60 Years of PADI – Millions of Dives – One Global Community
In 2026, the global diving community celebrates a momentous milestone: 60 years of PADI. From its humble beginnings in 1966 to becoming the world’s leading diver training organization, PADI has transformed how we interact with the blue heart of our planet.
This anniversary—themed “One Global Community, Millions of Dives”—honors the shared passion that has turned a technical sport into a global movement for conservation and adventure.
Six Decades of Innovation & Impact
The PADI story began over a bottle of Scotch and a vision shared by two friends, John Cronin and Ralph Erickson. They wanted to make scuba diving accessible to everyone through professional, modular, and safe instruction. Sixty years later, that vision has surpassed all expectations:
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30 Million+ Certifications: From Open Water to Course Director, PADI has issued more certifications than any other organization, creating a common language for divers worldwide.
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128,000 Professionals: A global network of instructors and divemasters leading the way in over 180 countries.
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6,600 Dive Centers & Resorts: Turning coastal towns and tropical islands into gateways for underwater exploration.
A Legacy of Conservation: “Seek Adventure. Save the Ocean.”
PADI’s mission evolved from simply teaching diving to actively protecting the underwater world. Through PADI AWARE and the Blueprint for Ocean Action, the community has achieved staggering results:
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2.5 Million+ Pieces of Marine Debris: Removed and logged by divers through Dive Against Debris.
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41,000+ Marine Animals: Rescued and untangled from ghost gear and plastic.
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100+ Shark and Ray Species: Protected through global advocacy and CITES partnerships.
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3,300+ Adopted Dive Sites: Monitored and protected by local divers through the Adopt the Blue initiative.
Milestones Through the Decades
| Decade | Key Milestone |
| 1960s | PADI is founded; the first “Positive ID” certification card with a photo is launched. |
| 1980s | Launch of Project AWARE; introduction of the PADI Open Water Diver video. |
| 2000s | Digital revolution: PADI eLearning begins to change how the world learns to dive. |
| 2010s | Tagline “Seek Adventure. Save the Ocean.” officially defines the brand’s purpose. |
| 2020s | Launch of PADI Eco Centers and Adaptive Service Facilities, prioritizing sustainability and inclusivity. |
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The Next 60 Years: The Future of the Torchbearers
As we look toward 2086, PADI is focused on creating one billion Torchbearers. The goal is no longer just to visit the ocean, but to restore it.
The 2026 celebrations include a World Tour, highlighting “Adaptive Diving Week” to prove that the ocean is a space for every body and every ability. By leveraging AI-driven training tools and real-time citizen science through the Conservation Action Portal, PADI is ensuring that every dive counts.
“Sixty years ago, a torch was lit and a movement was born beneath the sea. Today, we aren’t just celebrating a milestone; we are celebrating a community that has the power to lift the seas and each other.” — Dr. Drew Richardson, PADI President & CEO
