The enchanting world of diving offers unparalleled sights: vibrant corals, majestic marine life, and forgotten shipwrecks. It's a realm filled with wonders, and before taking the plunge, many seek guidance from the globally renowned guide: PADI, the Professional Association of Diving Instructors. 🐠🌊

PADI's Origin Story: Two Friends and a Bottle of Johnnie Walker

Our tale begins in 1966 in Morton Grove, Illinois, where two friends met over a bottle of Johnnie Walker Black Label. John Cronin, then a scuba equipment representative for U.S. Divers, and Ralph Erickson, a passionate educator and swimming instructor, shared concerns about the existing diving industry. They were unsettled by the then-current scuba certification agencies, deeming them unprofessional and out-of-date. Both believed that learning to breathe underwater should be safer and more accessible.

Their vision took tangible shape in Ralph’s Illinois apartment. With $30 and a bottle of Johnnie Walker in tow, the duo decided to create their scuba training organisation. The name was a blend of their desires: Cronin wanted "professional" embedded in the title, while Erickson championed for an "association of diving instructors". After sharing their drink, they settled on PADI: Professional Association of Diving Instructors. Their mission was to provide relevant, instructionally valid scuba diving training to produce confident divers who would become regular explorers of the underwater realm.

PADI's Humble Underground Headquarters

What's now known as the world’s largest scuba diving organisation started in a basement. Initially, PADI’s operations ran from various Morton Grove and Niles restaurants. Soon, Cronin converted a section of his Niles residence's basement into PADI's first headquarters. His next-door neighbour took on the role of a part-time secretary, while his son Brian helped with mailing tasks.

As PADI sought its brand identity, John aspired for an emblem as prestigious as the National Geographic's. This shifted Ralph's perspective, helping him visualise PADI’s potential. He thus crafted PADI's inaugural logo, a diver bearing a torch within a globe. This design underwent refinements, morphing into today’s globally recognised PADI logo.

The Growth and Evolution of PADI

PADI's initial years witnessed steady, albeit slow, growth. 1967 marked the introduction of diving's first certification requirements, advanced diver courses, and specialty diver programs. By the close of the '60s, PADI boasted 400 members but still grappled with challenges.

However, a turning point came when Cronin attended a significant National Sporting Goods Association show in New York City. An encounter with Paul Tzimoulis, the future editor of Skin Diver magazine, led to PADI pioneering the first positive identification certification (PIC) card, featuring the diver's photograph.

Following this, the 1970s saw PADI move its operations to California, introduce a modular training system, and launch the PADI Open Water Diver certification. The late '70s and early '80s marked PADI’s development of multimedia student and instructor educational materials, which significantly contributed to its growth.

By the late '80s, PADI was the world's leading scuba diving training organisation. Realising their responsibility towards marine conservation, the PADI AWARE Foundation was established, reflecting the ethos of both founders.

Sadly, in 2003, John Cronin departed, followed by Ralph Erickson in 2006. However, their legacy and mission persisted, with PADI celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2016 and renewing its commitment to ocean conservation.

PADI Today and its Global Vision

Today, the PADI experience spans PADI Learning℠, PADI Club™, PADI Gear™, and PADI Travel®. Its mission and vision, while reflecting its foundational values, have evolved to suit contemporary times. Guided by Dr. Drew Richardson and the PADI Worldwide Executive team, PADI aspires to balance humanity and the ocean, championing diver safety, underwater exploration, community building, and conservation.

We at SCUBA.co.za are a proud PADI 5* Rated Dive center and continue to follow PADI highest training standard and ethos. Over the years we have also worked hard to be awarded multiple certificates of recognition for diving training excellence and training standards from PADI and we will continue to hold this high standard into the future.

Are you interested in doing your dive course, or taking your dive training to the next level? Check out our range of courses: CLICK HERE