PADI® teams up with several dive equipment manufacturers to launch an unprecedented diver referral program to drive industry growth. PADI provides unparalleled support to its global membership base and industry by launching the Refer A Friend campaign – a referral program that encourages scuba divers to recruit their friends and family as their new dive buddies with added incentives of scuba gear and trips.
“PADI is investing in creating more business for our members and the diving industry as a whole, this time inviting scuba diving gear manufacturers to take part, which they have enthusiastically joined,” explains Kristin Valette Wirth, Chief Brand and Membership Officer for PADI Worldwide. “It’s a true testament to the strength and solidarity of the diving industry when so many stakeholders come together to support the need to stimulate business for all. We are stronger together, and the latest diver referral campaign demonstrates it. “
A Data-Driven and Diver-Backed Programs
New diver surveys indicate that word-of-mouth remains the number one influencer in a person’s decision to become a diver. In fact, 52% of newly certified PADI Divers cite a friend or family member as a key influencer in their decision to get certified.
“This referral program taps into the genuine excitement divers feel about sharing the underwater world with others,” says Valette Wirth. “We’re making it easy and rewarding for divers of all levels to invite friends and family into the world’s largest community of ocean lovers and rewarding them every step of the way.
Beginning in June 2025, several gear manufacturers will be taking part in the campaign, including TUSA, Fourth Element, SUUNTO, Garmin International and Shearwater Research. Every month, referrers and referees will have the chance to win a collection of branded scuba gear to further fuel their passion for the sport.
“We’re committed to growing a global community of dedicated divers—from open water beginners to advanced technical enthusiasts and believe every underwater experience can be safe, rewarding, and exceptional from day one,” says Jason Leggatt, CEO of Shearwater Research.
“Garmin’s cutting-edge dive products provide the technology and support adventurers need to explore below the surface,” says Audra Ratliff, Garmin Director of Product Marketing. “We remain committed to helping people pursue their passions and are proud to collaborate with PADI to create even more momentum and awareness for the diving industry and give divers the tools to reach even greater depths together.”
”At Suunto, we believe that exploration is more meaningful when it’s shared,” says Lena Bergendahl, Head of Dive Products at Suunto. “That’s why we’re proud to support this referral program, it aligns perfectly with our mission to inspire new adventures and grow the global dive community. “
“When we discover our love for diving and the ocean, most of us want to share it with others – I think we are just wired that way,” says Jim Standing, co-founder and CCO of Fourth Element. “This is a great way for Fourth Element to be part of growing a community of like-minded ocean adventurers and protecting our playground for the future.”
“At TUSA, we believe that the future of scuba diving lies in building a passionate and inclusive global community,” says Crystal Gutierrez, Marketing Manager at TUSA. “That’s why we’re proud to support PADI’s Refer a Friend Campaign, an initiative that speaks directly to the heart of what drives our sport: personal connection and shared adventure. By encouraging divers to bring friends and family into the underwater world, we’re not only growing the diving community but also inspiring a new generation of ocean advocates. Together with PADI and our industry peers, we hope to energize participation, deepen engagement, and ensure a vibrant future for scuba diving around the world.”
How the Referral Program Works
The newly updated global referral program launches this month and is designed to send new diving recruits to the 6,600 PADI Dive Centers and Resorts and 128,000 PADI Professionals using word-of-mouth from the 30 million certified PADI Divers around the world.
Starting today, PADI Divers can log into their PADI Account to send referral links to friends and family and will be able to:
- receive 20% off PADI continuing education eLearning when a friend enrolls in Open Water Diver eLearning.
- earn one entry into a monthly prize draw for new scuba gear for each friend referred.
Those potential new diver candidates that are referred will then:
- receive 20% off PADI Open Water Diver eLearning when activating the referral link
- earn one entry into the monthly prize draw of scuba gear
- are eligible to refer others and earn additional entries.
As an extra incentive, all divers who refer a friend will automatically go into the grand prize competition, where the diver who refers the most new PADI Divers in 2025 will win a dive vacation for two to any Sandals St Lucia property of their choosing for five days.
Growing the Dive Industry Together
“This is more than a promotion—it’s a movement to seek adventure and save the ocean more together,” adds Valette Wirth. “By encouraging students and divers to refer a friend and teaching more courses, we are sharing what we all love and helping ensure the underwater world remains accessible to all.”
PADI Members now have access to a dedicated marketing toolkit available on the Marketing Hub on the PADI Pro Site that supports this wider incentivization program.
To access the marketing toolkit visit the Marketing Hub on the PADI Pro Site.
Visit the PADI Pros Blog for more information on how to incorporate the referral program into your business and earn more for every certification issued.
About Garmin International, Inc.
Engineered on the inside for life on the outside, Garmin products have revolutionized life for adventurers, athletes, off-road explorers, road warriors and outdoor enthusiasts everywhere. Committed to developing products that enhance experiences, enrich lives and help provide peace of mind, Garmin believes every day is an opportunity to innovate and a chance to beat yesterday. Visit the Garmin Newsroom, email our media team, connect with @garminoutdoor on social, or follow our blog.
About Shearwater Research
Shearwater Research is a global leader in dive computers and diving electronics, renowned for delivering robust, intuitive products for divers across the world. Committed to excellence and technical diving, Shearwater has established itself as a trusted name in high-performance dive technology. www.shearwater.com
About Suunto
Suunto has been at the forefront of exploration since 1936, creating precision instruments for adventurers around the world. From pioneering dive computers to durable sports watches, Suunto is trusted by divers, athletes, and outdoor enthusiasts who push their limits. With a commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and sustainability, Suunto empowers people to explore the world — above and below the surface. Learn more at www.suunto.com.
About TUSA
For over 70 years, TUSA has been a global leader in the design and manufacturing of premium scuba diving equipment. Known for our commitment to innovation, comfort, and reliability, TUSA gear is trusted by divers around the world—from first-time explorers to seasoned professionals. Beyond product excellence, TUSA is deeply committed to ocean conservation and sustainability. Through partnerships, responsible manufacturing practices, and support for marine protection initiatives, we strive to protect the underwater world that inspires everything we do. At TUSA, our mission is simple: to empower every diver with high-quality gear while safeguarding the ocean for future generations. www.tusa.com
About Fourth Element
Fourth Element is one of the leading brands of dive gear, renowned for innovation in product development in thermal protection for both wetsuit and drysuit diving, and in its approach to respect and protect the ocean environment that is our playground, through more sustainable product development, ranging from packaging to the use of recycled and natural materials, without compromising outstanding performance. Fourth Element’s mission is to inspire and enable divers to explore the underwater world with confidence and care, striving to create products that enhance the diving experience while promoting the health and sustainability of our oceans. The company believes that every dive is an opportunity to connect with the beauty of the underwater world and to contribute to its preservation. www.fourthelement.com
About PADI
PADI® (Professional Association of Diving Instructors®) is the largest purpose-driven diving organization with a global network of 6,600 dive centers and resorts, 128,000 professional members and more than 30 million certified divers to date. Committed to our blue planet, PADI makes the wonder of the underwater world accessible to all, empowering people around the world to experience, explore and take meaningful action, as Ocean TorchbearersTM, to protect the world beneath the surface. For over 50 years, PADI is undeniably The Way the World Learns to Dive®, setting the standard for the highest quality dive training, underwater safety and conservation initiatives while evolving the sport of diving into a passionate lifestyle. For divers by divers, PADI is obsessed with transforming lives and, with its global foundation, PADI AWARETM, creating positive ocean change. Seek Adventure. Save the Ocean.SM www.padi.com
Comments
