What is P.A.D.I?
PADI, or the Professional Association of Diving Instructors, was created back in 1966 by a couple of guys named Ralph Erickson and John Cronin.
Today, PADI is accepted to be the largest diving association. Their diving credential certifications are universally recognized and accepted, and their teachers and instructors are the best around. The level of recognition is so high that a PADI certification will be recognized in practically every country.
PADI not only certifies divers, but instructors and teachers, assistant instructors and divemasters, as well as dive centers and resorts. Practically everything to do with diving can be certified by PADI, so you can be assured that your entire diving experience is as safe as possible. PADI’s techniques have set the path for many diving standards.
PADI’s courses are incredibly standardized in their training down to the last detail. They are very firm about what is taught in their courses.
The courses always get you out into the water and diving as soon as possible, so you can develop a feel for the equipment and become comfortable in your surroundings. However, there is a lot of “book” learning to be had to become a diver. PADI’s system includes digital programs such as online learning and software applications in addition to traditional books.
The student is tested often, from oral questions to performance evaluations in the actual water. A student must fulfill the instructor’s requirements to prove they are a capable diver before being issued a certificate.
PADI’s diving certifications are very interesting and cover many aspects of diving. A basic course covering “skin diving” (snorkeling) is offered, and is a very helpful course for those interested in snorkeling or wanting to get their feet wet with the most basic form of diving before going all out with actual scuba.
The next classes up are the Scuba Diver (and Junior Scuba Diver) certifications, followed by the Open Water Certification (again, with a Junior version). You can also become an Adventure Diver, a National Geographic Diver, or a Rescue Diver. Finally, once you have some experience, you can become a Master Diver if you wish.
PADI’s professional certifications include Divemaster and Assistant Instructor, as well as the Open Water Instructor certification, Specialty Instructor, Master Scuba Diver Trainer (MSDT), IDC Staff Instructor, Master Instructor, and finally Course Director.
There are numerous specialty courses offered by PADI. Some of which are the Altitude Diver Course, Boat Diver, Cavern Diver, and Deep Diver courses. The Digital Underwater Photography course would be a lot of fun for anyone interested in scuba photography.
Their Diver Propulsion Vehicle, or DPV, course covers the use of underwater vehicles. These DPV’s are very useful for long range propulsion and long exploration trips. DPV’s are often used by cave divers. One advantage to a DPV is that they can tow not only the diver, but any equipment they may have with them.
Ice diving course is a thrilling activity that is potentially very dangerous, where divers enter a hole in a frozen over lake or ocean and swim in freezing water underneath a layer of thick ice. PADI’s ice diving course serves to educate divers and minimize risk through proper instruction – such as how to “fall” into the ice if a diver were to lose his or her weight belt and start rising at a high rate of speed, what happens if your air system freezes and you are without oxygen, and what happens if a diver suddenly can’t find his line, or if the person at the surface isn’t getting any reaction from the line. The line itself attaches to the diver at one end via a harness, and the other end of the line is attached to the surface in one way or another. There is always a person at the surface to monitor the line.
Night diving is offered as a specialty course option. This course takes place when the sun is completely down. However, the diver may actually be able to see more underwater, and the experience is completely different than during daylight. The aquatic life is different at night than in the day. There are, of course, many dangers present at night such as limited viability, and if you are diving in an area prone to sharks you must keep that in mind as well. Equipment failure can also be made more hazardous by the pitch black of the night. A simple flashlight failure is enough to cause panic if you’re not prepared.
The Project AWARE (Aquatic World Awareness, Responsibility and Education) course focuses on the non-profit project to conserve natural underwater environments. The purpose of the course is to raise awareness about preserving the aquatic environment. Project AWARE works hand-in-hand with other organizations such as Dive for Earth Day.
PADI’s Advanced Open Water Course is a world renowned class that is notorious for being a favorite for diving instructors. The course is taught by an actual underwater naturalist, who will show you some of the natural wonders of the ocean and teach you how to identify all sorts of aquatic life, from sea cucumbers to starfish, angel fish and any more types including very rare species. When you are finished with the course you will be able to name tons of fish just by looking at them! The Open Water Course is also an excellent opportunity for photography! You will see many exotic fish you’ll want to remember for a lifetime.
PADI even has a separate course designed for open water photography that corresponds with the Open Water Course, specifically there to give you photo ops. The course does go into technical specifics, such as how to ensure your camera is prepared for the torture of submersion, working with lighting angles, and making sure everything is cleaned properly for the perfect photo.
Suba diving is a fantastic way to get some exercise, see the world and enjoy life to the fullest, and PADI is there to make sure you have the proper training and guidence to make sure it’s a safe trip every step of the way.