National Geographic
National Geographic partnered with PADI, the world’s leader in scuba diving training, to jointly create the National Geographic Diver program. Both organizations have the common goal of encouraging public interest in recreational scuba diving worldwide and exposing people to the aquatic environment to help them gain a better appreciation of our underwater cultural heritage.
National Geographic chooses partners who share their mission of exploration and conservation of our planet. PADI shares that philosophy and those values in promoting awareness of the aquatic environment and advocating education about the underwater world through increased participation in the sport of scuba diving.
The National Geographic Society’s contributions to inspiring underwater exploration date back to 1926 when National Geographic magazine published the first underwater color photographs taken by photographer Charles Martin.
In the 1950s, National Geographic began a long-standing relationship with Jacques Cousteau, supporting his undersea explorations and sharing his dive adventures with the world.
Today, the National Geographic Society continues to support underwater exp
editions and showcase the underwater photography of David Doubilet and Emory Kristof, among others, in various National Geographic publications. National Geographic television programs and films document new technologies such as Greg Marshall’s Crittercam, and allow us to learn about the research and expeditions of National Geographic Explorers-in-Residence Bob Ballard and Sylvia Earle.
As part of a growing commitment to fund the Society’s initiatives, all of National Geographic’s net proceeds from the PADI National Geographic Diver program will support exploration, conservation, research, and education. National Geographic supports a wide array of aquatic initiatives, including expeditions to reveal and share unique underwater environments around the globe. Other projects will include preservation of national marine sanctuaries and protection of endangered aquatic animals and plants.