Very little! Each individual training agency is 100% recognized throughout the world. Click here to have a look at our PADI vs. SSI page for more details.

Yes, it doesn’t matter with which organization you have learned to dive. So if a PADI Open Water diver for example wants to dive with an SSI Dive center, that’s perfectly fine. This counts certification cards of all dive organizations.

Yes, you can cross between PADI and SSI as much as you like for the recreational dive levels. Their levels are quite similar and certification of another dive organization is totally accepted. As noted all standards are set forth by the RSTC (Recreational Scuba Training Council).

Both PADI and SSI have an online system and since we are affiliated with both PADI and SSI, we will be able to look you up. If a dive center is not affiliated with the organization you have done your course with, they can contact them to see if you are in the system. A signed logbook also helps.

No, we need to see proof of certification before we take you on a dive, regardless of training agency or experience level.

When doing PADI Courses – Yes, every student needs to purchase their own manual. SSI does not require this – you are welcome to purchase one manual, or more – up to you.

It is not a pre-requisite to have a medical before scuba diving, however if you have a pre-existing medical condition which affects your ears, sinus, respiratory and circulatory systems, or have had recent surgery it is advisable to consult a Diving Physician before you leave home. Before starting a diving course you must go through a medical questionnaire. (Click here to download the medical questionnaire)

If you do a lot of diving it is always good to get your own insurance. Note that every Life Aquatic customer is covered by the company’s dive insurance. Entry-level SSI students have free coverage for decompression sickness treatment within the duration of the course.

We have oxygen and a well equipped medical kit on our boat and on land & every member of our dive staff is a certified DAN Oxygen Provider. There are several international hospitals on Koh Samui as well as a decompression chamber.

Koh Samui has lots to offer if you’re not diving, excellent snorkeling & boat trips around the islands, various water sports, Kayaking, rock climbing & mountain biking, yoga, or even Muay Thai Kickboxing! Thai massage & cookery courses are popular, with a wide variety of restaurants Koh Samui has everything to offer in the way of cuisine from street stalls selling traditional food to exclusive fine dining.

If you cannot complete your course with us for any reason we will give you a “referral form” and you will have a maximum of 12 months to complete it with us or with any other dive school around the world.

Big Blue Diving !