## What does Padi mean in scuba diving?
PADI stands for Professional Association of Diving Instructors. It is the world’s largest scuba diving training organization, with over 6 million certified divers worldwide. PADI offers a variety of scuba diving courses, from beginner to professional level.
### History of PADI
PADI was founded in 1966 by Ralph Erickson and John Cronin. Erickson was a former Navy SEAL and Cronin was a diving instructor. They created PADI to set standards for scuba diving instruction and to provide a way for divers to get certified.
PADI quickly became the leading scuba diving training organization in the United States. In the 1970s, PADI began to expand internationally, and it now has offices in over 180 countries.
### PADI Today
Today, PADI is a global organization with over 130,000 members. PADI offers a wide range of scuba diving courses, from beginner to professional level. PADI also offers a variety of specialty courses, such as underwater photography, wreck diving, and night diving.
PADI is committed to safety and education. All PADI courses are taught by certified PADI instructors. PADI also offers a variety of online and offline resources to help divers learn about scuba diving and stay safe.
### Benefits of PADI Certification
There are many benefits to getting PADI certified. PADI certification is recognized worldwide, so you can dive anywhere in the world. PADI certification also makes you a more confident and skilled diver.
Here are some of the benefits of PADI certification:
You can dive anywhere in the world.
You will be a more confident and skilled diver.
You will be able to learn from the best scuba diving instructors.
You will have access to a variety of online and offline resources.
You will be part of a global community of divers.
### How to Get PADI Certified
To get PADI certified, you must complete a PADI scuba diving course. PADI offers a variety of courses, from beginner to professional level. You can find a PADI dive center or resort near you by visiting the PADI website.
Once you have found a PADI dive center or resort, you can sign up for a scuba diving course. The course will typically include classroom instruction, pool dives, and open water dives.
Once you have completed the course, you will be certified to dive. You will receive a PADI certification card that you can use to prove your certification to dive centers and resorts.
### Conclusion
PADI is the world’s leading scuba diving training organization. PADI offers a variety of scuba diving courses, from beginner to professional level. PADI certification is recognized worldwide, so you can dive anywhere in the world. PADI certification also makes you a more confident and skilled diver.
If you are interested in learning how to scuba dive, I encourage you to get PADI certified. PADI is the best way to learn about scuba diving and to stay safe.