If we’re honest with ourselves, all of us ocean enthusiasts know we should be asking ourselves how we can make a difference in the face of threats facing the ocean. After all, we see the sea, recognize what’s happening and know that its future depends on making changes. If we don’t do advocate for and put such changes in motion, who will? Again, if we’re self-honest, no one will. It’s up to us. So, to have a passion for the ocean, yet not do anything to protect it, seems a bit hypocritical and selfish to me.

PADI’s second Pillar of Change, Dive Industry Sustainability, was created to leverage our global influence to encourage the major dive industry players to reduce their environmental impact. It’s also a means for us to ensure diving is a regenerative activity that positively benefits people and the world.

PADI’s third Pillar of Change, People & Humanity, was created to foster diversity and inclusion in the dive industry and support local communities. PADI was founded on the core belief that the oceans should be accessible to all. We strive to create an environment of openness across our industry with a shared understanding that ‘underwater we all speak the same language.’ As the world’s largest network of underwater explorers, the inclusive nature and diversity of diving is something that we celebrate and honor.

Water covers over 70% of the surface of our planet, so it’s puzzling why it’s called Planet Earth and not Planet Ocean. The ocean has long inspired us with the mysterious secrets that lie beneath the surface. But it’s only recently that technology has allowed us to explore deeper, beyond the shore. Yet, one question remains ever intriguing: how deep is the ocean?