On January 15, 2009, Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger became a household name after playing the central role in one of the most remarkable emergency landings in aviation history. US Airways Flight 1549, piloted by Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger and First Officer Jeffrey Skiles, struck a flock of Canada geese shortly after taking off from New York City’s LaGuardia Airport. This caused both of the plane’s engines to fail.

“I am Janne, an underwater videographer who spends a lot of my time on dive safaris, and I am single.” On my recent liveaboard trip, this sentence marked the beginning of my acquaintance with Janne. Each diver on the boat was briefly sharing their diving stories before we embarked on our grand journey – a diving liveaboard from Hurghada to Safaga with PADI 5 Star IDC Arctic Divers Dive Center.

The Great Sea Reef (GSR) in Fiji is the world’s third largest barrier reef, after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Mesoamerican Reef in Central America. It’s also called “Bainivualiku” or “Cakaulevu”, which means protector of the north or big reef in the local language. The GSR extends for over 450 kilometers (280 miles) in length, from the western coast of Viti Levu (at the tip of the Yasawa Islands) to the northeast point of Vanua Levu (Udu Point). Although it is not well known to many, this reef is a significant part of Fiji’s ecosystem but it’s currently in need of preservation and protection.

They say, “Age is just a number,” but when you’re trying to become PADI Junior Master Scuba Divers (MSD), those numbers matter. We caught up with three young diving rock stars to hear about the stories behind their accomplishment of this rating and their dive experiences. 

Just finished a PADI program and want to know how to download your PADI eCard™ ? Want to buy an eCard as a gift for someone else? Read on for answers to frequently asked questions about PADI eCards.

In a stunning display of creativity amidst the winter landscape, Carlos Maldonado, an artist in Iowa City, Iowa in the USA, has crafted a remarkable snow sculpture that’s capturing the attention of locals and art enthusiasts alike.

It seems like it’s always difficult to determine when you should see a doctor. With flu season right around the corner, it is wise to be reminded of when we should seek medical attention. Although we try to be mindful of not putting unnecessary strain on healthcare services, it’s important to get the right help when it’s needed.

Having a diver license, also known as a certification card, is a pass to underwater adventure. It’s proof that an individual has undertaken a course to learn crucial skills, knowledge development, and practical experience in diving. A scuba license allows dive centers, resorts and liveaboards to quickly identify the skill level of a diver and allows the diver to prove the courses they have accomplished. Certification cards distinguish beginners from advanced divers, and recreational divers from PADI Pros.

Have you heard about PADI Club? PADI Club is the perfect place for scuba divers to come together and share their love of exploration. It’s a great way to make new friends who share your passion, learn new skills, sharpen existing ones, and get sweet discounts on PADI Gear, courses, and trips to discover new dive sites around the world. Read on to hear from some of our Club members and find out why divers love PADI Club. 

The first step in any dive plan is the location. It can also be one of the most difficult tasks. If you’re a new diver searching for where to start, or you’re an experienced diver looking for new locations, we’ve got you covered. The best ways to find the answer to your Google search for “scuba diving near me” are below.

It’s the time of year when many people traditionally think ahead. Whether setting career goals, deciding on some home renovations or starting a new diet and exercise program, it’s all about what we plan to accomplish in 2024. For us divers, of course, it includes planning our dive adventures: where we want to go, what we want to learn and what we want to do.

With its long coastlines, hitting both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, Mexico is truly a diver’s paradise. Boasting warm waters, stunning underwater landscapes ranging from spectacular reefs to the otherworldly beauty of the cenotes, and an abundance of marine life, it’s no wonder that Mexico is home to some of the best dive resorts in the world. If you also pair this with the Mexican people’s warm hospitality, rich cultural heritage, and delicious food, you have a truly unforgettable diving holiday. We’ve narrowed down the top picks for five of the top dive resorts in Mexico, according to PADI Travel reviews.

PADI Course Director (CD) is the highest level of certification among PADI Professionals. It is a title that only a few hundred professional divers worldwide hold. In a nutshell, these top-level trainers are the people who teach others how to teach diving.

Have you heard about PADI Club yet? PADI Club is a community of divers, like you, who stay up to date and connected to diving thanks to a variety of benefits designed to help you maintain your diver status.

After I finished my final Open Water Diver certification dive, I thought, “I’m never doing this again.” Even though I loved being immersed in the ocean and seeing sea creatures in their natural habitat. I Just. Didn’t. Like. Scuba. Diving…or so I thought.

Beneath the ocean’s surface lies a mysterious animal kingdom, from the tiniest zooplankton to the planet’s colossal giants. There are beautiful ocean animals, cute ocean animals, not to mention a few creepy ocean animals. Still, we know less about the ocean than we do the Moon.

Becoming a PADI Professional isn’t just about teaching people to scuba dive or guiding fun dives. It can also be an incredible addition to your resume and make you stand out in the job market. As PADI Pros, we gain unique skills and experiences that can be applied to and utilized in many industries, not just the diving industry. In this article, we’ll explore five reasons how being a PADI Pro can boost your resume and marketability for any job. We’ve even thrown in a bonus reason you may not have thought of.

Landlocked. That’s probably the last word we’d associate with scuba diving. And yet, within the PADI community, there are PADI Pros from landlocked countries who are diving, thriving and proving this seeming juxtaposition false. 

In this article, we meet Paul Gregory Neilson and learn about his influence in the technical diving industry. Mesley was interviewed by a member of PADI staff, and this article was originally published on the TecRec blog on February 8, 2013.

In this article, we meet Chris Heitkemper and learn more about her influence in the technical diving industry. Heitkemper was interviewed by a member of PADI staff, and this article was originally published on the TecRec blog on January 31, 2013.

For some, it may seem impossible to keep up with the costs of scuba diving as a hobby. Fear not! Tightening your wallet doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your immersions. In fact, with all its health benefits, there are plenty of reasons why you shouldn’t give up scuba diving on a budget. Check out our list of budget-friendly tips and tricks below to help you explore the underwater wonders without breaking the bank.

According to The Lancet, more than 350,000 people die each year in the United States due to out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. The Lancet also estimates more than 100,000 lives would be saved if more people learned cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) – beginning with school children. So, why should children learn CPR? In countries where CPR education is mandatory in schools, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is done in 60–75% of cases, compared to 20-40% elsewhere.

In this article, we meet technical diver Martin Robson and learn more about his influence in the technical diving industry. Robson was interviewed by a member of PADI staff, and this article was originally published on the TecRec blog on September 15, 2010.

In this article, we meet Kevin Gurr and learn more about his influence in the tec diving industry. Gurr was interviewed by a member of PADI staff, and this article was originally published on the TecRec blog on August 19, 2010.

This article was written by Vikki Batten and originally published on the TecRec blog on July 2, 2015.

This article was written by Mary-Ann Marthinussen, PADI Tec Deep Instructor, and originally published on the TecRec blog on July 19, 2015.

This article was written by Firas Jundi, PADI EMEA Training & Quality Management Consultant and PADI TecRec Instructor Trainer, and was originally published on the TecRec blog on August 13, 2015.

This article was written by Rosemary E Lunn and originally published on the TecRec blog on March 9, 2017.

This article was written by Martin Robson, PADI TecRec Trimix Instructor, CCR and Cave IT, and originally published on the TecRec blog on April 22, 2010.

In this article, we meet technical diver, Pete Mesley, and discuss his influence in the diving industry. Mesley was interviewed by a member of PADI staff, and this article was originally published on the TecRec blog on August 18, 2010.

With the advent of the first PADI TecRec Distinctive Cave Diver Course, there has never been a better time to start cave diving. It’s also a good time to take a look at the cave environment and why it is so appealing to cave enthusiasts.

When we first learn to dive, we quickly come to recognize that our sport gives us the opportunity to visit sites and places that few others are privileged to see. As technical divers, we have trained to take our abilities and experiences even further. Technical divers are at the forefront of exploring the dive sites and deep ship wrecks of the world. In many cases, we are among the first visitors to discover these locations.

As technical divers, we need to have a deeper understanding of the physiological processes that happen to our bodies when we expose them to increased pressures at advanced depths. The knowledge about issues, such as decompression, oxygen toxicity and inert gas narcosis is not static, but like everything in science is progressing and in flux.

Early one morning in March, three PADI TecRec Divers and Instructors, Jonah Skoles, Donarun Das and Pushpak Kvs, with the help of two PADI TecRec Centers, Eternal Divers and Temple Adventures, set out on a mission to find a new dive site suitable for technical diving.

In this article, we meet tec diver Eveline Verdier-Bollhalder, and learn more about her influence in the technical diving industry. Mesley was interviewed by a member of PADI staff, and this article was originally published on the TecRec blog on February 18, 2013.

I bobbed up and down in the crystal blue water, glanced round to find my buddies, then held up my arm and pressed deflate. It was the first time that I’d dived seriously in ten years and my adrenaline was pumping.

Unsure if PADI Club™ membership is “worth it?” Here’s an easy answer.

In the realm of ocean conservation, some individuals stand as inspiring pillars of change. Rose Huizenga, a dedicated PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor originally from the Netherlands and currently residing in Gili Air, Indonesia, has been awarded the prestigious title of the 2023 Sea Hero of the Year. Sponsored by Seiko Prospex, this recognition celebrates Huizenga’s remarkable efforts in safeguarding our planet’s oceans.

In this article, we meet George Vandoros of Greece, Tec Deep Instructor, Tec Trimix Instructor, Tec Rec Cave Instructor, Tec SideMount Instructor, Trimix Gas Blending Instructor, IDC Staff Instructor, EFR Instructor, Rebreather Instructor Poseidon MKVI/SE7EN and Hollis Explorer. Vandoros was interviewed by a member of PADI staff, and this article was originally published on the TecRec blog on January 28, 2013.

In this article, we meet Jeff Loflin, Tec Trimix Instructor Trainer, Tec Cave Instructor and Tec Wreck Instructor, and learn more about his influence in the technical diving industry. Loflin was interviewed by a member of PADI staff, and this article was originally published on the TecRec blog on January 18, 2013.

This article was written Scott Cadreau and originally published on the TecRec blog on September 4, 2012.

In this article, we meet Jonas Samuelsson, PADI Territory Director, CD and TecRec Instructor Trainer #72606, and we learn more about his influence in the technical diving industry. Samuelsson was interviewed by a member of PADI staff, and this article was originally published on the TecRec blog on January 12, 2012.

In this article, we meet Lamar Hires and learn more about his influence in the technical diving industry. Hires was interviewed by a member of PADI staff, and this article was originally published on the TecRec blog on March 29, 2011.

This article was originally published on the TecRec blog on February 14, 2011.

In this article, we meet technical diver Michael Menduna, and learn more about his influence in the technical diving industry. Menduno was interviewed by a member of PADI staff, and this article was originally published on the TecRec blog on February 10, 2011.

When you first get curious about diving and all the magic that awaits underwater, you want to do it all. Explore every corner of the ocean, get to know every single amazing marine creature, complete all the courses, and master every skill. Even as you gain experience, there’s always more to discover and learn. That’s the beauty of scuba diving – there’s no limit to what you can do and see. With so many possibilities, it’s tough to decide what to do next. That’s where the all-new, limited-time PADI eLearning Bundles come in – saving you BIG money while helping you complete multiple certifications at the same time.

This article was written by Vikki Batten, PADI Technical Diving Division, and originally published on the TecRec blog on February 4, 2014.

In this article, we meet technical diver Jill Heinerth and learn more about her influence in the technical diving industry. Heinerth was interviewed by a member of PADI staff, and this article was originally published on the TecRec blog on October 4, 2010.

If you are planning a trip and dreaming of tropical adventures, white sand beaches, and stunning sunsets over crystal clear waters, this blog is for you. Nowhere on the planet screams of remote tropical adventures more than Thailand.

Francesca Trotman’s deep-sea passion ignited at the age of 13 when she began her diving journey. As the years passed, her fascination with the underwater world grew, leading her to become a PADI Divemaster by age 19. Yet, it was her visit to Mozambique in 2013 that would change the course of her life. 

Are you thinking about investing in a wetsuit but are not sure whether to purchase a scuba diving wetsuit or a surfing wetsuit? Do you take part in both activities and are wondering if you can buy a thermal protection suit that’s multipurpose? In this blog, we aim to set out the key differences between wetsuits for diving and wetsuits for surfing and what makes them specific to each activity.

Divers often ask instructors, “What’s the best course for me to take next?” It’s an understandable question, but often surprisingly hard to answer. Your “best” next course really depends on you, what excites you about diving, where you dive and where you want to dive.

This article was written by Vikki Batten, PADI International Ltd Technical Consultant, and originally published on the TecRec blog on April 16, 2010.

This article was written by Martin Robson, PADI TecRec Trimix Instructor, Sidemount and Cave IT, and originally published on the TecRec blog on March 10, 2010.

This article was originally written by Jeff Loflin, TecRec Instructor Trainer, and published on the TecRec blog on February 16, 2010.

Scuba diving is one of the most unfiltered, exciting and rewarding ways to experience our blue planet. Indeed, we believe in the great and equalizing power of the ocean to help, heal, challenge and change people. While women represent a little less than 40% of all divers worldwide, there’s still a notable gender gap when it comes to professional diving: women currently represent only 20% of all PADI Pros. That’s lower than in medicine (34%), the legal profession (38%) and financial services (less than 33%). 

When it comes to equipment design, have you ever wondered how certain key measurements came into existence? An interesting example is the measurement between the two holes on a backplate.

Namibia has some amazing diving places for technical diving. We have Dragon’s Breath, the largest underwater lake in the world, Otjikoto lake, with some German First World War cannons, and the extensive cave systems of Guinas and Harisep lakes. The latter are commonly visited by expeditions from all around the world who leave fascinated by the sites’ beauty and uniqueness.

If you want to learn about ocean conservation and how you can contribute to saving the ocean, the updated PADI AWARE Specialty course is perfect for you. This course focuses on 10 tips to save the ocean, giving you the tools to make a difference for the beautiful ocean every time you dive, travel, or go about your daily life. Now supported by eLearning, this course and tips are easier than ever to access – you can complete the academic portion of the course at your own pace, using your desktop, laptop, or mobile device. Here’s a sneak preview of the course’s all-new 10 tips to save the ocean!

The PADI Travel team is comprised of experienced divers and PADI Pros who have explored more than 60 dive destinations worldwide. They excel at assisting divers and travelers in finding dive sites that align with their skill level, budget and expectations. In this article, we have compiled 10 dive travel destinations (plus a bonus!) from the PADI Travel Experts that will help you discover your next diving adventure. Get ready for an extraordinary underwater journey with their expert guidance!

This year, forget the gift card they’ll never use and give the ultimate gift – a dive trip! You’ll undoubtedly win “best present” by giving an invitation to the dive trip of dreams.

The simple answer is: commercial divers get paid to work underwater and recreational divers dive for fun. It’s a bit like driving an 18-wheel truck versus taking a scenic drive on holiday.

We spend a lot of time, rightly, pointing out that technical diving is not for everyone. It’s for experienced divers, we say. It’s for those who want to go beyond current limits and are willing to accept the added risks, training, investment and commitment it demands. That’s true, but be we should be careful not to exclude anyone from trying Tec 40.

This time last week, it was International Women’s Day. To be honest, I’m always in two minds about Women’s events, awards, records, etc. I understand the need to highlight inequality and injustice and fight for change. I also realise that we often measure people on sports that are traditionally male, e.g. running, jumping, strength etc, so we split competitions into male and female for better comparison.

Back in 2010, I was backpacking Southeast Asia, being a traveling bum. I used to live on instant noodles, street food and sleep in the cheapest accommodation money could buy, just so I could conserve money to pay for my addiction… scuba diving!!!!

Seas the season! Embark on a mystical journey beneath the surface as we dive into the enchanting world of mermaids, where glittering tails and oceanic wonders await. What better way to spread cheer than by discovering the perfect mermaid gifts for those who call the deep blue their home? Whether you’re shopping for a friend who dreams of underwater adventures or a family member with a deep-seated love for all things marine magic, our guide is here to make a splash.

Few places can capture a diver’s imagination like the Great Barrier Reef. Stretching over 1,430 miles (2,300 kilometers) along the eastern coast of Australia, this natural wonder is home to abundant marine life and breathtaking underwater landscapes. Whether a beginner or an experienced diver, diving in the Great Barrier Reef should be on your bucket list.

Wearing the best ocean jewelry offers an easy way for anyone to show a deep connection to the world’s oceans. Through enchanting designs and eco-conscious themes, scuba diving jewelry doesn’t just look great, it also says a lot about the person wearing it. And it definitely falls into the category of best scuba gift ideas for her, for him or for anyone who loves being close to water.

Divers and ocean lovers are known for decorating their homes with a touch of the deep blue. From seashell decor to mesmerizing aquatic-themed artwork, they tend to craft a serene underwater environment with the best home decor for ocean lovers. Even morning routines can be ocean-inspired, sipping coffee from mugs with marine life prints. These scuba diving gift ideas for the home are ideal as they bring the tranquility of the ocean into daily life. 

Diving in Colombia and want to know what marine life you could encounter? Offering diving opportunities in both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, Colombia is the perfect destination for your next diving certification or vacation. No matter whether you’re a seasoned diver or a complete beginner getting PADI Open Water Diver certified, Colombia’s marine life will leave your endlessly inspired. In this article, we’ll dive into the enchanting world of Colombian marine life.

I was chatting with a friend about eco-friendly gift wrapping and mentioned, “My family has been passing around the same gift bows since the 1990s!” I expected her to be impressed, or at least amused. Instead, she smirked. Her family has been reusing the same holiday wrapping paper for years.

A piece of the best scuba diving apparel, such as a hat, a jacket or a bracelet, is always a reliable gift idea if you’re looking for the best gifts for divers. In addition to being functional, clothing is a popular way for scuba and ocean enthusiasts to proudly showcase their passion. Whether it’s a stylish, shark-adorned t-shirt or a manta ray-shaped jewelry piece, the best scuba apparel can provide a tangible connection to the underwater world when a direct connection with water isn’t possible. 

Sharks are fascinating creatures that have captured the imagination of many people around the world. Whether you’re a fan of their power and grace or simply find them intriguing, there’s no denying that sharks have a special place in our hearts. If you know someone who loves sharks as much as we do, why not surprise them with shark gifts this holiday season?

Are you passionate about ocean conservation? Do you want to actively contribute to protecting our marine environment? Look no further than PADI Dive Centers and Resorts, your gateway to meaningful conservation efforts. 

Bonaire is known as one of the best shore-diving locations in the world. The way the island has cultivated and created this shore diving infrastructure is like no other, keep reading to learn how diving in Bonaire works.

One of the reasons we love scuba diving is the magical marine life encounters: seahorses tucked in seagrass, turtles munching on seaweed, and mighty whale sharks scooping up plankton. But how often do you pause to appreciate the ocean plants our favorite creatures rely on for food and shelter?

Whether artificial intelligence (AI) will help or destroy humanity is yet to be decided. But it could help us talk to whales.

The Caribbean is a diver’s wonderland. The tropical, clear waters and rich marine life make this corner of the ocean a must-see for every serious diver. If you’re deciding which country or dive site to visit, there seem to be endless options. It can be overwhelming to choose where to go, but that’s where we come in! This article presents you with five of the best dive resorts in the Caribbean. We want to help you whittle down your list, so you can hit the Caribbean running.

When it comes to scuba diving, most things have to be seen to be believed. No matter how many photos you see, videos you watch and documentaries you follow, they can’t hold a candle to first-hand experience. Such is the case of bioluminescence diving.

You already know CPR is a medical technique which can potentially double a patient’s chances of survival during a cardiac arrest. Now you’re ready to acquire CPR competency for yourself in case you are ever faced with an emergency situation. Naturally, you have some questions, like is it easy to learn CPR? Is CPR hard to perform? And how long does it take to learn CPR? 

Hey, I’m Amélie, I’m 17 and I love scuba diving! Recently I’ve been on an incredible diving journey with my family doing the PADI Rescue Diver course. In this blog post, I’m going to take you through my scuba diving journey, with a special focus on the PADI Rescue Diver course.

Have you ever been watching sports and found yourself wondering if any of your favorite sports stars share your passion for the underwater world? Well, the answer is a definite yes! There are loads of pro athletes who dive After all, can you imagine any better way to escape from the stress of competing at the highest level than putting a tank on your back and jumping into the big blue? 

In high school and university, I loved learning about science, but I didn’t love science classes. For example, I found documentaries about black holes and

This is a tale about how an unforeseen encounter and a mutual passion for diving can completely alter the course of your life.

Oftentimes, Instagram only portrays the most exciting aspect of our lives – whether it’s our annual vacations or our big life milestones. Instagram can often make people feel like their personal lives are not as invigorating or thrilling as they should be. That said, we can also use Instagram as motivation to finally chase after the items on our bucket list. If the idea of scuba diving has ever crossed your mind, then don’t push it off any longer. Make your Instagram photos a reflection of your dreams and goals!

When you hear about Cuba, scuba diving is probably not the first association that comes to your mind. Handmade cigars, aged rums and old cars might be what most people think about, but what if we told you that Cuba hosts the third largest reef in the world? The Gardens of the Queen, or Jardines de la Reina in Spanish, is a complex ecosystem of small virgin islands and mangrove forests where you can find untouched reefs, curious sharks and mighty crocodiles. Located 50 miles (80 km) off Cuba’s southern coast, extending for 93 miles (150 km) and with an area of 840 square miles (2,170km2), this is one of the largest protected areas in the Caribbean.

Does your household have enough food, water, and basic supplies to last 72 hours or more? Whether you’re building your first emergency kits or already have a disaster preparedness kit, the purpose of this article is to ensure your stock of emergency supplies includes all the essential items.

Does your household have enough food, water, and basic supplies to last 72 hours or more? Whether you’re building your first emergency kits or already have a disaster preparedness kit, the purpose of this article is to ensure your stock of emergency supplies includes all the essential items.

Why consider a CPR certification course? Did you know that during cardiac arrest, the odds of survival decrease by 7% to 10% every minute, and the average response time for emergency personnel is 8 to 12 minutes? When CPR can be started right away, the patient’s chance for survival can double or even triple.* In a study reported by the National Institute of Health, survival rates for cardiac arrest were extremely low when bystander CPR was not administered.

Why consider a CPR certification course? Did you know that during cardiac arrest, the odds of survival decrease by 7% to 10% every minute, and the average response time for emergency personnel is 8 to 12 minutes? When CPR can be started right away, the patient’s chance for survival can double or even triple.* In a study reported by the National Institute of Health, survival rates for cardiac arrest were extremely low when bystander CPR was not administered.

You know the acronym, and you’re likely familiar with what the procedure looks like, but what does CPR stands for?

Welcome, fellow ocean enthusiasts, to a truly inspiring story of resilience, personal growth, and the transformative power of scuba diving. Today, we have the privilege of sharing the remarkable journey of Geoff Robinson, a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor, who made the courageous decision to change his career in pursuit of better mental health and rediscovered the wonders of the underwater world alongside his son. Join us as we delve into Geoff’s story, tracing his path from fear to passion and from self-discovery to a profound connection with his son.

Are you an ocean newbie looking for an out-there vacation, or perhaps a seasoned diver searching for your next adventure? Either way, seeking out the world’s best marine life encounters will help you create the ultimate travel wishlist.

If you’ve been diving awhile, you likely have a good idea of what tec diving (a.k.a “technical diving”) is, or you are one. But if you’ve only been around diving for a bit, you’ve likely heard of it, but not know exactly what it is and why some divers (including me) do it.

The PADI Professionals featured here embody what it means to be a positive force for people and planet. Nominated by PADI Regional Headquarters, each Ocean Torchbearer Award Winner has created a positive impact in their community in one (or more) of PADI’s Pillars of Change: Ocean Conservation, Dive Industry Sustainability, and People & Humanity. We’d like to congratulate each Ocean Torchbearer Award Winner for their work in making our ocean planet a better place to work, play, and live.

In this article, we will look at threats to the cave environment, and how divers can help to protect it for the future.