The PADI Master Scuba Diver™ (MSD) Challenge is more than a competition. It is a proven framework to help dive centers guide committed divers toward the highest recreational rating in diving while strengthening continued education pipelines.
In addition to the Member version of the Challenge (see here), we’re kicking off a consumer-driven MSD Challenge that will run throughout 2026. This is the ideal time for dive centers and resorts to re-engage their certified divers, create momentum across multiple courses and deliver a clear goal that keeps customers training, active and connected.
Why the Master Scuba Diver Rating Matters
Earning the PADI Master Scuba Diver rating represents experience, commitment and progression. Divers who pursue this achievement are highly engaged and more likely to continue their education, invest in equipment and stay connected to your dive community.
For dive centers, the rating provides a simple structure to support:
- Continued education planning across multiple courses
- Increased participation in Rescue Diver and Specialty Diver training
- Stronger long-term customer relationships
What Divers Experience in the MSD Challenge
From the diver’s perspective, the Master Scuba Diver Challenge is a clear, motivating pathway for becoming a Master Scuba Diver. It gives certified divers a tangible goal and rewards them for progression towards the rating.
Throughout 2026, divers are eligible to enter the MSD Challenge through the MSD Challenge form found here. Filling in the form gives them one entry to the contest. Then, they can earn more entries by completing qualifying actions:
- Become a Master Scuba Diver = 10 entries
- Complete the Rescue Diver course = 5 entries
- Become an Advanced Open Water Diver = 3 entries
- Earn any Specialty Diver certification = 2 entries
- Finish the Open Water Diver course = 1 entry
- Purchase any PADI Certification Card = 2 entries
- Take the Save the Ocean Pledge = 1 entry
- Become a PADI Club Member = 5 entries
At the end of the year, we’ll award the winner of the MSD Challenge a dream trip to the Galápagos, aboard the M/Y Galaxy 2 liveaboard, including round-trip airfare. Two runners up will also receive a free recreational eLearning course of their choice.
For many divers, this structure:
- Provides motivation to continue training after initial certification
- Makes the path to Master Scuba Diver™ feel achievable and rewarding
- Reinforces long-term engagement with their local dive center
By understanding how the Challenge is positioned you can align messaging across courses, marketing touch points and in-person conversations, helping divers see not just their next course, but the full journey and rewards that come with it.
What Makes the Challenge Easy To Activate
The MSD Challenge is designed to integrate seamlessly into your existing training calendar. Many divers are already partway through their journey and may only need encouragement, clarity or a reminder to continue.
Key elements include:
- A clear goal that divers can work toward throughout the year
- Flexible pacing that fits your local seasonality
- Marketing assets and messaging available to support promotion
By positioning the Challenge early, you give divers time to plan their training and give your team a roadmap to guide conversations in-store, online and during courses.
Master Scuba Diver Application Fee Waived Globally for 2026
To make participation even easier, the Master Scuba Diver application fee is waived globally for this year’s Challenge period (1 January – 31 December, 2026).
This removes a common barrier for divers who may be interested but hesitant to commit, allowing dive centers, resorts and instructors to focus conversations on progression, training goals and the value of the journey itself rather than cost.
How To Get Started
Begin by identifying divers who are already on the path. Advanced Open Water Diver and Rescue Diver certifications are strong indicators of readiness. From there, focus on:
- Encouraging divers to sign up to the Challenge on the PADI website. They’ll get communications from us reminding them to keep progressing towards the Master Scuba Diver rating.
- Highlighting remaining Specialty options.
- Scheduling Rescue Diver courses strategically.
- Encouraging divers to map out their training timeline.
Simple conversations can make a big difference when paired with a clear end goal.
Support Is Available
To support your efforts, PADI provides a full suite of MSD Challenge marketing assets, including promotional graphics and social media templates designed for easy activation.
Leveraging these resources can help you maintain consistent messaging, reduce marketing lift and inspire divers who are close to completion.
Start the Journey
The PADI Master Scuba Diver Challenge gives divers something to strive for and gives your business a structured way to drive continued education throughout the year.
Now is the time to kickstart the journey, set the tone and help your divers take the next step toward the highest recreational rating in diving.
