Why should you choose PADI over other scuba diving certifications that are available?
As you may already know, there are many scuba diving organisations in the world, each with their own education and certification systems. But how does PADI stand out from the rest? And why should you choose a PADI dive centre like us for your training?
For starters, PADI is the world’s leading scuba diver training organization. It stands for Professional Association of Diving Instructors, which basically says it all! The PADI system of diver education is based on progressive training that introduces skills, safety-related information and local environmental knowledge to student divers in stages, providing maximum practice and realistic practical application in the process.
In the video below Drew Richardson, PADI President and CEO, shares his passion for diving and talks about the important role of divers as underwater ambassadors and custodians of our ocean planet.
Some Statistics
No matter where you choose to dive, your PADI certification card will be recognized and accepted. In the Worldwide Corporate Statistics 2017, which covers 2011 – 2016, we learn that;
- Since 1967, PADI has issued over 25,000,000 diver certifications globally
- PADI has averaged over 900,000 diver certifications each year globally for the last 20 years
- PADI issues diver certifications in over 200 countries and territories around the world
- PADI has professional members in over 190 countries and territories around the world
- PADI Retailers and Resorts operate in over 150 countries and territories around the world
The PADI Community
It really is a community in which you can interact, and not just in the water! Literally, you can travel all over the world and find PADI endorsements in every location! Have you discovered ScubaEarth yet? This is where you can share photo’s, experiences and find buddies. With PADI members in more than 175 countries and territories there is no shortage of fellow scuba addicts to connect with! There’s also a great PADI Blog which provides you with up to date information on all aspects of diving. Plus all your social media needs are covered with Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and their YouTube channel, PADITV, meaning you’re never far from any information you may require! Plus PADI themselves have international service offices in nine countries, so whatever continental region you are in, you can count on their support. Current statistics quote PADI as having a 55% of the dive training market worldwide. This means that more divers like you choose PADI over all of the other agencies combined!
They Rock Environmental Responsibility
PADI encourages all PADI Divers to take action and support Project AWARE. PADI courses embrace environmental awareness and actively teach the importance of protecting our underwater world. Without an array of beautiful dive sites and stunning destinations to visit, Scuba diving wouldn’t even exist, so PADI dive centers are encouraged to help towards a clean, healthy ocean planet.
Here at Master Divers this is something we stand behind 100% as we care deeply about our environment. We organise regular beach and ocean clean ups which consist of staff and customers. We even have our very own ‘Eco-Warrior”, Hayley, who make sure we actively stay on top and are keeping up with conservation news and issues.
Quality of Training
PADI has developed what instructors and dive centres alike believe to be the most instructionally solid system. All courses are based on a framework that accounts for all learning styles. So whether you prefer self study or a classroom environment, or whether you are a ‘watcher’ or a ‘doer’, your needs will be catered for. Plus study materials are available in a variety of media – online programs, tablet-based apps, manuals, workbooks etc. So even before you meet your instructor you can already be learning in a way that works for you.
PADI Instructors themselves are trained and held to diving’s highest standards backed up by a solid, proactive quality management system. They work to strict educational standards which are monitored for worldwide consistency and quality. Just as scuba divers must earn PADI certifications, PADI Instructors must complete an Instructor Development Course that sets the industry standard for scuba instructor training. Each new PADI Instructor demonstrates a thorough knowledge of the PADI System and the ability to conduct PADI programs by meeting specific criteria. Before earning the PADI Instructor rating, all candidates are evaluated by a select group of PADI-employed Instructor Examiners. This ensures that the evaluation process is objective, fair and consistent worldwide. This is another way that PADI training stands above others in the dive industry. With other agencies, evaluations are often completed and signed off by the agency’s own regional managers, which brings up doubts over the objectivity of their assessments.
Do you need any further convincing? Master Divers is a 5 Star PADI IDC centre, meaning that we excel in using the PADI system of diver education to introduce people to scuba diving, and then provide the continuing education, support and mentoring that allows individuals to progress. Even if you have no intention of going as far as pro level (yet!), our 5 start status means we maintain a very high calibre of instructors to teach you your courses.
