PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) is the world’s largest recreational diving membership organization. Professional PADI Members (dive centres, resorts, educational facilities, instructors, assistant instructors and divemasters) teach the vast majority, nearly 70%, of the world’s recreational divers, issuing nearly 800,000 certifications each year. PADI Professionals make underwater exploration and adventure accessible to the public while maintaining the highest industry standards for dive training, safety and customer service. PADI is international in scope with service offices throughout the world. PADI provides members with a full range of educational materials, training aids, promotional pieces and recognition materials to conduct and market PADI programs.

The PADI System of diver education is based on progressive training that introduces skills, safety related information and local environmental knowledge to students in stages. PADI courses are student-centered and provide for maximum practice and application. Students learn the basics through independent study and then are guided through additional development by their instructors. The goal is to get students in the water as soon as possible and provide them with the instruction necessary to gain confidence in their diving abilities. PADI’s entry-level scuba certification is Open Water Diver. Once certified, divers can continue their education by becoming Advanced Open Water, Specialty and Rescue Divers. Further training, such as the Divemaster and Assistant Instructor courses, allow interested divers to become dive leaders.

All PADI programs, entry-level through instructor training, fall under strict educational standards to maintain worldwide consistency and quality. PADI takes a proactive approach to quality assurance, with a full-time department that randomly surveys PADI Divers to monitor PADI programs and to confirm that they meet PADI’s high standards. This commitment to a strong quality assurance process helps maintain credibility and continually improve customer satisfaction.

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