SDI and TDI - Scuba and Technical Diving International
Scuba Diving International (SDI) and Technical Diving International (TDI) are two sister organizations that share the same parent company. While SDI focuses primarily on recreational scuba diving training, TDI specializes in technical diving instruction for more advanced divers.
Scuba Diving International (SDI), envisioned and brought to life in 1999 by a team of professional educators from Technical Diving International (TDI), the world's largest technical diving training agency, marks a significant evolution in the realm of scuba diver training. Designed to impart comprehensive education to divers across all levels, SDI sets itself apart with a strong emphasis on practical, in-water training experiences, ensuring that divers not only learn but also apply their knowledge effectively in real-world situations. This focus on practical skills is underscored by the European Underwater Federation (EUF) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), both of which approve SDI's programs, affirming their quality and global relevance. With 26 Regional Offices catering to a diverse array of over 100 countries, SDI has established a vast, inclusive network, supporting and enriching the global scuba diving community.
At the heart of SDI's educational offerings is the Open Water Scuba Diver course, renowned for its cutting-edge course materials which include detailed graphics and comprehensive illustrations. These materials cover a wide range of essential topics such as the aquatic environment, the physics and physiology of diving, equipment maintenance and operation, as well as foundational concepts in dive planning and navigation. Uniquely, SDI offers the flexibility for students to undertake this coursework either online or through participation at a local dive centre, accommodating different learning preferences and lifestyles. Following the theoretical component, SDI places significant emphasis on in-water skill development, where students are required to master a total of 18 specified skills along with subskills, culminating in 4 open-water dives. A notable requirement from SDI is the use of modern dive computers from the very beginning of the course, emphasizing the importance of utilizing current technology in enhancing safety and efficiency in scuba diving.