In 1966, PADI started a revolution in diver training, changing the way the world learns to dive. This eruption shattered the status quo with the realization that professionalism and modern instruction were essential to transitioning public perceptions of diving from a fringe, male-dominated sport to a mainstream, cross-cultural recreation appropriate for young and old.
Over the past 60 years the world has transformed from an analog, locally focused society into a digital, interconnected global community. Key changes include the revolution of communication via the internet and smartphones, massive advancements in technology and communication.
Along the way, PADI publications and professional-level training developed PADI Member training and business acumen, with an emphasis on leveraging word-of-mouth, local advertising and regional media. Over the years PADI Member business and diver training has continued, updated and expanded to match today’s connected world. The PADI Offices now leverage and promote diving to the public through advertising and public relations both inside and outside of diving.
These initiatives always direct consumers to you, the local PADI Professional. A huge change over 60 years is the staggering number of people we are now reaching, and how PADI’s share of the dive media voice has grown into overwhelming domination. As an example, in the first quarter of 2026, PADI’s global share of voice was 90 percent, which meant that nine out of 10 viewers who saw a diving-related article saw one relating to PADI. (The remaining 10 percent was divided among all the other training organizations combined.)
So far this year, PADI and PADI Members have been featured in nearly 3,000 print and online articles promoting learning to dive, continuing diving, becoming a dive professional, uniting with dive culture and dive travel. These included in Forbes, Condé Nast Traveler and TIME‘s “World’s Greatest Places” (third year in a row), among many others.
TIME also named PADI one of the 10 most influential sustainability companies of 2026. That reflects you and your fellow brother and sister PADI Members’ dedication to the Mission across the planet.
As a PADI-affiliated member, you should know that PADI also dominates online and in social media. PADI has 7.1 million+ social media followers. In 2025, there were 250,000+ monthly blog sessions and an average 2.7 million views monthly on PADI sites. More than 12 million+ promotional emails went out. All direct interested divers and consumers to you for local PADI fulfillment – that is so very powerful.
We have diving’s most professional, modern, instructionally designed training and education system. Combined with your support, loyalty and skill, we are creating more well-trained divers and creating more Ocean Torchbearers.
The shift in our mission and approach has brought accolades and top-tier media attention to PADI and our membership. In the past year, Fast Company, Worth Magazine and TIME have all recognized PADI for our collective innovation and mission. I hope you feel pride knowing that you are a local brand ambassador for this innovation.
PADI started out with humble aspirations to create a professional diver training agency. Millions of certifications later, excellence in PADI diver training ranks supreme. In 2026, it’s about much more. It’s about continued innovation and making the world a better place by connecting people through the magic of immersion and adventure – all under the PADI brand. As professionals, we are in the enviable position of helping shape lives, enabling adventure and making a difference to the ocean planet as diver citizen scientists. We are amplifying our growing voice as influential ocean advocates acting on behalf of marine conservation and restoration.
Simply put, we now stand together across 182 countries for diving training excellence, diving adventure, personal transformation and for the good of the ocean. As a PADI Member, the PADI Staff will continue to work hard for you; in return, please give us your loyalty and a continued commitment to excellence, authenticity and purpose.
Sincerely,
Drew Richardson
President & CEO
