Who is PADI? Why Choose PADI?

PADI, the Professional Association of Diving Instructors, is the world’s largest and most recognized scuba diving training organization. With a reputation built on decades of experience and a commitment to safety and excellence, PADI has become synonymous with quality diving education. In this blog, we will delve into who PADI is, what they do, and why choosing PADI for your scuba diving training is a decision you can trust. Whether you’re a beginner looking to explore the underwater world or an experienced diver seeking to advance your skills, PADI offers a comprehensive range of courses designed to enhance your diving journey.

PADI: The Way the World Learns to Dive

PADI, the Professional Association of Diving Instructors, was founded in 1966 by John Cronin and Ralph Erickson. Their vision was to make scuba diving accessible to everyone, while also introducing a high level of professionalism to the sport. They wanted to create a standardized and safe way for people around the world to explore the underwater world.

Today, PADI has grown into the largest scuba diving training organization globally, with over 170,000 professional instructors and divemasters. These dedicated professionals are employed by more than 6,600 dive centres and resorts worldwide, ensuring that PADI’s training standards are upheld everywhere diving is taught.

With offices in over 170 countries, PADI makes it possible for people to learn to dive and experience the underwater world almost anywhere on the planet. This global presence allows divers to connect with the PADI community wherever they go, offering opportunities for exploration and adventure in countless locations.

World Leaders in Diving

PADI is committed to being the world’s leading and most respected organization for recreational scuba diving. Their dedication to excellence is evident in their comprehensive range of products and services, designed to ensure that divers receive the highest quality education and support. PADI’s mission is not only to teach people how to dive safely but also to inspire a love and respect for the ocean, encouraging divers to protect our seas, oceans, and waterways.

As the leader in scuba diving training, PADI provides opportunities for everyone to enjoy and safely explore the underwater world. In 2019, PADI certified its 27 millionth diver, solidifying its position as the runaway leader in scuba diving education and the world’s most popular choice for learning to dive.

PADI offers diving courses to individuals as young as 10, and there is no maximum age limit as long as participants are medically fit to dive. Many scuba divers continue to enjoy diving into their 80s, highlighting the sport’s inclusivity and the lifelong passion it can inspire.

Whether you’re a young enthusiast or a seasoned explorer, PADI’s commitment to safety, education, and environmental stewardship makes it the ideal choice for your scuba diving journey.

The PADI System: A Comprehensive Pathway to Scuba Diving Mastery

The PADI system is structured into multiple levels, allowing divers to progressively build their skills and confidence underwater. It begins with introductory experiences and extends to advanced certifications and specializations, catering to divers of all interests and abilities.

Starting with Discover Scuba Diving

For those new to scuba diving, PADI offers the Discover Scuba Diving experience. This program requires no prior experience and introduces you to the basics of scuba diving under the guidance of highly qualified instructors. You’ll learn essential skills in a safe and controlled environment before participating in actual open-water dives. Phuket is an ideal location for this experience due to its warm waters, excellent visibility, and diverse marine life, making your first dive both enjoyable and memorable.

Advancing with the Open Water Diver Course

After completing the Discover Scuba Diving experience, if you have enjoyed the experience you can then apply the skills and knowledge you gained towards the PADI Open Water Diver course, the world’s most popular scuba diving certification. This course is your first step towards becoming a certified diver, allowing you to dive to depths of up to 18 meters. The Open Water course covers fundamental diving techniques, safety protocols, and underwater exploration, equipping you with the skills needed to dive confidently anywhere in the world.

Exploring New Depths with Advanced Open Water Diver Course

After obtaining your Open Water certification, you can further enhance your skills with the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course. This course enables you to dive to depths of 30 meters and introduces you to various types of dives, such as deep diving and underwater navigation. It provides valuable experience and training to broaden your diving abilities and increase your confidence in different underwater environments.

Specializing with PADI Courses

The PADI system offers a wide range of specialized courses that allow you to pursue your specific interests in diving. Whether you’re interested in Digital Underwater Photography, exploring deep or wreck dives, or learning rescue techniques to become a safer diver, there’s a course tailored to your goals. The PADI Rescue Diver course, for example, enhances your self-rescue skills and prepares you to assist others, potentially saving lives.

In Phuket, these courses are taught to a high and professional standard, ensuring you receive top-quality instruction and support as you progress through your diving journey. With the PADI system, you have the flexibility to explore new areas of interest and continue your development as a skilled and knowledgeable diver.

Further Courses: Advancing Your Diving Journey

Once you’ve completed the foundational courses, you have the option to either enter the professional diving ranks or continue to specialize in various areas, ultimately achieving the prestigious Master Scuba Diver rating. This rating is the highest non-professional level a recreational diver can attain, signifying a high level of skill and experience.

Becoming a Professional Diver

If you aspire to make diving a career, you can begin by pursuing professional certifications, starting with the PADI Divemaster course. As a Divemaster, you’ll learn to lead and mentor other divers, gaining the skills and confidence to manage dive operations and guide underwater adventures.

The next step is becoming a PADI Scuba Diving Instructor, which is considered one of the most rewarding jobs in the world. Instructors have the unique opportunity to share their passion for diving, teaching others to explore the underwater world safely and confidently.

Phuket is an exceptional place to “Go Pro” and pursue professional diving certifications. With its outstanding representation of PADI, courses in Phuket are taught to the highest standards by some of the world’s best instructors and PADI Course Directors. The island’s relaxed lifestyle, warm weather, and excellent diving conditions attract diving professionals from around the globe, making it a hub for scuba diving excellence.

A Safe and Comprehensive Diving Education

Whether you’re taking your first plunge with the PADI Discover Scuba Diving program, earning your Open Water Diver certification, or advancing your skills with the Advanced Open Water, Rescue Diver, or specialty courses, you’re in safe hands with PADI. As the world’s largest scuba diving education system, PADI ensures a comprehensive and rigorous training experience, providing divers with the knowledge and skills necessary to explore the underwater world safely.

Choosing to continue your diving education or pursue a professional diving career with PADI means joining a global community dedicated to the love of diving and the protection of the marine environment. Whether you’re diving for fun or considering a career in scuba diving, PADI offers a path that aligns with your passion and goals.