PADI vs. SDI/TDI – Which Diving Training System is Right for You?
Introduction
There are various diving organizations, each with its own philosophy and specialization. At Chang Diving, we offer courses from PADI, SDI, and TDI to provide the best training for every diver.
Important: No matter which certification you have – everyone is welcome at Chang Diving! We accept divers from all organizations, including SSI, CMAS, RAID, NAUI, and others. While we only offer PADI, SDI, and TDI courses, you can join our dive trips or take advanced courses with your existing certification.
Who Are PADI, SDI, and TDI?
PADI – Professional Association of Diving Instructors
- Slogan: “The way the world learns to dive”
- Founded: 1966
- Philosophy: “Diving is Fun” – Focus on recreational divers
- Courses: Beginner to professional levels
- Worldwide Presence: The largest diving training organization
- Key Features: Standardized courses, ideal for beginners
SDI – Scuba Diving International
- Slogan: “We Lead. Others Follow.”
- Founded: 1998 as a subsidiary of TDI
- Philosophy: Modern, practice-oriented training
- Courses: Beginner to instructor level
- Key Features: Integrated e-learning, flexible training methods
TDI – Technical Diving International
- Slogan: “We Lead. Others Follow.”
- Founded: 1994
- Philosophy: Leading in technical diving education
- Courses: Deep diving, wreck diving, cave diving, mixed gas
The Parent Organization: International Training (TDI/SDI/ERDI/PFI/FRTI)
SDI and TDI are part of International Training, a global organization that offers various specialized diving education programs:
- SDI – Scuba Diving International: Recreational diver training (from beginner to instructor)
- TDI – Technical Diving International: Advanced technical diving education (cave, deep diving, mixed gas)
- ERDI – Emergency Response Diving International: Specialized in public safety diving (rescue divers, firefighter divers, police divers)
- FRTI – First Response Training International: First aid and rescue training for divers and non-divers
- PFI – Performance Freediving International: Professional freediving education (from beginner to elite level)
Comparison Table – PADI vs. SDI/TDI
| Feature | PADI | SDI | TDI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slogan | “The way the world learns to dive” | “We Lead. Others Follow.” | “We Lead. Others Follow.” |
| Target Audience | Recreational divers | Sport divers | Technical divers |
| Difficulty Level | Easy to advanced | Advanced training from Open Water | Challenging, for experienced divers |
Which System is Right for You?
- Beginner or casual diver? → PADI or SDI
- Looking for a flexible, modern training system? → SDI
- Interested in deep, wreck, or cave diving? → TDI
- Want to learn freediving or spearfishing? → PFI
- Want to become a professional diving instructor? → All three systems offer pro courses
Every Organization is Welcome!
Even though we only offer PADI, SDI, and TDI courses, all divers are welcome at Chang Diving! Whether you have SSI, CMAS, RAID, NAUI, or other certifications, you can dive with us, take advanced courses, or simply enjoy your next underwater adventure.
If you have questions, feel free to reach out to us!
Your Chang Diving Team
What Our Guests Say About Us
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