If you’re already a PADI diver, you’ve likely heard about PADI Club™ – the best way to maintain your diver status. This annual subscription gives you access to all kinds of benefits, like course savings, a magazine subscription and, best of all, free or discounted PADI certification cards.
Check out this video for a closer look at the benefits of PADI Club.
But is PADI Club worth it? If you plan to:
- Buy one eCard (valued at USD $56) in the next 12 months
- OR buy a physical certification card and take advantage of another benefit
Then PADI Club is absolutely worth it. Let’s explore the specific certification card benefits PADI Club members receive below.
The Price of PADI Club vs. The Value of PADI Club
As of May 2024, PADI Club costs USD $49.95 per year and includes one free eCard per year featuring one of three members-only designs. PADI eCards currently cost USD $56 each, meaning that if you would like to purchase an eCard anyway, PADI Club membership represents an immediate savings.
PADI Club members also benefit from 25% off one physical certification card each year as well as many other discounts and freebies. So, whether you’re new to the sport or an experienced diver, there’s always a good reason to join PADI Club.
Get a Free, Exclusive eCard
With PADI Club, members unlock access to one free eCard every year. And, as an added benefit, members are able to choose from three designs that are exclusive to PADI Club. Current images include:
- Golden Hour Mako
- One in a Million Clownfish
- The Elusive Leatherback
As we mentioned above, this benefit alone boasts a value of USD $56 – more than the annual membership cost of PADI Club!
Golden Hour Mako
Captured off the coast of Baja California, this striking image by underwater photographer Josh Schellenberg showcases the speed and agility of a baby mako shark. Taken at sunset, the golden light illuminates the shark as it zips toward the camera, turning at the last moment in a thrilling display. Once afraid of sharks, Josh now dedicates his photography to changing media-driven perceptions, saying, “I learned it was merely lack of knowledge that drove the fear.” So this digital card is more than proof of certification – it’s a call to protect these vital predators and the fragile ocean ecosystem they help sustain.
One in a Million Clownfish
This extraordinary image by underwater photographer and PADI Instructor Ben Oakes was taken on a house reef in Marsa Alam, Egypt. It captures a once-in-a-lifetime moment – a clownfish clutching a tiny shell in its mouth. Originally experimenting with bubble effects, Ben improvised through trial and error, ultimately capturing a scene he never expected. “The photographs taken just before or after do not have the shell in its mouth,” he says. “The clownfish grabbing the shell was a one-in-a-million chance.”
A graduate of Falmouth University’s Marine and Natural History Photography program, Ben encourages divers to explore their passions for the underwater world, saying, “You never know when the chance to experience its wonders might fade.”
The Elusive Leatherback
In the deep, open waters off Tenerife, Spain, 25 miles from the nearest shore, underwater photographer Eduardo Acevedo came face-to-face with one of the ocean’s most elusive giants – a leatherback sea turtle. His image captures the rare sight of this mammoth turtle species gliding through crystal-clear water, accompanied by a school of pilot fish. A free diver and scuba diver since 1985, Eduardo has spent the last 25 years documenting marine life across the globe. Through his photography, he hopes to inspire others to protect our oceans, urging, “Never give up in our fight for ocean conservation.”
25% Off a New Certification Card
PADI Club members also enjoy a 25% discount (a value of approximately USD $14) on a physical certification card once a year. This benefit extends the opportunity to refresh outdated certification cards, replace lost ones, or complement a digital eCard with a physical counterpart.
Whether seeking to update credentials for a new adventure or collecting cards to show off on the next PADI Club trip, this discount empowers members to conveniently access their certifications in a format that suits their preferences and needs.
How to Claim Your PADI Club Benefits
Once you’ve joined PADI Club, you can access all your benefits by logging in to your PADI account and accessing the PADI Club Benefits page.
In order to claim the 25% off a physical certification card, you’ll need to purchase the card as normal by visiting store.padi.com/en-us/certification-cards. Before checking out, simply enter the promo code provided to you on the benefits page.
To avail yourself of the free eCard benefit, on the PADI Club Benefits page, find the free eCard section. Click on the button that says ‘Get Free ECard.’ Then, pick which certification you would like to apply your free eCard to and choose the image that you like the most. Finally, hit ‘Redeem’ and your card will automatically load.
Other Available Savings for PADI Club Members
Remember that the amazing certification card freebies and discounts are just two of the reasons PADI Club is worth it. Divers can also benefit from:
- A FREE Scuba Diving magazine subscription
- A FREE DAN® Prepared Diver course
- A FREE PADI ReActivate online scuba refresher course
- PADI Club member-only dive trips, events and webinars
- Other exclusive discounts
- 20% off select PADI eLearning courses
Plus, 5% of every membership fee is donated directly to the PADI AWARE Foundation™ to support global ocean conservation and marine animal protection.
Join today and start taking advantage of your PADI club certification card benefits today!
