training agency pro & cons

Question
Jesse, I was hoping you could give me some insight on the differences between training agencies (padi, naui, ssi, wasi/nasi)
I am currently open water with padi but got my advanced with ssi in Australia last year. I currently have a USCG captains license and want to get my divemaster & possible instructor with the hopes of employment either in Florida or abroad but dont want to limit myself as where I could work by choosing the wrong training.
Seeing you are instructor with both padi & ssi i was hoping you provide some insight regarding training and post training employment

thanks, Bryan

Answer
Good question Bryan, I get this asked of me frequently.

Here are my recommendations:
Despite all you may read, the agencies are pretty much the same.  There are some differences in teaching methodology but they basically all use the same underlying set of standards.  You can't go wrong with any of the groups you mentioned.

All agencies have a global presence.  PADI has a much larger base of resorts, training locations, etc.  This might mean more job opportunities.  You could check all the agencies for dive shops and resorts that are located in the part of the world you are interested in.

It is best to select a school or dive shop that you will form an association with when you start your training. You will form a close bond with that shop during your training.  If you go to one of the fast track schools that pump out instructors, you will later have to establish a relationship with a shop.  They all have their nuances and ways of doing things specific to their location.

If you have a goal of being an instructor it is critical to decide on an agency and try to stick with it until you become instructor (meaning both dive master and instructor training).  If necessary, once you become an instructor or divemaster with one agency, you could always 'cross-over' to another.  You have to buy all the books and tests, but usually the tuition is about half as much.

One notable difference in SSI and PADI is that as an instructor for SSI you will be closely tied to a dive shop.  You would teach as an employee or contractor through that shop.  The same may be with PADI, but you can also independently teach students on your own, as your own business.  You would not do this through SSI.

You will also need to consider professional liability insurance, however, it does not matter much which agency you instruct through.

I suggest these steps:
Get you SSI, PADI, etc. Rescue Diver or equivalent.  It doesn't matter which.  You will have to have this for any dive master (or equivalent) course.  

You will need to have CPR and First Aid training and remain current.  I also suggest something like DAN O2 Provider training and remain current.

The agencies may also have varying requirements for the number of dives you have, swimming tests, and specialties.  You can ask the local dive shop you decide to partner with what the pre-reqs are.

Hope this helps out...Jesse