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Our Mission

Our approach to Environmental and Social Responsibility is built upon the organization's long and enduring legacy to protect the underwater world we love. As the world's largest network of dive centers, dive instructors and recreational divers and snorkelers, we can mobilize millions of Ocean Torchbearers to take unified action and create positive ocean change. PADI is uniquely positioned to play a role in the global effort to create a more sustainable future and we are committed to implementing solution-based initiatives with lasting global impact.

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PADI Pillars of Change

One of the most significant ways we can honor our legacy and give back to current and future generations, is to do our part to operate the PADI organization responsibly, support a sustainable dive industry and protect the ocean on which all life depends.

The Pillars of Change are reflective of PADI’s core brand values and the commitments we hold for the betterment of people and planet. Actively pursuing a course of action to address ocean challenges by engaging local communities is critical for achieving balance between humanity and nature.

PILLAR ONE

Ocean Conservation

Empower our community to take local action for global impact.

PADI’s first pillar of change, Ocean Conservation, reflects both the organization’s long-standing ethos to protect the aquatic environment and the renewed commitment to take focused action that leads to lasting positive change for the ocean. By empowering millions of divers around the world with the ability to take focused conservation action, we believe that change is possible.

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Ocean Conservation Highlights

Divers looking at an underwater sculpture.

PADI Blueprint for Ocean Action

PADI and PADI AWARE Foundation authored the PADI Blueprint for Ocean Action, a joint conservation framework that defines conservation targets across 5 key areas aimed at increasing total ocean protection to 30% by 2030.

PADI AWARE Grant Program

To date, AWARE has distributed $2 Million to 51 Grantees for in-country work directly supporting the PADI Blueprint for Ocean Action. In 2022, the Foundation dedicated 24% of its public funds to Grants with plans to fund $1 million by 2024.

Two divers taking notes while underwater.

Underwater Citizen Science Programs and Events

Divers around the world can participate in conservation-focused courses as well as conservation events at PADI Centers all around the globe, directly creating more resilient local economies and marine ecosystems.

PILLAR TWO

Dive Industry Sustainability

Reduce the global environmental footprint of the dive industry.

PADI’s second Pillar of Change, Dive Industry Sustainability, was created to leverage PADI’s global influence as a means to encourage all key stakeholders across the dive industry to take actions that reduce environmental impact and increase the reputation of diving as a regenerative activity with positive benefits for people and planet.

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Dive Industry Sustainability Highlights

PADI Eco Centers

The very best of PADI’s environmentally-committed dive centers have met a challenging threshold of environmental performance, recognized in partnership with Reef World Foundation, who operates the Green Fins initiative in partnership with the UN Environment Program.

The Power of Diving and the Blue Economy

Through partnership with Scripps and National Geographic Pristine Seas, estimated the global economic total of the diving sector, helping to position PADI and diving as key contributors to the blue ocean economy.

Dive Industry Sustainability: What is PADI Doing?

As a leading global ocean exploration and diving organization with a longstanding commitment to conservation, PADI is in a unique position to set high standards for dive industry sustainability.

PILLAR THREE

People and Humanity

Foster diversity and inclusion and support local dive communities.

PADI’s third Pillar of Change, People and Humanity, is borne from PADI’s core belief that aquatic environments should be accessible to all. As a global organization, we continually strive to foster an environment of openness across the dive industry with a shared understanding that ‘underwater we all speak the same language.'

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People and Humanity Highlights

PADI Blueprint for People and Humanity

One of the three areas of focus of the People & Humanity Blueprint, Promote Healing and Wellness, also compliments PADI's vision to restore balance between humanity and ocean. Read how underwater immersion can benefit overall health and mental well-being.

PADI Adaptive Services Faciliities

To increase access for all to the underwater world, PADI recognizes PADI Adaptive Service Facilities that have invested in comprehensive operational services and infrastructure that meet the needs of divers with physical, psychological or mental challenges to promote inclusivity in its diver training programs and other dive activities.

Group of women holding up a PADI Women sign.

PADI Women's Dive Day

2023 marks the 9th year of the PADI Women in Diving Initiative. Earmarked by the global flagship dive event hosted each year on the 3rd Saturday of July, the effort as helped decreased the gnder gap in diving and increased female recreational dive certifications by an average of 10% since 2015.