Yesterday I spent the day at the PADI offices in Bristol finding out what is new for 2012.
It was interesting to see that despite all of the Doom and Gloom that we all see on a daily basis on TV’s and in our Newspapers, PADI Certifications rose in 2011. OK, so they only went up by 1 pct, but at least it shows that the industry that we all love is alive and kicking.
PADI, as always are very innovative and there are some good things to look out for in 2012.
PADI to release Scuba Earth soon
SCUBA EARTH
Scuba Earth will be unveiled very soon. It will be released in Beta format to PADI members later this month, before being released to the whole world. It’s a web based application where we can all go to find out more about Dive Sites around the world. We will be able to share experiences, log dives, keep a record of what equipment we own, including make, model, serial numbers, last service date etc. We will find a record of our certifications, discover more information about future courses that we are interested in … and much much more!
PADI Theory made easy
New Theory Option for nervous PADI IDC and IE candidates
PADI IDC and PADI IE candidates who find exam rooms very stressful, will soon have a solution. Exact details are not clear yet, but future IE candidates will have the option to take the PADI theory exam on-line at home. They will be able to print out results of the exams and use that as evidence for the PADI IDC and the PADI IE. They will still have to sit a cut down “Quick Review” at the PADI IE, but that should be a lot more relaxing than taking the full 60 question exam.
For those people who prefer one-on-one tuition, we will still be offering our very popular Distance Learning Preparation course, which helps people by offering simple and easy ways to answer common PADI questions.
New Sidemount and CCR courses
2012 will also see new courses for Sidemount and Closed Circuit Re-breathers (CCR’s) There will be courses for both Recreational and Technical divers. Once trained, recreational Re-breather divers will be able to take traditional PADI courses using their CCR. Details will be released very soon.
New EFR and New Shark Conservation Courses
Project Aware launch Distinctive Specialty course
EFR and Project aware have some new courses! EFR will soon release a new CPR and AED course that will be very popular in the workplace. Any EFR instructor will be able to teach the course. Materials are ready, and will be released later this month.
Project Aware have launched a new Shark Conservation Distinctive Speciality Course.
Materials are now available to download from the PADI Pro’s site. All application fees will go to the charity.