A PADI certification card unlocks adventure anywhere there’s water, but what if you accidentally leave your PADI card at home? Are you still able to dive without it? Is there a way to do a PADI certification lookup? In this article, we’ll take a look at what options are available to you should you find yourself card-less and wanting to dive!
- If you’re diving with one of the more than 6,600 PADI Dive Shops around the world, they’ll be able to look up your PADI certification online. You’ll need to provide them with the following information: Your name (as it appears on your PADI card) and your date of birth.
- It’s important to keep in mind though that some of the world’s best dive sites are far from shore and a reliable internet connection may not be available 24/7.
- Non-PADI Dive Centers won’t be able to look up your certification. The same goes for most liveaboard operators.
Help ‘Future You’ Avoid Disappointment
Imagine how horrible it would feel to arrive at your dream dive destination only to be stranded topside because you forgot your certification card at home. That’s why many divers have both a physical card and a PADI eCard. Having both means you’re covered in just about any circumstance. Your physical card will cover you when your operator can’t access the internet, and your eCard covers you when you are not carrying your physical PADI card. You also get a discount when you buy a physical card and a PADI eCard at the same time on PADI.com.
With so many stunning designs available, it’s difficult to choose which to go for! This year, we have many options to embody you as an ocean lover; from Orcas in Motion by Andreas Schmid to Manta Enchantment by Jay Clue and beyond. Each card design is carefully picked to showcase an exceptional underwater moment, with each photo holding its own fantastical story.
If the internet isn’t available or your phone’s battery dies – use the physical card. Should you accidentally forget your plastic card at home, use the PADI eCard on your phone.
Tip: Take a screenshot of your eCard and send it to your dive operator in advance, and for backup, send a copy to your dive buddy too.
Don’t Be ‘That Diver’, Bring Your Certification Card
Divers must have proof of certification. We all learned this in our Open Water Diver certification course, right? Your dive crew is there to ensure your scuba adventure is fun and safe, not look up certifications. Carrying proof of certification is the responsible and respectful thing to do.
You don’t want to be that diver who delays the dive because they didn’t bring their card and now the Divemaster has to look it up on their phone. Divers are generally kind and easy-going people, but in this situation, some of us may be silently judging you. 😉
In all seriousness, having a backup PADI card is a smart idea, and they’re fun to pick out. PADI partners with award-winning photographers, and there are new images to choose from every year. Order online or through your local PADI Dive Center or Resort.
Here’s What to Do if You Lost Your Card
Annoying? Yes. But solvable? Also yes! Here are easy steps for what to do when in the dreaded “Where’s my card?!” moment.
- Order a replacement online – either a physical card or an eCard. You can do this easily through the PADI website here. Remember if you’re a member of PADI Club, you’ll receive a 25% discount when ordering a new card every year!
- Contact a local PADI Dive Shop – if you’re already on site, your local dive shop can help order a new card for you. If you don’t know your certification number, the dive shop you trained with may have records that they can help you with.
- Look for your certification number – if you need to verify your dive certifications immediately (i.e. with a dive shop to start diving), look for your PADI number. Check for previous emails or even a photo on your smartphone where you’ve listed your certification number. This can help a dive shop verify that you’re a certified diver.
Holiday Deals Are Here
Dive into the holiday spirit! From December 5-19, when you purchase any eLearning course, you’ll get 25% off a PADI certification card! Perfect your dive skills and show off your PADI achievement with a brand new cert card, featuring one of our latest designs. Your 25% off offer code will be sent in your order confirmation email after purchasing eLearning.
Join PADI Club
Did you know that PADI Club members get 25% off a new physical certification card every year? It’s not only discounts on cards that you receive as a member of PADI Club. Here are just a few of the other great benefits of PADI Club membership:
- Free Online Scuba Refresher Course – If you’ve been out of the water for over 6 months, PADI recommends you take the Scuba Refresher Course to ensure your knowledge is in tip-top condition. Because we all forget things sometimes.
- Free Become a DAN Prepared Diver Online Course – This course is designed to educate divers of all levels on staying safe underwater. It’s beneficial for both you and your dive buddies, focusing on risk awareness and best dive practises.
- Free Subscription to Scuba Diving Magazine – Arguably the most exciting dive magazine in the world! Gain access to exciting stories, dive tips, knowledge, exceptional photography, and more.
- 20% Discount on Select PADI eLearning Courses – further your in-depth dive knowledge with exciting PADI courses.
