PADI Commemorates 60 Years of Ocean Conservation Efforts

The Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI), the world’s largest scuba diving organisation, celebrates its 60th anniversary. Founded by John Cronin and Ralph Erickson in a modest US apartment, PADI now boasts over 6,600 dive centres and resorts in more than 180 countries, certifying over 30 million divers. Their dedication to preserving ocean health and education has positioned them as a leader in the industry.

PADI entered India in the late 1990s, significantly boosting the popularity of scuba diving as an adventure sport. Dive centres are now present in locations such as Mumbai, Lakshadweep, the Andaman Islands, Goa, Puducherry, Bengaluru, and Kerala.

Under the stewardship of Dr. Drew Richardson, who is in his 40th year with PADI, the organisation has evolved into a purpose-driven global lifestyle brand. Dr. Richardson remarked, “Sixty years ago, a torch was lit, and a movement was born beneath the sea. This year, we celebrate the progress we’ve made in our mission to create a billion Torchbearers to explore and protect the ocean together.”

PADI’s conservation initiatives include their Pillars of Ocean Change program, which fosters unity in the global diving community to harmonize humanity and the ocean. Backed by PADI AWARE and the PADI Foundation, they have provided over $6 million in grants for marine research and education, safeguarded over 100 shark and ray species, and removed more than 2.5 million pieces of debris from the ocean.

Looking to the future, PADI aims to certify millions more divers trained to pursue adventure and contribute to ocean conservation. Dr. Richardson optimistically envisions a world where one billion people act as advocates for the ocean.