The PADI Ocean Torchbearer community is a growing global movement of everyday individuals—divers, PADI® Professionals, conservation allies, and advocates—dedicated to protecting the places they love. United by a belief in the power of individual actions to drive meaningful change, this passionate network of ocean champions has made significant strides in 2024 toward a healthier, more resilient ocean. Guided by the PADI Pillars of Change, the Ocean Torchbearer community represents what’s possible when committed people unite to protect what matters.
This year, from addressing the ocean’s most pressing threats to choosing eco-conscious dive operators and creating transformative experiences underwater, the community has delivered impactful wins for the ocean and coastal communities worldwide. Here’s a look at the accomplishments that made waves in 2024—proof that the tide is truly turning in favor of our blue planet.
Ocean Conservation
Empower our community to take local action for global impact.
PADI’s first Pillar of Change, Ocean Conservation, reflects both the organization’s long-standing ethos to protect the aquatic environment and the renewed commitment to take focused action that leads to lasting positive change for the ocean. By empowering millions of divers around the world with the ability to take focused conservation action, we believe that change is possible.
Empowering Grassroots Action through the PADI AWARE® Mission Hub Community Grant Program
The global PADI community has mobilized to fund critical ocean conservation projects around the world. With the generous support of Blancpain, Freshfield, and individuals worldwide, PADI AWARE Community Grantees are making a tangible impact on ocean health, from large-scale marine debris removal efforts and research to protect vulnerable species to innovative programs that monitor coral health and create marine protected areas. Get to know the 2024 PADI AWARE Community Grantees here.
You can help PADI AWARE help ocean heroes. Join us to raise $100,000 USD in 100 days for PADI AWARE’s Community Grant Program to double the number of grantees that receive funding. Your donation will directly fund critical ocean conservation initiatives that are driving real impact where it’s needed most.
Surveying Coral Bleaching with Adopt the Blue
In collaboration with NOAA, PADI AWARE Foundation spearheaded crucial coral bleaching survey projects in both the Caribbean and Asia Pacific amid the fourth global coral bleaching event. Through PADI AWARE’s Adopt the Blue™ program, this data-driven initiative tapped into the passion and expertise of PADI Dive Centers and Professionals to monitor coral bleaching and contribute to scientific research in regions at high risk of coral loss. With the support of Blancpain, founding partner of the PADI MPA Program and Adopt the Blue, these findings will inform future conservation strategies, helping protect these critical ecosystems from further damage.
Influencing Global Plastics Policy
PADI AWARE Foundation actively participated at every step of the Global Plastic Treaty development as it was debated by governments, aiming to reduce marine plastic pollution. PADI AWARE’s advocacy efforts as the only organization representing the global dive community ensure that divers’ voices are heard at the highest levels, pushing for strong, enforceable measures to protect marine ecosystems from plastic waste. More than 10,000 members of the Ocean Torchbearer community rallied together through PADI’s global petition to support PADI AWARE in negotiations for a strong Global Plastics Treaty.
Protecting Endangered Species with Re:Wild
PADI AWARE’s collaboration with Re:Wild is furthering efforts to protect endangered marine species. In October 2024, the organizations announced their collaboration for the Search for Lost Species project, which aims to discover and protect species thought to be extinct or critically endangered. The Search for Lost Species will tie into the PADI AWARE Global Shark and Ray Census, set to launch in 2025 with the support of Blancpain, which will provide critical insights into the population status of these vital ocean animals.
Advocating for Sharks and Rays in the Maldives
In a major victory for marine life, the Maldivian government decided not to resume longline fishing, which poses a significant threat to sharks and rays. This victory was influenced by a letter sent by PADI and PADI AWARE Foundation® on behalf of the global dive community advocating for sustainable fisheries. This decision not only protects vulnerable species but also supports the local dive economy. It’s a powerful reminder of how our collective voices, as divers and Ocean Torchbearers, can drive meaningful change.
Creating Future Ocean Guardians for Marine Protection in Barbados
Barbados has committed to help protect up to 30 percent of its marine ecosystems. PADI AWARE is collaborating with government officials and local dive centers to provide real-time data to inform policy and protection measures in critical marine areas. The next generation of divers and swimmers are best positioned to monitor and restore the marine parks. Physically experiencing the marine environment at a young age is the first critical step to marine protection. To address this need in Barbados, PADI AWARE worked with local communities to identify future ocean guardians and help train the next generation of divers.
Together with the community in Barbados, we have:
- Taught 325 children to swim
- Trained six teens in conservation diving
- Led workshops with government, dive centers and community leaders to determine marine conservation needs and solutions
- Adopted 37 sites and tracked marine debris, coral bleaching and habitat loss
- Assisted the dive sector to identify commercial fish critical habitats in order to assess the potential for Fish Recovery Zone MPAs to be designated in coastal waters.
Joining Forces to Help Rid the Ocean of Marine Debris During AWARE Week
PADI, PADI AWARE Foundation, and the global dive community joined together for the 7th Annual AWARE Week in September 2024 to tackle the marine debris crisis. People across the globe signed the petition to support the PADI AWARE policy team in calling for a strong Global Plastics Treaty, participated in Dive Against Debris® surveys and courses, and joined conservation activities worldwide. More than 1,750 participants contributed to over 300 Dive Against Debris surveys throughout the week, removing and reporting 23,691 pieces of marine debris and aiding 385 entangled marine animals. With the support of Seiko, official partner of PADI and PADI AWARE Foundation’s Marine Debris Program, PADI AWARE and PADI regional teams hosted 21 Dive Against Debris events with PADI Dive Centers and Resorts in seven countries throughout the week. In the months leading up to AWARE Week, PADI enacted a new policy to empower all PADI Professionals with a PADI Assistant Instructor rating and higher to be automatically eligible to teach the Dive Against Debris specialty course – and they certainly answered the call with 48 percent year-over-year growth in the number of PADI Professionals teaching Dive Against Debris courses.
Dive Industry Sustainability
Reduce the global environmental footprint of the dive industry.
PADI’s second Pillar of Change, Dive Industry Sustainability, was created to leverage PADI’s global influence as a means to encourage all key stakeholders across the dive industry to take actions that reduce environmental impact and increase the reputation of diving as a regenerative activity with positive benefits for people and planet.
Eco Diving with PADI Eco Centers on the Rise
2024 has been a banner year for eco-friendly travel, and PADI Eco Centers have been at the forefront. Named a top travel trend by Conde Nast Traveller, eco diving – “divers choosing their travel destinations based on the sustainability of the scuba centers, and having a more positive and regenerative impact on the ocean once there” – is on the rise thanks to PADI Eco Centers that are setting a new standard for sustainable tourism. These dive centers are not only minimizing their environmental footprint but also educating divers and travelers about marine conservation, fostering a global movement of eco-conscious explorers.
Recognizing Innovation in Sustainable Travel
PADI’s environmental commitment earned it a spot on Fast Company’s list of the Most Innovative Companies of 2024. This recognition is a testament to the impact that PADI Eco Centers and other sustainability initiatives have had in advancing eco-friendly practices in the dive industry, and travel in general. This impact is evident through analysis of the information submitted to Green Fins by PADI Eco Centers. JJ Harvey, Operations Director at The Reef-World Foundation (Green Fins international coordinator), explained, “Based on the information PADI Members have shared with us via the Green Fins Hub, there has been a 26% improvement in their scores.” By prioritizing sustainability, PADI is ensuring that future generations will have the opportunity to experience and protect the ocean.
People and Humanity
Foster diversity and inclusion and support local dive communities.
PADI’s third Pillar of Change, People and Humanity, is borne from PADI’s core belief that aquatic environments should be accessible to all. As a global organization, we continually strive to foster an environment of openness across the dive industry with a shared understanding that ‘underwater we all speak the same language.’
Breaking Down Gender Barriers with the 10th Annual PADI Women’s Dive Day
The 10th Annual PADI Women’s Dive Day in July 2024 was a celebration of female divers and their contributions to diving and the global community of Ocean Torchbearers. Over the past decade, PADI Women’s Dive Day has grown into the most celebrated day of diving on the planet, transforming lives and opening the door to the underwater world. Women’s Dive Day has been a catalyst for the dive community to break down barriers and empower divers of all genders, ages, races, backgrounds, and abilities to explore and protect the ocean. This year’s event saw phenomenal participation, with thousands of women coming together to dive, empower one another, and champion accessibility of the ocean. The event emphasized the importance of gender diversity in diving and celebrated opportunities for female leadership. Since the launch of PADI Women’s Dive Day a decade ago, the gender gap in diving has been reduced by nearly five percent, with women now accounting for approximately 40 percent of all recreational level certifications worldwide.
Empowering Divers of All Abilities During the Inaugural PADI Adaptive Diving Week
PADI introduced the first-ever PADI Adaptive Diving Week in December 2024 to celebrate the stories of divers who have overcome challenges to explore the ocean and the dedicated dive professionals who are empowering all divers, fostering inclusivity, and expanding access to the life-changing experience of diving. Diving has long been a transformative experience, but for some, physical or mental barriers have limited access. By raising awareness about the healing benefits of diving and expanding access to dive training, experiences, and facilities, we can all help make the ocean a truly inclusive space.
Creating an Ever-Expanding Frontier of Ocean Accessibility and Wellness
PADI’s Adaptive Diving courses, Adaptive Services Facilities, and inspiring divers with disabilities gained widespread attention this year, with features in the Wall Street Journal, Time, The Guardian, and other prominent media outlets. The increased visibility of diving with varying abilities has raised awareness about the importance of accessibility to the ocean, inspiring more adventure seekers and travelers to find healing, empowerment, and personal growth through diving. Through partnerships like the collaboration between PADI, PADI AWARE, and Neuro, we’ll continue to work together to nurture a “blue state of mind” that benefits people and planet.
Looking Ahead
2024 has been a year of incredible progress in our shared mission to seek adventure and save the ocean. From advancing marine conservation through grassroots efforts and citizen science to fostering a more sustainable and inclusive dive industry, the achievements outlined above are just the beginning. As we move into 2025, we will continue to build on these wins, driven by the unwavering commitment of the global dive community to protect the ocean and each other. Join the community of Ocean Torchbearers to stay informed about how you can get involved.
Together, our collective action is driving meaningful change.
