is based in France, you will need to pursue your FFESSM training at one of their approved centres. Therefore, if you wish to pursue your training during your holidays abroad, you may have more difficulty finding an FFESSM organisation than a PADI one.

SSI (Scuba Schools International) is a booming international organisation. With more than 45 years in existence and 2800 SSI-certified centres spread across 110 countries, you will easily find an SSI-certified centre somewhere in the world. SSI is a trusted organisation that is known for its thoroughness in its teaching method and adhering closely to the relevant safety standards.

It is common for some centres to be affiliated with several federations. That means it is easy to continue training with the same federation that you selected at the start of your diving training or  take a gateway certificate that will allow you to validate your equivalent qualifications or continue your training with another federation.