
PADI stands for Professional Association of Diving Instructors, and it is the world's largest organization dedicated to scuba diving training. John Cronin (a U.S. scuba equipment salesman) founded it 50 years ago in Illinois. Divers, and Ralph Erickson, a water polo coach, champion swimmer, and former lifeguard. Both men had concerns about the state of scuba diving instruction, and wanted to improve the industry.
PADI is one of the most important dive organizations in the world.
The largest scuba diving organization in the world, PADI offers certification courses for a variety of diving specialties and technical qualifications. PADI issued over 25 million scuba diving certifications in 2017. SSI, or Scuba Schools International, is another scuba diving organization. Robert Clark, its founder and the first to develop a standard teaching curriculum, revolutionized scuba dive training. In fact, SSI was the first organization to utilize a full teaching curriculum and full motion video.

The first meetings of PADI were held in Niles and Morton Grove, Illinois. Cronin later refinished part of his basement to become the headquarters for the company. He also hired his neighbor to be a secretary part-time and his son Brian as a stuffer to stuff envelopes. The founders of the organization realized the importance to have an educational structure. They started offering special diving courses. By the end of 1960, there were more than 400 members.
The school offers professional-level scuba diving classes
PADI's professional level scuba dive courses are something that many people have heard of if they've been diving for years. What is the actual meaning of this type certification? A PADI Professional Level course is a good option if you're looking for a new career. There are several reasons why this course is worth considering. You can find out more about PADI Scuba Diving certifications below.
PADI, SSI and SSI offer courses at both the recreational and professional level. Both courses are flexible so that students can learn at the pace they prefer. PADI courses require that students buy the manuals. SSI courses permit students to borrow the manuals when they sign up. Both provide searchable databases and online manuals. PADI requires that students buy actual cards. It is up to you to choose which one best suits you and your needs.
There are also resorts and dive centers.
PADI Dive Centers are located all around the globe and offer some of the most memorable diving experiences. These institutions adhere to international regulations and local ordinances. In addition, they provide training at the most reasonable prices. To locate a dive shop near to you, you can use our dive shop locator. In case you have already made a reservation for your next diving vacation, you can also check out the dive shops' online calendar to find availability.

PADI is a private company that has offices in Australia, Canada and Japan. Their global network includes over 6,600 dive centers and over 128,000 professional members. PADI issues over 1,000,000 certifications annually and more than 29 million globally. PADI aims to promote ocean exploration through education, safety, and adventure. The organization also promotes environmental awareness. By providing these experiences, the organization helps inspire people from all walks of life to explore and protect the ocean.