The PADI is an acronym for the Professional Association of Diving Instructors. It is a nonprofit organization that was founded in 1966 and has since become the world’s largest scuba diving certification agency. The PADI offers training and certification in more than 190 countries, and there are more than 135,000 PADI Professionals around the world. But what do you need to know as a new diver?
History of the PADI
The PADI was founded in 1966 by John Cronin and Ralph Erickson. Cronin was a diving instructor who saw the need for a more standardized approach to training, and Erickson was an engineer who designed the first PADI course materials. The two men founded the organization intending to make scuba diving more accessible and safe for everyone.
Today, the PADI is the largest scuba diving certification agency in the world…so you could argue that the founders more than succeeded with their goals. Each year, more than a million people take PADI courses to learn how to scuba dive, and the organization certifies divers of all levels, from beginners to professionals.
PADI courses are available all over the world; so no matter where you are, you can find a PADI-certified scuba diving instructor to help you learn. And, with such a large network of certified divers, it’s easy to find someone to dive with, no matter where you are.
PADI Courses
When choosing a PADI course, you have several options, depending on your experience level and goals. PADI offers courses for beginner, intermediate, and advanced divers, as well as specialties courses. If you’re a beginner, the PADI Open Water scuba diving courses in UAE are designed to give you the skills and knowledge you need to dive safely. The course is made up of three parts:
Theory – You’ll learn the basic principles of scuba diving, including dive physics and physiology.
Confined Water Dives – You’ll practice some of the basic skills of scuba diving in a pool or shallow water.
Open Water Dives – You’ll put your new skills to the test in open water, usually the ocean.
Most people complete the PADI Open Water course in about three to four days. Once you’ve completed the course, you’ll be certified for life. That means you can dive anywhere in the world, with any PADI-certified dive centre or resort.
Benefits of Choosing PADI Courses
Why should you choose PADI over other diving organizations? Here are a few reasons:
- PADI is the world’s largest scuba diving organization, with more than 60% of the world’s certified divers.
- PADI courses are available in more than 180 countries and over 40 languages.
- PADI courses are performance-based, which means that you can progress at your own pace.
- PADI instructors are some of the most qualified in the world, with rigorous training and experience requirements.
- PADI courses are comprehensive, covering everything from safety to dive theory to emergency procedures.
- PADI courses are fun and flexible, with a variety of course options to suit your needs
All things considered, any course you take will be recognised anywhere in the world, allowing you to dive with peace of mind no matter where your travels take you. PADI courses are an investment in your future and one that will provide you with lifelong benefits.
If you’re interested in learning more about the PADI, or taking a PADI course, we encourage you to get in touch with a professional service. Why not get started today?
