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 and specialities. 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 you!
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 a PADI instructor certification 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!“
Turtle Tangle by Gabriel Guzman
Playful. Powerful. Timeless. A Dance of the Turtles.
Beneath the brilliant sun-dappled waters of Moore Reef, on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, two sea turtles engage in a lively moment of interaction, part courtship, part contest, during the magic of the turtle mating season. Captured with perfect clarity, this image by professional underwater photographer Gabriel Guzman preserves a fleeting glimpse of wild behavior few ever witness firsthand.
Originally from Chile, Gabriel has called Cairns, Australia home for the past eight years, where he has turned his twin passions for the ocean and photography into a life’s work. His journey began as a dive instructor traveling the world and quickly became inspired by divers with cameras. He soon picked up his own and gradually evolved from a curious beginner to a celebrated photographer, with images featured in magazines, websites, TV and beyond.
While Gabriel has explored many of the world’s dive destinations, Lady Elliot Island remains a personal favorite as it can offer both macro wonders and sweeping wide-angle scenes in a single dive.
Gabriel has this message for other ocean advocates, “As someone who spends so much time in the ocean, I’ve come to realize how delicate and extraordinary our underwater world truly is. Through my photography, I aim to not only capture its beauty but also inspire others to appreciate and protect it.” He continues, “I encourage everyone to not only enjoy the ocean but also to think about how we can give back to it.”
Silent Giants by Alex Dawson
Haunting. Majestic. Enduring. The Echoes of a Wreck.
At the northeast tip of Shaabruhr Umm Qammar in the Red Sea in Egypt, the Gulf Fleet 31 rests in eerie splendor at a depth of 104 meters (343 feet). Captured through the lens of award-winning photographer and cinematographer Alex Dawson, this image invites viewers into a hidden world where coral-cloaked steel meets the vastness of the deep. Divers who venture here are rewarded with the rare experience of swimming beneath the hull of the wreck, a surreal moment where history, nature and exploration collide.
Based in Stockholm, Sweden, Alex has dedicated more than 30 years to mastering underwater photography, specializing in wide-angle wrecks and cave systems. Named Underwater Photographer of the Year for 2024, one career highlight for Alex was assisting in the recovery of the world’s oldest champagne bottles from a Baltic Sea wreck.
While Alex finds it impossible to choose a single favorite dive site, his love for massive wrecks and sprawling caves has drawn him to the untouched WWI wrecks of Turkey, a newfound fascination he is eager to explore further.
Alex also shared the mission that drives him, “It is my hope that by sharing the beauty of what lies below, I can encourage the involvement of both divers and non-divers in helping to preserve these resources for future generations.“
Grace in Motion by Rayna O’Nan
A Dance of Mantas. A Call to Protect.
In the vibrant waters of Hanifaru Bay, Maldives, reef manta rays glide in a mesmerizing chain, captured through the lens of underwater photographer and passionate ocean advocate Rayna O’Nan. Taken during a rare, almost solitary dive five years ago, this image immortalizes the remarkable “chain feeding” behavior seen during the region’s monsoon season. It is a sight few are lucky enough to witness firsthand.
Rayna’s love for the ocean runs deep. A marine biologist turned dive instructor and photographer, she now dedicates her life to sharing the beauty and importance of marine life and ecosystems, particularly sharks and rays. Based in Jupiter, Florida, she continues to explore the world’s oceans, inspiring others to protect the life beneath the waves.
Rayna is involved in numerous conservation efforts, and is especially excited about the upcoming PADI AWARE Global Shark & Ray Census. “Citizen science is the future of ocean conservation,” she says. “The more people who love sharks and rays, the more the world will protect them.”
Rayna urges conservation action, saying, “We need to shift our focus from protecting individual species to safeguarding the entire ocean ecosystem.” She concludes, “We must dedicate more of our planet to remain wild and free from human interference. The health of our planet depends on it.”
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.
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, has shot 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 at one time. 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 easily 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.
So, Which Design Are You?
You may be bold and fearless, passionate about extreme cold diving conditions or tech-level depths and relate to the qualities of Great White Shark. Or, you may be more gentle and inquisitive, just like Humpback Whales. 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 PADI Gear discounts, 20% off eLearning and a Free DAN Prepared Diver course.
