If you are familiar with diving, at the mention of PADI, you become aware of the diversity that this organization offers to divers and how useful it continues to be on a daily basis.
PADI stands for Professional Association of Diving Instructors. It has been classified as the world’s largest recreational diving membership and diver training organization. Two men who were no strangers to the sport, John Cronin (a NAUI Instructor) and Ralph Erickson, decided to form the organization in 1966. Today the organization is headquartered in California with over 136,000 dive professionals and over 6200 dive centers and resorts across the globe that are part of this network.
As soon as you enter the relaxing and rewarding world of diving, membership can be yours with a package of unbelievable perks beginning with a subscription to one of the finest dive publications today, Sport Diver. PADI is a valuable source of knowledge with educational courses, a source to receive your diving certification level by level along with some specialty courses, gain experience, receive offers on equipment, travel benefits and one of the most important parts of diving today, become a member of a continually growing crowd making headway in environmental conservation. PADI Dive Shops offer tours, local charters and some of the most enjoyable and memorable dive vacations. In addition, meeting others with common interests and goals, is the way to build lasting friendships.
Courses include Open Water Diver, Advanced Open Water Diver, Rescue Diver, Refresher Diver, Digital Underwater Photographer, Enriched Air Diver, Dive Theory, DiveMaster, Master Scuba Diver and Instructor Development Course. There is much more information on this topic at padi.com/elearning.
Even as we become better divers over time, we can always enrich our minds with tips and facts. Perhaps you have questions about caring for your gear, safety information on shore diving, need underwater navigation tips or ways to improve on your buoyancy. It can all be found at the PADI website.
Once the diving bug bites you, it is only a matter of time before you purchase your own gear. Beginners can become overwhelmed with the variety of choices available. Guidance becomes a must in order to get the most out of your diving experience. PADI gives you a step-by-step guide on what will work best for you depending on your needs and on your environment. They even give you tips on cleaning your gear properly and at times, you learn about offers that are easier on the wallet.
Once you build a relationship with your local PADI dive shop, be part of a network of divers traveling to exotic dive destinations. Current specials are focused on Aggressor vacations bound to the Galapagos, the Caribbean and Aruba, Australia, Mexico, Belize, Barbados, Bonaire, Fiji and loads more.
The fun doesn’t end there. There are also PADI Diving Society events that take place throughout the year. A glimpse into 2014 gives you events to mark on your calendar now. Ocean Safari Philippines takes place in February 2014. Total Submersion Dive Festival – 15th Annual Celebration will take place in June of 2014.
Kids enjoy the benefits as well and it becomes a family affair. With society-sponsored Kids Sea Camp, your kids will gain a greater appreciation for the water and the marvelous marine world. August finds the Sea Camp in Utila and then it is on to St. Vincent in the Grenadines.
One of the newest additions to PADI membership is ScubaEarth. This is an interactive community for divers to share information on the best dive sites and dive destinations. It also serves as an outlet to log your dives, show off your photos and videos, join the dive crew of your favorite PADI dive shops, receive current weather and dive conditions, track when your gear needs serviced and meet and keep up with dive buddies.
Learn about job opportunities in diving and internship chances if the sport/hobby is your calling in life. Learn what it takes to open your own shop on the PADI website.
With your colorful personalized PADI membership card, a new world is opened and behind each door is always an adventure. Membership also supports Project Aware environmental issues. What better way to splash right into the sport of diving. Check it out at padidivingsociety.com and join the fun!
