Wow, I can’t believe I did that! That was so hard. I am so proud of myself. I remember thinking this (and telling my friends and family) after completing my PADI Rescue Diver course. I’d been anxious about this certification because it seemed so “pro” – and I was elated and exhausted to pass. 

The word “etiquette” can bring to mind a fussy person who cares more about appearances than enjoying the moment. But for the love of fan coral can we please set aside whatever feelings we have about the word etiquette and agree that being a safe, responsible diver is more important than getting the perfect shot.

The dive community is teeming with passionate Ocean Torchbearers working to create a healthier future for marine ecosystems through ocean conservation, and the PADI AWARE Foundation is dedicated to accelerating their local actions to drive global change. In 2022, PADI AWARE launched its Community Grant Program, a nonprofit grant program, to help fund the important work of these ocean projects. Since the grant program’s inception, PADI AWARE has awarded more than USD $575,000 in grants to directly support 73 projects run by PADI dive shops and community-based non-profits. These project address key ocean threats, like climate change, marine debris, marine habitat loss, and marine species protection. 

Space and scuba diving may seem like worlds apart. In reality, scuba diving offers the perfect platform for training for life in space. Both challenge human endurance, take place in hostile environments and push technological boundaries. PADI Professionals are combining their scuba diving skills with advancing humanity’s exploration of the final frontier. Here’s exactly how scuba divers are having an impact on space exploration and the space industry.

Scuba diving gives us unique skills that take us to places we’d never imagine. This could mean underwater caves, unexplored reefs, or even Antarctica. Sometimes, however, scuba diving can also lead us to different careers. Just ask these PADI Pros and scuba divers: they’ve gone with the flow and found themselves with some of the most unusual and weird jobs on the planet.