SSI, AIDA or MOLCHANOVS

FREEDIVING CERTIFICATION AGENCIES

Freediving Certification Agencies

The three main freediving certification agencies SSI (Scuba Schools International), AIDA International (Association Internationale pour le Développement de l’Apnée) and Molchanovs Freediving offer similar training but differ in their teaching approach, certification structure, and philosophy.

SSI International

Best for: Recreational freedivers, those who prefer flexibility, and divers who want digital learning integration.

Key Features:

  • Flexible Course Structure

    Instructors can adapt training to students' needs.

  • Digital Learning

    Offers an app with videos, manuals, and logbooks.

  • Pathway to Professional Levels

    Structured certification from beginner to instructor.

  • Focus on Comfort & Fun

    Less emphasis on strict performance requirements compared to AIDA.

Certification Levels:

  • Try Freediving

    Introduction to freediving (optional).

  • Freediving Level 1

    Basic skills, safety, and breath-hold techniques.

  • Freediving Level 2

    Deeper dives, freefalling, and CO₂ training.

  • Freediving Level 3

    Advanced equalization, deep dives, and competitive-level techniques.

  • Professional Levels

    Instructor certifications.

Unique Feature: The SSI Training App allows online learning and tracking.

AIDA International

Best for: Divers looking for a structured approach with a strong emphasis on safety and competition techniques.

Key Features:

  • Strong Theory & Safety Focus

    Comprehensive learning, including physics, physiology, and rescue techniques.

  • Standardized Performance Requirements

    Clear depth, time, and rescue skills must be met for certification.

  • Path to Competitive Freediving

    More aligned with competition-level training.

Certification Levels:

  • AIDA 1

    Introduction to freediving (optional).

  • AIDA 2

    Basic freediving skills (15-20m depth requirement).

  • AIDA 3

    Intermediate skills, equalization techniques, and deeper diving (24-30m).

  • AIDA 4

    Advanced techniques, rescue scenarios, and deep diving (32-40m).

  • AIDA Instructor

    Teaching certification.

Unique Feature: AIDA is the official body for international freediving competitions and world records.

MOLCHANOVS

Molchanovs course at Kalamata Freedivers

Best for: Divers wanting progressive, high-performance training with a strong community focus.

Key Features:

  • Wave System

    A flexible, performance-based certification system.

  • Online Community & Training

    Lifetime access to training programs, drills, and coaching.

  • Competition-Ready Techniques

    Founded by world champion Alexey Molchanov, with deep focus on advanced techniques.

  • Holistic Training

    Emphasis on dry training, breathwork, and physical conditioning.

Certification Levels:

  • Discovery

    Introduction to freediving (optional).

  • Wave 1

    Beginner freediving (12-20m).

  • Wave 2

    Intermediate, advanced equalization & depth training (24-30m).

  • Wave 3

    High-level freediving, competition techniques (32-40m).

  • Instructor Pathway

    Requires a high standard of performance and teaching skills.

Unique Feature: Base Training Program – An ongoing online system for freedivers to continue training after certification.

Which One Should You Choose?

  • SSI if you prefer flexibility, digital learning, and recreational freediving.
  • AIDA if you want a structured, safety-focused approach and potential competition training.
  • Molchanovs if you want high-performance techniques, continuous training, and competition-level skills.

For beginners, SSI or AIDA is a great start.

For advanced freedivers, AIDA 4 or Molchanovs Wave 3 is the way to go!

Ultimately, the quality of your course depends on your instructor’s teaching style and experience. Meet our expert team and find the perfect instructor for you!

Explore our Most Popular Programs!

Take your freediving skills to the next level.

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Oct 26 Almadani Elyas 40