In reaching the Scuba Dive Instructor level, all Divemasters have many choices to choose among the 10+ Scuba Diving Agencies currently operating across the globe. The questions asked repeatedly across social medias and in divers forums are: Which is the best Training Organization? Which is the cheapest instructor course? Can I work for a PADI Centers as an XYZ Instructor? Can PADI Instructor work for any dive shops?
So to be better informed about the which, what or why choosing one over another, below are some ‘FACTS’ found for the 2 “more popular” training agencies. With many keyboard warriors out there claiming that PADI is too expensive, or SSI is gaining great market share over the years etc., to make an educated and smart decision before investing your money for an instructor training program, you can see the comparison of benefits below.
SSI ITC vs PADI IDC
SSI INSTRUCTOR TRAINING COURSE & OPEN WATER INSTRUCTOR
This program provides candidates with the knowledge, concepts and training necessary to organize and conduct entry-level scuba training courses. It will also prepare the candidate for their Instructor Evaluation. Candidates who complete this program and the Instructor Evaluation earn the SSI Open Water Instructor certification.
Minimum Age: 18
Certification Prerequisites: Must be at least Dive Control Specialist/Assistant Instructor
75 logged open water dives
SSI Advanced Open Water Instructor
“Simply qualify for a total of four Specialty Instructor ratings, issue 15 Specialty certifications and you automatically upgrade to the Advanced Open Water Instructor.”
You can qualify by attending SSI Specialty Instructor Seminars after completing the Instructor Training Course. If you already hold Specialties as a Training Specialist, they will be automatically upgraded to Specialty Instructor.
SSI DIVEMASTER INSTRUCTOR
The Science of Diving Instructor Digital Kit is also needed if not already certified as a Science of Diving instructor.
Divemaster Instructor (DMI) is the next instructor level after Advanced Open Water Instructor (AOWI).
Certification Prerequisites: Advanced Open Water Instructor certification
Science of Diving Instructor certification.
Instructor – Dive Centre Relationship
SSI Instructors can only work through an authorized SSI Dive Center. This is the only way of providing the best quality service course to a student, with all the needed facilities and equipment and independent can’t provide. This however doesn’t mean that Instructors are not able to work as freelance or teach diving independently. Each independent instructor needs support at least for tanks and air fills, why not affiliate to that shop to provide a full service? If the independent instructor really owns all needed equipment, tanks and compressor, why not comply with all requirements and open a dive centre?
Source:
https://www.divessi.com/info/en-IC/scuba-diving/scuba-dive-professional.html/
PADI INSTRUCTOR DEVELOPMENT COURSE (IDC)
(Open Water Scuba Instructor Rating) Upon successfully completing the IDC and the IE, PADI Open Water Scuba Instructors are qualified to conduct all PADI programs and teach all core PADI Courses: Open Water, Advanced Open Water, Rescue Diver, Specialty Diver (specific qualified trainings required), PADI Divemaster and DSD Leader Divemaster. A PADI Divemaster who has been a certified diver for six months may enroll in the PADI Instructor Development Course. You also need:
At least 60 logged dives and 100 dives to attend an Instructor Examination.
Emergency First Response Primary and Secondary Care (CPR and First Aid) training within the past 24 months.
A medical statement signed by a physician within the last 12 months
Dive professionals who hold an instructor rating with another diver training organization may be eligible to enroll directly in the OWSI program. This recognizes prior instructor training and provides a path to become a PADI Instructor.
PADI and Instructor Relationship
A PADI Instructor does not have to work through or with an authorized PADI Dive Center or Resort. The PADI Instructor has the freedom to decide how to conduct the PADI courses & programs with students, to meet the course requirements, either independently, with the assistance or partnership of an authorized PADI facility or non-affiliated PADI centers. The PADI Instructor does not need to open a dive center to teach diving or conducting PADI programs.
Source:
Ultimately, it’s always best to choose the training agency that will provide you with the least restrictions to teach diving courses, good member services, highly responsive and the most freedom to choose where you work. Secondly, you want to choose the facility, the Instructor Training Program and the instructor trainer who will provide you with the most up-to-date training methods and teaching techniques. Finally, you should decide what training agency offers you the most in marketing and promoting ‘you;’ one where members teach and certify close to 70% of the world divers annually or the ones trying to gain little market share here and there with loads of gimmicks and unsubstantiated facts.
As a dive professional, where you spend your money to gain the instructor rating is a decision that will affect you in various ways down the line. So, will it be the club based agencies: BSAC , CMAS or NAUI? Or the for profit agencies: SSI, NDL, PADI, RAID or SDI?
Course. You gain valuable knowledge about sharks during your dives at the Phi Phi Marine Park during your course and get certified as a 
daily to the Similans Marine Park, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai and the amazing Richelieu Rock.