PADI’s newest limited-edition certification card celebrates one of the ocean’s most misunderstood animals: sharks. Featuring a striking image by ocean photographer and storyteller Emma Hanney, the Coexist With Sharks card is a reminder that sharks are not only vital to healthy marine ecosystems, but also a breathtaking part of the underwater world we are lucky enough to encounter.
The Story Behind the Shot
The image, captured while freediving in Fiji, shows reef sharks moving gracefully through clear blue water. For Hanney, it was one of those rare days underwater when everything aligned.
“This was taken in one of my favorite places to dive in the world, Fiji,” she told us. “[It boasts] crystal-clear water, vibrant coral reefs and rich marine life. These reef sharks would swirl beneath us, and I captured this while freediving. It was one of those days that all the conditions just came together, and it was magical.”
Meet Ocean Photographer Emma Hanney
Based in Australia and originally from the UK, Hanney has built a career around telling ocean stories through photography. Her work has taken her around the world, from coral reef conservation projects in Madagascar to collaborations with tourism boards and nature-focused brands. She is also a divemaster and freediver, bringing both training and ocean experience to the moments she captures.
“I create images to spark conversations about the ocean, because the more people see of it, the more they want to protect it,” Hanney explained. “I hope my imagery inspires people to get out and explore the ocean more, or it simply brings peace to their day by seeing the beauty of the ocean.”
That sense of connection runs through her work. Hanney’s images often feel calm and intimate, inviting viewers to slow down and see marine life with curiosity rather than fear. In the case of the Coexist With Sharks card, that perspective is especially powerful. Sharks are often portrayed as intimidating, but underwater, divers know there is another story to tell.
Why Coexisting With Sharks Matters
The new certification card brings a powerful message into the hands of divers around the world. Each time a diver shows their card, it becomes more than proof of certification. It becomes a small piece of ocean storytelling and a symbol of support for a healthier relationship with sharks.
While Fiji provided the magic behind this particular shot, Hanney’s favorite place to dive is Indonesia. “The reefs, the diversity, the never-ending islands,” she said, “You could spend a lifetime there and still never explore it all.”
That love of exploration is at the heart of the Coexist With Sharks card. It celebrates the beauty of seeing sharks in their natural environment, the photographers who help shift perceptions and the divers who understand that sharing the water with sharks is not something to fear. Instead, it is something to protect.
The Coexist With Sharks by Emma Hanney limited-edition certification card is now available for divers who want their card to reflect their love for the ocean and the incredible marine life that makes every dive unforgettable. We’ll only print 1,000 physical cards, but this card is also available in the eCard format.
