What are the differences between SSI, AIDA, and Molchanovs?
We can short and simple – there is not much difference between the different agencies. As for the course content, there is no real significant difference between any of them. SSI is more recreational and covers topics like waves, tides, and currents in their beginner freediving course. AIDA and Molchanovs are primarily focused on freediving. AIDA is more academic-based, and Molchanovs is more technical in freediving.
There isn’t much difference in performance requirements, either. AIDA’s and Molchanovs’ bifins dive requirement, called constant weight bifins, is slightly more challenging than SSI. The performance requirements for AIDA and Molchanovs is -12 meters, and SSI is -10 meters. There are small differences in skills here and there, but the performance requirements should not be a decision-maker.
The only real difference between SSI AIDA and Molchanovs for recreational courses is how the study materials are delivered. With SSI, you will access the study material via a modern mobile app called the MySSI app, whereas with Molchanovs, you get access to a PDF manual and online lessons. AIDA also has a (somewhat outdated) PDF manual that we’ll send you the moment you sign up for the course.
There are big differences at a professional level between AIDA instructors, Molchanovs instructors, and SSI Instructors. As an AIDA or Molchanovs instructor, you can work independently and anywhere in the world, while as an SSI instructor, you must register a business or be affiliated with a registered dive center to teach. Of course, there are more differences between AIDA, SSI, and Molchanovs, but in short, this is it.
If you want to learn more about AIDA, SSI, and Molchanovs, this page has more about the different freedive instructor courses.
