Gaining your PADI certification card is rewarding. You unlock more and more of the underwater world each time you complete another one of PADI’s courses. In 2025, PADI certification cards have been expanded to include breathtaking underwater images from award-winning photographers with important messages to share with the world. Each chosen to inspire, motivate and represent you, PADI divers.
Explore our 2025 PADI certification cards below, and decide which one is for you!
Francesca Page Illustrated Certification Cards
Visual artist and ocean explorer Francesca Page captures the sea’s emotion, rhythm and fragility through bold, multidisciplinary storytelling. Blending science with creativity, her work spans illustration, photography and writing. Each piece Francesca creates is deeply rooted in reverence for the natural world. Through her vibrant imagery, she invites others to experience the same awe and curiosity that fuel her own ocean adventures.
Francesca’s creative journey began with a fear of the ocean, transformed into passion the moment she first scuba dived at age 13. That experience reshaped her life, leading her to become a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor and, ultimately, an underwater photographer and conservation artist. Her art celebrates the beauty and complexity of marine ecosystems, especially misunderstood creatures like sharks, while reminding us of our shared responsibility to protect them.
For Francesca, art is activism — a universal language that inspires connection and change. “I believe art has the power to save this planet,” she says. “I’m deeply passionate about using creativity to help save our blue planet, and I truly believe we’re all artists in our own way. When we tap into that creativity and use it to raise awareness, we can spark real change.”
Her 200 Sharks Project was born from a sobering truth: every 60 seconds, 200 sharks are lost from our oceans. Through a growing series of illustrations, films and stories, Francesca is transforming fear into empathy, revealing sharks as vital, beautiful beings rather than monsters. Reaching audiences around the world, the project celebrates their diversity and resilience while calling for their protection.
These three new certification cards featuring Francesca’s designs build on that same spirit, capturing both the wonder and vulnerability of the ocean through striking digital illustrations inspired by her real-life experiences.
Cuttlefish Migration
Mesmerizing. Dynamic. Alive. The Cuttlefish.
Off the cold, rocky coastline of South Australia, more than 250,000 giant cuttlefish gather each year in a dazzling spectacle of color and life. Francesca’s illustration captures the full story of this migration, from the fierce courtship displays and their vibrant, ever-shifting skin to the quiet renewal of a new generation. It’s a celebration of transformation, community and the hidden drama unfolding beneath the waves.
Diving With Sharks
Fearless. Fluid. Unstoppable. Enigmatic Sharks.
Inspired by the raw energy of diving in powerful currents surrounded by swirling schools of sharks, this artwork channels the rush of motion and unity that defines the open ocean. The diver’s steady movement through the chaos is a reminder of what’s possible when curiosity replaces fear — an homage to both human exploration and the wild grace of marine life.
Whale Shark
Majestic. Celestial. Eternal. The Whale Shark.
Viewed from above, a whale shark glides through the water like a constellation in motion, its glowing patterns echoing the stars scattered across a night sky. In this dreamlike portrayal, Francesca captures the harmony between sea and cosmos, reminding us that the ocean holds the same mysteries and beauty as the universe itself.
Pink Cheeks Nudibranch by Alex Permiakov (eCard Only)
Playful. Delicate. Radiant. A Micro Masterpiece.
Commonly known as the “Shaun the Sheep” nudibranch for its resemblance to the beloved TV character, this pink cheeks nudibranch is bursting with color and personality. Set against a deep background, its glowing green cerata and rosy spots seem to give it an almost human expression. Captured in the calm waters of Tulamben, Bali, Indonesia, this photograph turns one of the ocean’s smallest residents into a true star.
Underwater photographer Alex Permiakov has a passion for uncovering the intricate beauty of marine life, particularly the small and easily overlooked species that thrive among coral reefs. Utilizing creative lighting and dramatic compositions, Alex uses techniques like snoot photography to isolate his subjects, revealing their vibrant colors and unique personalities.
Beyond his eye-catching imagery, Alex is also a PADI Course Director, reflecting his lifelong dedication to diving and education. His message to divers everywhere: “Slow down. Some of the most incredible marine life is tiny, shy and easy to miss. Whether you’re diving with a camera or not, take your time and appreciate the small stuff — it’s full of surprises.”
The Great Hammerhead by Callum Rogers
Powerful. Graceful. Unforgettable. An Ocean Icon.
Beneath the clear, blue waters of Bimini in the Bahamas, a great hammerhead glides past, its unmistakable silhouette cutting through the light like a living sculpture. Captured in a single, mesmerizing frame, this image channels both the power and poise of one of the ocean’s most captivating predators.
Callum Rogers isn’t your typical underwater photographer. By trade he’s a builder, but at heart, he’s an ocean explorer. What began as a personal escape quickly became a lifelong passion for shark diving and photography. Together with his fiancée, Callum travels the world documenting shark species and sharing their beauty with new audiences.
For Callum, the most rewarding part of a photo isn’t actually the picture itself, it’s the change it can spark — shifting curiosity into wonder. “Watching their faces shift from fear or surprise to pure fascination… that’s what it does for me,” he says.
His advice for anyone curious about the underwater world is, “Just get in the water. Start with snorkeling if you have to. You don’t need to be a pro or go deep right away, just get a glimpse of what’s down there.” Making that connection is what matters most, “when people understand the ocean, they’re more likely to protect it.”
Whale Shark Drift by Daniel Nicholson (eCard Only)
Majestic. Serene. Monumental. A Giant in Motion.
Gliding effortlessly above the shallow reefs of Ningaloo, a whale shark casts a graceful shadow over the coral below. This rare aerial perspective captures both the immense scale and gentle nature of the world’s largest fish. Bathed in perfect light and calm waters, the moment embodies the quiet power and beauty of ocean life.
Underwater photographer Daniel Nicholson calls Western Australia’s Ningaloo Reef home. This is one of the best destinations for whale shark encounters. His photography journey began with a simple action camera, and after falling in love with the craft, it evolved into a full-time career dedicated to capturing and protecting the ocean he loves.
Through his imagery, Daniel has worked alongside organizations including Protect Ningaloo, Child Aid Papua and Thresher Shark Indonesia, using his art to drive awareness and conservation. His guiding philosophy is simple but powerful, “We only protect what we care about, and we only care about what we understand. By spreading awareness about the incredible beauty of our oceans, you’ll inspire more people to appreciate and protect this amazing world!”
PADI AWARE Sea Turtle Legend by Stan Moniz
Ancient. Serene. Distinguished. The Sea Turtle.
In Chinese culture, the sea turtle represents wisdom and knowledge. Some of these ancient sea creatures have seen the oceans change around them for almost a century – what secrets they must hold!
This sea turtle image was taken by Stan Moniz immediately after he completed his PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course off the west coast of Maui. Stan’s inspiration to pick up a camera came from years of experience freediving and surfing the North Shore on Oahu, Hawaii. Sharing stories and empowering people to explore the world through his lens, Stan raises awareness about the beauty and fragility of the ocean and inspires others to protect it.
He is also an adventure seeker and stargazer who explores and captures the beauty of the night sky through astrophotography.
The Sea Turtle Legend design includes a USD $10 donation to the PADI AWARE Foundation to support ocean conservation.
Great Hammerhead Shark PADI AWARE Foundation Card by Jay Clue
Energetic. Sharp-Witted. Distinctive. The Great Hammerhead Shark.
From Baja California, Mexico, photographer, cinematographer and storyteller, Jay Clue captured the image on the 30th anniversary PADI AWARE Foundation Hammerhead Shark Certification Card design. Although it may not seem functional, the hammer-like shape of this species’ head and eye placement allows them to be extremely sharp-witted, scanning large areas of ocean in a single glimpse. Special sensors are also located on their heads to detect prey!
“The photo is of Gaia, one of the most famous Great Hammerheads that visit Bimini every winter,” Jay explains. “Shark Lab has been studying Gaia’s visits for 10 years now. She’s kind of a local celebrity and has become a bit of a special symbol in my eyes over the years. For one, she’s massive at roughly 4 meters (13 feet) long, making her easifly distinguishable from the other sharks.”
Jay wants to share with the community that we all should, “Work to inspire others… Take the time to help them learn and understand things. Humans tend to only want to protect things they love, and find it hard to get behind protecting something they don’t quite understand. So show them why you love the ocean. Let them see it through your eyes. You never know when you will be that spark for someone else.”
The Great Hammerhead design includes a USD $10 donation to the PADI AWARE Foundation to support ocean conservation.
Triton Bay Splendor by Brandon Cole
Vibrant. Flourishing. Timeless. A Coral Paradise.
Far from the bustling cities, tucked in the remote reaches of West Papua, Indonesia, lies Triton Bay, a living canvas of nature’s finest work. Here, the coral reefs explode in color and complexity, their natural artistry captured brilliantly in this stunning image. Each delicate branch and vibrant hue reminds us of the incredible biodiversity these remote waters hold.
For more than three decades, Brandon Cole has journeyed across the world’s oceans, evolving from a biologist into a full-time marine photographer and journalist. Though based in landlocked eastern Washington, Brandon and dive buddy Melissa regularly venture beneath the waves to document the breathtaking beauty and urgent vulnerability of underwater worlds.
Reflecting on their many expeditions through the breathtaking beauty found across all of Indonesia, Brandon shares, “Each trip to Indonesia seems to unveil a new favorite dive site (or three).”
Brandon also has a powerful message for fellow ocean lovers, “Please take every opportunity to share with others the urgent need to prioritize conservation of our Planet Ocean. Use your words, photos and videos to show both the good and the bad. Wake people up. Demand more from our friends, families, communities, businesses and governments.”
Reef Ballet by Felipe Barrio
Dynamic. Pristine. Mesmerizing. A Living Reef.
In the far southern reaches of the Maldives, Addu Atoll cradles some of the country’s most unspoiled coral reefs. Above this thriving underwater world, a school of fish dances in effortless unison, a breathtaking display of life and connection captured in this stunning photograph.
With a diving career spanning back to 1982 and as a PADI Instructor since 1994, Felipe Barrio has spent decades exploring the ocean’s wonders. As the CEO of a dive travel agency and a contributing photographer to leading wildlife magazines, Felipe has made it a mission to bring the magic of the underwater world to audiences across the globe.
He counts among his proudest achievements being the first to photograph a group of whale sharks in Djibouti and pioneering dive routes through the little-known Arafura Sea.
Felipe offers this heartfelt message to fellow divers and ocean lovers, “Scuba diving gives you the opportunity to experience some of the most incredible wildlife experiences a human can have. Travel and explore as much as you can, because every second you’re underwater, you’ll be one of the most privileged inhabitants of the planet.”
Curious Gaze by Jennifer Penner
Watchful. Intriguing. Unforgettable. The Green Moray Eel.
In the warm, vibrant waters near West Palm Beach, Florida, a green moray eel peers out from its rocky hideaway, locking eyes with the diver behind the lens. This inquisitive resident, unbothered by the camera’s presence, offered a rare, extended encounter, a vivid reminder that when we move respectfully through their world, the ocean’s creatures often reveal their true personalities.
Since beginning her underwater photography journey in 2008, Jennifer Penner has dedicated much of her time to capturing moments like these. When not exploring the blue world, Jennifer and her husband operate a multimedia company dedicated to visual storytelling.
Jennifer also mentions that Florida’s Blue Heron Bridge is one of her favorite dive sites which also holds a special place in her heart. “So many amazing marine creatures in shallow water!” she exclaims.
Reflecting on her time underwater, Jennifer wanted to share this vital lesson, “With time and experience underwater, you learn that many marine animals are just as curious about us as we are about them. Remembering that we are guests in their home can lead to fascinating encounters.”
Jennifer also offers a message she hopes every ocean lover carries forward, “Love the ocean! Protect what you love!”
So, Which Design Are You?
You may be bold and fearless, passionate about extreme cold-water diving conditions or tech-level depths and relate to the qualities of a whale shark. Or, you may be more gentle and inquisitive, just like a sea turtle. Whatever your qualities are, we can all relate to these species of marine life. These are sentient, crucial beings that, as divers, we are lucky enough to meet in their world. It’s our mission to protect their environments and encourage others to do so for their future.
Save With a PADI Club Membership
Pssst….Members of PADI Club receive one free eCard per year featuring one of three members-only designs. They also get 25% off a new, physical PADI certification card or replacement card once a year. Plus, members can take advantage of a plethora of other perks, including partner discounts, 20% off eLearning and a free DAN Prepared Diver course.
