It’s Simple:
SDI (Scuba Diving International) is chosen for its modern, technology-focused approach to scuba certification, which emphasizes personalized, e-learning-based instruction and requires the use of dive computers from the start. As a sister organization to Technical Diving International (TDI), it benefits from technical diving expertise, fostering a spirit of continuous learning and safety. Key advantages include its commitment to high-quality, individualized instruction, its foundation in technical diving principles, and its focus on nurturing marine stewardship.
SDI prioritizes individual learning needs over a “cookie-cutter” approach, using innovative e-learning and Differentiated Instruction to tailor the educational experience for each student.
- Emphasis on Safety and Skills:
The curriculum focuses on developing practical skills, such as buoyancy control, from the beginning and instilling calm responses to emergencies.
- Continuous Improvement:
The organization promotes a philosophy of lifelong learning, encouraging both divers and instructors to stay current with new technologies and methods in the rapidly evolving sport.
- Marine Stewardship:
Beyond certification, SDI aims to nurture divers into stewards of the marine environment, integrating education about marine life and conservation into their programs.
Key Reasons to Choose SDI:
- Modern, Tech-Forward Approach:
SDI was one of the first agencies to require dive computers for Open Water Divers and fully embraces new technology, integrating it into its curriculum.
Here are the key “firsts” for SDI:
- Integration of Dive Computers: SDI was a pioneer in incorporating dive computers into the Open Water Course, a decision that enhanced safety and alignment with real-world diving practices.
- Junior Open Water Certification: SDI was the first agency to offer specific Junior Open Water Scuba diver certification for young children aged 12 and under.
- Focus on Technical Diver Perspective: Launched by dive professionals from the technical diving community, SDI brought the perspective and expertise of technical diving to recreational diver training.
- Family of Diving Specialties: SDI created a unified “family” of diving specialties, including recreational, technical diving (TDI), public safety (ERDI), and freediving (PFI) under one brand, as well as First Response Training (FRTI), and was the first of its kind to connect these disciplines.
- Unlike the “other” dive training organizations, SDI has solidified it’s recreational dive training expertise in it’s Technical Diving Roots:
TDI (Technical Diving International) As the technical diving arm of SDI, TDI’s training is developed by professionals with extensive technical diving experience, ensuring rigorous standards and a unique perspective on safety and training.
- First Aid Programs: TDI developed and released the CPROX & CPR1st first aid courses, which were specifically tailored for divers to provide simple, memorable, and effective first aid training. Read more at FRTI.
- Technical Diving Focus: TDI was founded in 1994 by industry veterans who wanted a technical diving agency focused on providing courses and materials that divers wanted to use, emphasizing an “agency of firsts” approach. Read more at TDI.
ERDI (Emergency Response Diving International)
Emergency Response Diver I (ERD I) certification is the foundational level of training for public safety divers (PSDs), including law enforcement and fire rescue personnel. This initial certification provides certified open-water divers with the fundamental skills required to function as part of a public safety dive team.
What the ERDI ERD I Certification Entails
- Purpose: To provide certified open-water divers with the basic skills needed for limited open water public safety diving activities, enabling them to operate as team members within a dive team.
- Prerequisites: Requires the individual to be a certified open-water diver.
- Team-Oriented Training: Focuses on essential skills for working as part of a public safety dive team.
- Foundation for Further Training: Earning the ERD I certification unlocks progression into higher ERDI levels and specialized public safety diving skills.
- Focus: ERDI is a specialized agency under the International Training umbrella, focused on standardizing training for public safety dive teams.
- Compliance: All ERDI programs are designed to be compliant with Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards.
- Industry Role: ERDI has been influential in public safety diving for over two decades, developing innovative and cutting-edge training programs to meet the needs of the community. Read more at ERDI.
PFI (Performance Freediving International)
People choose PFI for freediving due to their established reputation for quality, safety-focused education, and comprehensive training programs that cover everything from basic breath-hold techniques to technical applications. PFI is known for setting high standards for instructors and providing a curriculum that emphasizes functional freediving in real-world environments rather than just pool-based exercises. Their worldwide recognition and proven approach, used by world record holders and even Hollywood productions, make PFI a trusted choice for both new and experienced freedivers.
Key reasons to choose PFI:
- Established Leadership: Founded in 2000 by Kirk Krack, PFI is a leader in the freediving industry, setting high standards for safety and education.
- Comprehensive Training: PFI offers a range of courses, from the fundamental “PFI Freediver” level, which teaches essential breath-holding and safety techniques, to specialized courses in technical freediving.
- Emphasis on Safety: PFI is dedicated to developing safe freediving practices, with a focus on risk mitigation and proper safety procedures.
- Functional & Innovative Education: Unlike some systems that focus on static pool exercises, PFI’s training emphasizes functional freediving in open water and real-world aquatic environments.
- Worldwide Recognition: A PFI certification is recognized internationally, making your training valuable and respected at freediving centers globally.
- Proven & Tested System: PFI’s educational system has been used to train elite athletes, world record holders, and even actors for underwater filming, showcasing its effectiveness and reliability.
- High Instructor Standards: PFI sets strict requirements for its instructors, which, while not a guarantee against poor quality, generally results in a higher caliber of instruction compared to agencies with fewer requirements.
Call Calgary Scuba at 403-228-5756 to learn why SDI is the BEST Choice in Calgary!