Why PADI
Wherever you choose to dive, your certification will be recognised.
PADI divers hold the most respected and sought-after certification in the world. On most of your adventures you will be surrounded by other PADI divers who made the same choice: to train with the world's largest diving organisation.
What makes PADI different
01
Education
The PADI system is the most instructionally sound system in diving. Courses are designed to make learning enjoyable and useful. Guided by your instructor, you gain confidence while learning important safety concepts and skills. PADI Instructors are trained to the highest standards, backed by a solid, proactive quality management system.
02
Performance-based learning
You progress at your own pace as you demonstrate mastery of the performance requirements every diver needs. You have to earn your certification, but you earn it in an encouraging, well-supported learning environment.
03
Educational materials
Accredited instructional designers use current technology and learning theory to create PADI materials with you, the student diver, in mind. Self-study materials come in several formats: online programmes, tablet apps, manuals and workbooks. Instructor support materials help your instructor explain further and check your understanding.
04
Educational standards
Every PADI programme, from beginner to instructor trainer, follows strict educational standards monitored worldwide for consistency and quality. PADI takes a proactive approach to quality management and randomly surveys divers to confirm that standards and student expectations were met.
05
Continuing education
The fun of being a confident diver grows with your skills. Every PADI course builds on the last. Specialties let you explore particular interests, and professional courses can make you a Divemaster or Instructor.
06
Academic credit and vocational recognition
The quality of PADI materials and the educational value of PADI courses have been independently recognised by international education and training authorities. You may earn university credit for some PADI courses, or vocational recognition.
Professional quality and support
Just as divers earn PADI certifications, PADI Instructors must complete a training programme that sets the industry standard. Every new instructor demonstrates a thorough knowledge of the PADI system. Before earning the rating, every candidate is evaluated by PADI-employed examiners, so assessment is objective, fair and consistent worldwide.
To help members grow personally and professionally, PADI offices run annual seminars on education, marketing and risk management, and retailers and resort operators have access to services through the PADI Retail and Resort Associations.
The diving community
As a PADI diver, you become part of the PADI community.
The PADI Blog covers recreational diving, while TecRec focuses on technical diving. On social media, PADI divers share stories, photos and videos.
Environmental responsibility
As a PADI diver, you join millions of others who can make a difference in protecting the underwater world. PADI courses include environmental awareness and conservation principles that stress how fragile aquatic ecosystems are. Diving cannot survive without beautiful places to visit, and PADI divers are encouraged to act through Project AWARE.
Project AWARE (opens in a new tab)Ready to go down?
Call or write to us and we will find the right course and schedule together.