PADI

Cozumel Scuba School trains new and experienced divers in Cozumel and throughout the Mexican Caribbean, and we can issue both recreational and professional certifications through the Professional Association of Dive Instructors.

According to PADI, their system of diver education is based on progressive training that introduces skills, safety-related information and local environmental knowledge to student divers in stages. Cozumel Scuba School was founded by instructors who hold PADI credentials, as well as, credentials from Scuba Schools International. We are very familiar with PADI's system.

PADI Certification Options

As a company, Cozumel Scuba School can train Open Water divers, Advanced Open Water divers, Rescue Divers, Divemasters, and Assistant Instructors under the PADI system. We can also certify divers in numerous specialties. However, we do not offer Instructor Development Courses under PADI, but do offer instructor training under SSI.

In terms of professional ranks, it starts with Divemaster, then to Assistant Instructor, Open Water Scuba Instructor, Master Scuba Diver Instructor (MSDT), Instructor Development Course (IDC) Staff Instructor, and Course Director (CD). A CD can train student up to Staff Instructor. 

We do not employ a Course Director, nor are we a "5-Star PADI IDC Center" because PADI restricts trade aggressively by requiring Course Directors and centers to sign exclusive contracts and non-compete agreements. Out of principal, we are fiercy opposed to policies that are designed to create an unfair advantage or that stifle and restrict trade. 

For this, and many other rational reasons we have moved to Scuba Schools International (SSI) as our strategic partner. They're an amazing organization, and are leading the charge in creating online educational resources for divers that are now available in over 140 different languages.

Cozumel Scuba School has an Instructor Trainer on staff (the same rank as a PADI CD), who can train divers at every level from Open Water to Assistant Instructor Trainer (the same as PADI's IDC Staff Instructor).

PADI or SSI, which one is better?

At the recreational level, it really doesn't matter who you train under. PADI, SSI, NAUI, SDI, and virtually every other recognized scuba agency trains to the same standards. In other words, assuming your instructor is competent and follows regulations, you'll get a good education and learn how to dive safely. While talking heads on the internet and on the dive boat will tell you one is better than the other because of all kinds of subjective reasons, you really don't have to worry about it. It doesn't start to matter until you progress up the chain.

We certify under PADI for convenience or for students who have a preference for personal or professional reasons. Where that preference doesn't exist, we default to SSI for a variety of very logical reasons. What's important to understand is that both follow the same framework agreed upon at the World Recreational Scuba Diving Council.

Should you get a PADI certification?

Keeping the forgoing in mind, you really don't need to earn a PADI certification. In fact, you can actually benefit in a number of ways by earning an SSI certification instead. There's no question that much of it can come down to personal preference or even availability, but there are some definite advantages to SSI over PADI worth discussing. 

For instance, SSI certification cards are issued immediately and sent directly to your email. It's also uploaded to the MySSI app that you can install on your phone or tablet. PADI doesn't offer either of these features. They do issue a "temp" card, which is a digital product too. However, PADI will eventually, at some point down the line, mail you a physical card.

PADI, Being Aware, and Plastic Cert Cards

There's a couple problems PADI mailing you a plastic card. First of all, plastic is a serious problem in the world we live in. While your card may not end up in the ocean, it is shipped to you via a courier that uses copious amounts of fossil fuels. PADI isn't delivering your card via a Tesla, but by big trucks that use lots and lots of fuel.

Further, the plastic cards are stuck on paper sheets that tell you about your certification, and advertise other training options. Need we mention that paper comes from trees that are cut down? At any rate, the entire process seems contrary to PADI's claim that they are environmentally conscience.

SSI is gaining ground on PADI

20+ years ago, NAUI was the predominate scuba agency in the United States. They were, quite frankly, everywhere. This despite the YMCA, PADI, and SSI being around for pretty much the same period of time. Then, PADI became a marketing and sales powerhouse and took over. They are currently the largest scuba company in the world, but things change. Just as PADI gained ground on NAUI, and eventually overtook them, so SSI is gaining ground on PADI. Time will tell what happens, but they are losing market share for sure. That's a good thing.

TRY SCUBA

Also known as a try dive or discover scuba diving, this short but exciting scuba diving course will introduce you to the wonders of the underwater world. This is great for kids, families, and those who have limited time for an activity.

ADULT $125 / CHILDREN $100 USD

OPEN WATER

You will spend 2-4 days diving in the warm Caribbean Sea, experiencing the underwater world Cozumel has to offer. We personalize your training to ensure you have the skills & experience required to earn your certification.

$547.00 USD

ADVANCED ADVENTURER

This 2-3 day course is your opportunity to learn exciting skills from different specialties including Deep, Navigation, and several others that you can choose from a variety of areas such marine ecology, drift diving, wreck, night, and others.

$447.00 USD

SPECIALITIES

Cozumel Scuba School offers a variety of specialities you can choose from to advance your experience, improve your education, and increase your dives.

* boxes with green color are environmental in nature.