While becoming a PADI Five Star Instructor Development Center (IDC) store is much prized, this exclusive rating comes with the responsibility of training the next generation of divers to become PADI Instructors. PADI’s commitment to a continuing education philosophy encourages divers to realize their dreams of a career as a PADI Pro, teaching others to do what they love – to scuba dive.

PADI EMEA IDC Recognition Program Graphic

PADI Five Star IDC Dive Centers and Resorts are the cornerstone of creating these instructors, and the PADI EMEA Professional Development Excellence Award recognizes these stores for the time and effort they dedicate to marketing and conducting the professional training needed to grow the scuba diving industry.

Congratulations to PADI EMEA Five Star IDC Dive Centers and Resorts earning the 2025 PADI EMEA Professional Development Excellence Award.


Will You Be One of The Recognized Five Star IDC Stores in 2026?

The 2026 PADI EMEA Professional Development Excellence Award is already underway and renewed PADI EMEA Five Star IDC stores are automatically eligible. Stores that reach the recognition levels during 2025 will receive their award in first quarter of 2026. 

For more information about the award, download the Summary Document and FAQs or contact your Regional Manager.


A Divemaster signals to two divers that it's time to take their three-minute safety stop

Enhanced Marketing Opportunity for Awarded PADI EMEA Five Star IDC Stores

PADI EMEA Five Star IDC stores that have received the PADI EMEA Professional Development Excellence Award will enjoy enhanced promotion of their professional level courses to global PADI divers from 4 April 2025.

To make the most of this increased marketing opportunity, these stores simply need to list their professional level courses on the PADI Dive Shop Locator by 4 April 2025, and we’ll do the rest.


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