Haanism

Off to Bundaberg | Scuba Diving Courses in Bundaberg | SSI Open Water Certification in Bundaberg | Met Lady Musgrave | Lady Musgrave Cruise | Town of 1770 | Few Days in Bundaberg

This time, when Boss comes to Bundaberg to do his Open Water (OW) certification, I also got to learn some new things. The dive center (Aqua Scuba) offers 2 types of internationally-recognized OW course:
- by SSI (Scuba Schools International), $319
- by PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors), $249


Very cheap, right? I mean cheap (without currency conversion) for locals who earn AUD. In fact, I think Bundaberg has fairly cheap courses. I checked other places such as Sunshine Coast. The fees are almost double, more than $500.

What makes the difference between SSI and PADI?

For PADI, you must buy the textbook, which costs $70. For SSI, you can loan the textbook from the center, by just paying $20 deposit. Later on, you can return the book and get back the money.

In Australia, you need to pay another $60 for medical check up. When I did mine in Malaysia, this was not necessary.

Allow me to compare the prices here:

Redang Bay, Malaysia:
- Discover Scuba: RM 150
- Open Water: RM 950
- Advanced Open Water: RM 800
- Shore Dive: RM 55
- Boat Dive: RM 80

Aqua Scuba, Bundaberg, Australia:
- Discover Scuba: AUD 80
- Open Water: AUD 249
- Advanced Open Water: AUD 285
- Shore Dive: AUD 40
- Boat Dive: AUD 75-80

Sunreef, Sunshine Coast, Australia:
- Open Water: AUD 550
- Advanced Open Water: AUD 450

Tulamben Matahari Resort, Bali, Indonesia:
- Discover Scuba: USD 48
- Open Water: USD 350
- Advanced Open Water: USD 250
- Shore Dive: USD 25
- Boat Dive: USD 60

After having classroom and pool sessions for 2 days, Boss will go to the sea for Open Water certification tomorrow. I will go along :) I saw from photos, the shore is not as smooth and beautiful as Redang Island.

However, am still not sure how is the underwater world!