Independent research shows PADI’s global reach, consumer recognition and professional resources continue to create value for PADI Members.
Whether you’re running a dive business, teaching scuba diving, leading dives or building your career in the industry, the organization behind your credentials matters.
PADI gives dive professionals and dive businesses the reach of the world’s largest diving organization, a globally recognized brand, professional resources and opportunities to connect with more divers.
And the numbers back it up.
The World’s #1 Diver Training Organization
PADI isn’t just a diver training organization — it’s the world’s largest global community of dive professionals, businesses and divers.
75% of divers choose PADI, and more than 31 million PADI certifications have been issued worldwide. PADI offers 94+ courses in 29 languages, giving PADI Members the ability to serve divers with different interests, experience levels and goals.
For PADI Dive Centers and Resorts, that global reach helps attract customers and create opportunities for growth. For PADI Professionals, it means your credentials are connected to a brand recognized and trusted by divers around the world.
A Brand Divers Know Before They Enter the Water
PADI is the name divers know, often before they ever take their first class.
75% of new divers recognize PADI before taking a class, leading the industry in both aided and unaided brand awareness among consumers. (Source: PADI Open Water Diver Survey)
PADI also attracts 3.6x more social followers and 4x more website traffic than the next closest dive training agency, while generating 21x greater media exposure than any other training agency with a 90% share of voice in global media.
For PADI Dive Centers and Resorts, that visibility helps put PADI courses and experiences in front of potential customers. For PADI Instructors and Divemasters, it means your rating provides instant recognition and confidence when you’re meeting a new student, diver or employer.
Business Growth Backed by a Premium Brand
For dive businesses, PADI Membership is more than access to a training system. It’s a partnership that helps dive centers and resorts attract customers, increase engagement and build long-term relationships with divers.
According to the 2025 Boston Consulting Group (BCG) Dive Industry Study, PADI-exclusive dive shops earned US $186,000 more in 2024 than non-PADI dive shops and reported 15-20% higher productivity.
PADI also helps businesses connect with consumers through tools and programs including PADI Adventures, PADI Club™, the Refer-A-Friend Challenge and the Master Scuba Diver™ Challenge.
For PADI Professionals working for a PADI Dive Center or Resort, a stronger business can mean more opportunities to teach, lead dives, build customer relationships and grow a career in diving.
Trusted by Divers. Backed by Data.
When you deliver a PADI experience, you deliver it under a brand that divers already know and trust.
PADI has the highest Brand Net Promoter Score (a measure of how likely customers are to recommend a brand) in the industry, according to the 2025 BCG Dive Industry Study. And according to the PADI Open Water Diver survey, 99% of new PADI Open Water Divers would recommend PADI to friends and family.
That trust matters at every stage of the diving journey, from a person’s first Discover Scuba® Diving experience or PADI eLearning® course to continuing education and professional development.
For PADI Professionals, this means you’re teaching and leading in partnership with a globally recognized training organization with unparalleled standards and quality assurance. For PADI Dive Centers and Resorts, it means customers arrive with an existing level of familiarity and trust in the PADI name.
More Tools. More Opportunities. More Ways to Grow.
PADI continues to invest in tools and programs designed to support members and their divers throughout the entire dive journey. The goal goes beyond supporting today’s divers — it’s also about helping grow the next generation of underwater explorers and aquatic enthusiasts.
PADI-commissioned independent consumer research provides insight into how perceptions of scuba diving are evolving, particularly among younger generations. Understanding these shifts enables PADI to help members identify new ways to make diving more accessible, relevant and appealing to future divers to support long-term business growth.
Reaching new generations means meeting people where they are — making it easier to discover diving, understand what’s involved and how it can enrich their lives, find a local PADI Dive Center or Resort and take that first step. That’s why PADI is investing in digital experiences, consumer marketing, search visibility, online booking and new ways for people to engage with diving – helping members turn interest into participation.
Turning these insights into action means giving PADI Members the tools and opportunities to reach new customers, strengthen engagement and grow their businesses. New and enhanced resources — including the PADI Pros’ Site, Student Management Platform and enhanced digital training experiences — are designed to help streamline operations, manage students and create more opportunities for repeat engagement. Expanded pathways in areas such as freediving, family diving and conservation also give PADI Members more ways to attract new audiences, engage existing divers and build lasting relationships. And there’s more to come, as PADI continues to invest in new tools, programs and opportunities designed to support member success and long-term growth.
A Global Community Creating Positive Ocean Change
PADI Members aren’t only teaching people to dive. They’re also helping create a community of people who care about the ocean.
Through PADI and the PADI AWARE Foundation®, Members can connect divers with opportunities to take meaningful action for ocean conservation.
To date, the PADI community and PADI AWARE have:
- Provided US $6 million in grants
- Fueled 350,000 local initiatives
- Helped protect 100+ shark and ray species
- Untangled 44,000+ marine animals
- Helped adopt and monitor 3,700+ dive sites
PADI’s work in ocean conservation has also received external recognition, including recognition from Fast Company, Condé Nast Traveler and TIME.
Why PADI? Because Your Partnership Should Go Beyond a Certification
Whether you’re growing a dive business, building your career, teaching your next student or looking for new ways to connect people with the ocean, PADI gives you more than a training system.
You’re connected to a globally recognized brand, a worldwide network, consumer reach, professional resources and a community working to grow the industry and protect the places we love to explore.
That’s what it means to be a PADI Member.
If you have any questions about your PADI Membership or membership benefits, contact your PADI Regional Team.
