As PADI marks its 60th anniversary, the world’s largest diving organisation is reporting continued global momentum, driven by new partnerships, crossovers from competing agencies, and sustained membership growth across multiple regions.
The latest development sees PADI strengthening its presence in Africa through a landmark collaboration with the Nature, Environment & Wildlife Filmmakers (NEWF) initiative in Sodwana Bay, South Africa. At the same time, the organisation is welcoming a wave of dive centres and operators worldwide who are aligning with its training systems, brand strength, and business support framework.
African Partnership Signals New Direction for Ocean Storytelling
The partnership with NEWF introduces a new model that blends dive training with environmental storytelling and scientific engagement. As part of the collaboration, 10 new PADI Instructors have already been certified, alongside the launch of a dedicated PADI training facility.
NEWF focuses on developing African filmmakers, scientists, and conservation storytellers. By integrating professional dive training into its programmes, the initiative aims to equip participants with the practical skills required to work safely underwater and document ocean environments first-hand.
Over the next year, the partnership is expected to produce 25 new PADI professionals and certify hundreds of additional divers.
Kristin Valette Wirth, Global Brand and Membership Officer at PADI, emphasised the broader impact of the initiative, explaining that these certifications represent more than qualifications. They reflect the emergence of African-led voices shaping the future of diving, conservation, and ocean storytelling.
NEWF Co-Founder and Executive Director Noel Kok, also a National Geographic Explorer, highlighted the importance of access. He noted that while passion and talent are abundant, structured and affordable pathways into professional dive training have often been limited. By combining PADI’s global standards with NEWF’s regional network, the partnership aims to create clear routes into careers in diving, conservation, and marine storytelling.
Kok added that the collaboration is designed to build long-term opportunities, from employment and local businesses to sustainable careers connected to the ocean.
Global Crossovers Reinforce PADI’s Market Position
The NEWF partnership reflects a wider trend across the dive industry. Increasing numbers of operators are choosing to transition to PADI, citing its global recognition, structured training systems, and ability to support business growth.
In 2025 alone, more than 100 dive centres across 47 countries switched from competing organisations to PADI, underlining its position as a benchmark within the industry.
Wirth explained that dive operators are making deliberate strategic choices, aligning with organisations that combine global demand, trusted training standards, and practical tools that deliver measurable business results.
New Members Across Key Regions
Recent additions to the PADI network highlight the organisation’s growing footprint across multiple markets.
In Malaysia, Che Wan Scuba Dive Center transitioned to PADI, pointing to stronger market visibility and clearer professional pathways as key factors. Marketing Director Amir Amsyar noted that PADI’s established presence makes courses easier to promote to both domestic and international divers.
Seapixels, another Malaysian operator, cited alignment with PADI’s education-driven approach and structured learning pathways. Co-Owner Pagan Pee Wen Chee highlighted the value of the organisation’s eLearning platform in supporting diver development.
In China, DENGTA DIVE has returned to PADI after identifying limitations in brand recognition and global reach with alternative agencies. The centre will introduce the first deep training pool in the Hanyang District and support a new PADI Course Director expected to oversee hundreds of certifications. Owner Yonghua Cai emphasised the importance of global recognition for divers seeking trusted training systems.
The Philippines has also seen significant movement, with established operators such as Easy Diving Dauin, The Dive Hub Inc, and Side Effects Dive Resort joining PADI. These centres have quickly become some of the country’s highest-performing certification providers.
In South Africa, Garden Route Scuba has adopted the full PADI ecosystem to support business growth. Owner Reel van der Merwe described PADI as more than a training agency, highlighting its marketing tools and programmes such as PADI Club, which have contributed to increased course progression and repeat participation.
Italy has welcomed two high-volume operators, Jala Dive Center in Sicily and DivEx Elba on Elba Island, each producing over 200 certifications annually. DivEx owner Luca Incardona described the decision as straightforward, citing PADI as unmatched in the diving industry for maintaining high standards and delivering meaningful experiences.
In North America, Aqua Diving Academy in Maine has joined PADI and is positioning itself as a key training centre within the New England region. The academy is working with universities, public safety teams, and government contracts. Owner Julie Footman described the crossover process as intensive, educational, and enjoyable, with strong expectations for future growth through the partnership.
Brazil has also seen expansion, with Natura Dive in Ilha Grande joining PADI to support the development of sustainable dive tourism. General Manager Ezequiel Vigil highlighted the importance of international recognition in raising standards and promoting environmentally responsible diving practices.
Industry Shift Towards Integrated Platforms
From Africa to Asia and the Americas, a consistent pattern is emerging across the dive industry. Operators are increasingly seeking more than certification systems alone. They are aligning with organisations that offer comprehensive platforms combining training, marketing, global recognition, and conservation impact.
As PADI enters its seventh decade, its continued growth, new partnerships, and increasing number of crossovers suggest a broader shift in how dive businesses position themselves for long-term success.
For those considering joining, PADI encourages operators to contact their regional office to learn more about membership benefits and opportunities within the global network.
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