Help! What's the difference between SDI and PADI?

[DG1]

Just about to start diving, done a few holiday dives and going to get certified(ho ho).
What's the difference between PADI and SDI? Which is best?
Anyone any recomm's re the best kit plus anything I should avoid, I live in the Middle East so lots of opp's to dive every week, looking forward to it.
thanks
DG

[Chris Cherrington]

...
What's the difference between PADI and SDI? Which is best?
...

PADI is better known and more widely recognised. SDI is the recreational part of TDI - better known as a technical agency.

There is little if anything to chose between the agencies at this stage. Find a school or instructor that you are happy with rather than worry about the certificate. To be honest most of us learn with the school or club that is nearest to us geographically. Learning in a club takes longer but often can be more thorough, however, I don't know what is available where you are. This is the BSAC forum and therefore most folks here are club divers and you will find a preference for that type of training on this site :)

Don't rush to buy equipment - the school wil provide it for the training. Take your time before spending your money and that way you will make fewer mistakes.

Happy diving.

Chris

[JamesW]

I agree with Chris but SDI are starting to get bigger now. SDI theres no tables, you start using a computer from day 1. SDI are very big in Greece now.
BSAC will do a SALT cross over to Ocean diver its not on there web site but I have a email from HQ stating its ok.
Best of Luck
James:) :)