PADI Members in the Press: A Wrap-up of 2025's Press Highlights

As we enter 2026, we’re excited to share a round-up of the outstanding media coverage PADI Members received in 2025. From global features on marine conservation to in-depth interviews with Members advancing safety, training and exploration, PADI Members played a key role in earning the industry meaningful visibility throughout the year. Over 10,000 pieces of coverage across 122 countries have reached an audience of over 36 billion, resulting in the PADI brand appearing in 90% of all industry coverage and directly benefiting Members by ensuring PADI remains the most recognized and celebrated brand in diving.

Let’s take a look at some of the highlights.

Industry Leadership

2025 saw the PADI brand and PADI Members further their reputation as leaders within the diving industry, with coverage from publications such as Worth, Dive Magazine and Divernet. PADI CEO Drew Richardson was also named one of Worth’s “Worthy 100” for his work promoting positive change in the industry.

Conservation and Sustainability

Protecting our blue planet is at the heart of everything we do, and we’re proud to see that commitment recognized by leading voices like Forbes, Rolling Stone and Travel. Their coverage underscores not only the urgency of ocean conservation, but its power to inspire audiences everywhere. From tackling plastic pollution and coral bleaching to spotlighting David Attenborough’s Ocean and the impact of PADI AWARE® and Adopt the Blue™, one message rings loud and clear: PADI Members are at the forefront of protecting our oceans and driving meaningful change.

Wellness

The powerful connection between scuba diving and both mental and physical health has continued to capture widespread attention, remaining a hot topic through 2025. Major publications, such as Vogue, have highlighted how PADI Members are embracing this momentum — with one example being how adaptive diving techniques have been brought to the forefront, expanding access to the proven well-being benefits of diving for more people than ever before.

Inclusivity

The inclusive nature of diving is embedded in the ethos of our organization. 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 sector with a shared understanding that underwater we all speak the same language, and it’s been fantastic to see this recognized around the world through the work of PADI Members such as Aqua Hands, the world’s first and only Deaf-owned dive company. Model, actor and Deaf-activist Nyle DiMarco was certified at Aqua Hands in 2025 by Thomas Koch, the first deaf PADI Course Director. The story was covered by Lonely Planet and attitude, amongst others.

Exploration

There was an abundance of press coverage throughout 2025 profiling some of the best diving destinations in the world, as showcased by PADI Members. From cave diving to luxury resorts, New Zealand to the Mediterranean, publications including The Guardian, Lonely Planet, National Geographic and Stuff all took the plunge, encouraging their readers to seek out their next adventure with a PADI Dive Center or Resort.