Every PADI certification card represents a new milestone, unlocking more of the underwater world as you progress through your training. In 2026, the range of PADI certification cards expands to include limited-edition 60th anniversary designs, celebrating six decades of adventure and ocean exploration.
Alongside these, you’ll find a collection of breathtaking underwater images from award-winning photographers, each carrying its own story and message. Every design has been chosen to inspire, motivate and represent you as a PADI Diver.
Explore the 2026 PADI certification cards below and find the one that speaks to you.
PADI 60th Anniversary Cards
Timeless. Celebratory. Iconic. Six Decades of Adventure.
2026 marks six decades of seeking adventure and saving the ocean with PADI. To celebrate, a limited-edition range of certification cards has been released, each featuring the commemorative 60th anniversary logo set against backgrounds inspired by designs through the years.
Cards issued by PADI Five Star Dive Centers and Resorts showcase an exclusive gold background, while all others are presented in blue.
What better way to recognize the millions who have taken their first breaths underwater, the far-flung destinations explored and the shared passion for the ocean that continues to unite divers around the world?
Available throughout 2026 only, this is your chance to own a piece of PADI history.
Gentle Giants of the Blue by Brooke Pyke
Majestic. Rare. Mesmerizing. Giants in Harmony.
In the clear waters of Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia, two whale sharks feed side by side – a rare moment, held in a single, powerful frame.
Seeing a whale shark at Ningaloo is not unusual, but witnessing multiple individuals together is rare. “Whale sharks are known to be quite independent marine giants,” the photographer explains. On the particular day this image was captured, a bloom of tropical krill drew several individuals into the same area, creating a brief window to observe and photograph these gentle giants feeding side by side.
Brooke Pyke is an award-winning wildlife photographer based in Exmouth on Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia. Her journey began with black-and-white film photography in high school before evolving into a career that blends her passion for the ocean with underwater imagery. “It quickly became an obsession,” she explains. Today, her work has earned international recognition, but for Pyke, the real value lies in its impact, inspiring others to explore, understand and connect with the ocean.
Hatchling’s First Swim by Ben Hicks
Fragile. Determined. Inspiring. A Journey Begins.
In the shallow waters off Florida, a baby loggerhead sea turtle takes its first strokes toward the open ocean. This fleeting moment captures the very start of one of nature’s toughest journeys.
Baby turtles face incredible odds from the moment they hatch. The hatchling featured on the card is likely only minutes into its life and has already completed the journey from its sandy nest to the sea. For Hicks, moments like this go beyond the photograph. “I love being able to share baby sea turtle imagery as I can reach people’s hearts and remind them what we have to protect out there by being ocean-minded,” he tells us.
Based in South Florida, Ben Hicks is a two-time Emmy Award-winning photographer known for his bold, adventurous style and eye-catching imagery. His work spans the Americas and beyond, capturing everything from powerful ocean scenes to intimate wildlife encounters. Driven by a deep respect for nature, Hicks uses his photography to inspire environmental awareness and deepen people’s connection with the natural world, with a particular focus on sea turtle conservation. “Nature was here first; it’s our responsibility to take care of it,” he explains.
Flippin’ Between Two Worlds by Kellon Spencer
Curious. Playful. Connected. A Shared Moment.
Face-to-face encounters with wild dolphins aren’t an everyday occurrence. This image captures a moment of mutual curiosity, as a solitary dolphin pauses to investigate the photographer’s camera at the surface.
This image was captured in Dominica, where Kellon encountered a well-known solitary dolphin called Becky. Drawn by the sound of his fins, she approached and lingered, allowing for a brief but genuine interaction. “I love this photo because it captures a moment where the animal clearly wanted to be there,” Spencer explains. “I am not interested in forcing interactions just to get a shot. When the interaction is genuine, the photo follows.”
Kellon Spencer is a conservation and nature-based filmmaker and photographer, producing stories for nonprofits, NGOs and nature-focused industries. Inspired by early influences like Steve Irwin, David Attenborough and Mark DeGruy, his path shifted after earning his dive certification, which sparked a passion for underwater storytelling. Today, Spencer spends much of his time in the field, capturing meaningful interactions between people and marine life. “Whenever I am in the field, I feel a real sense of fulfillment,” he says, reflecting on a journey that began with a dream of adventure and connection to the natural world.
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 Page 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.
Page’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 Page, 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 (eCard Only)
Mesmerizing. Dynamic. Alive. The Cuttlefish.
Off the rocky coastline of South Australia, more than 250,000 giant cuttlefish gather each year in a dazzling spectacle of color and life. Page’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 (eCard Only)
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 (eCard Only)
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, Page 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, Permiakov uses techniques like snoot photography to isolate his subjects, revealing their vibrant colors and unique personalities.
Beyond his eye-catching imagery, Permiakov 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 (eCard Only)
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, Rogers travels the world documenting shark species and sharing their beauty with new audiences.
For Rogers, 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. Rogers tells us, “When people understand the ocean, they’re more likely to protect 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. Moniz’ 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, Moniz 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 US $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 its eye placement allows these sharks 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,” Clu 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.”
Clue 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 [they] 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 US $10 donation to the PADI AWARE Foundation to support ocean conservation.
So, Which Design Speaks to You?
You may be bold and fearless, passionate about extreme cold-water diving conditions or tec-level depths and relate to the qualities of a hammerhead 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 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.
