This is the seventh article in a series. If you enjoy reading about scuba diving history, or want to see some retro dive gear, check out the previous articles: 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, 2000s and 2010s.
Even though the 2020s aren’t over yet, we wanted to share some major milestones in celebration of PADI’s 60th anniversary. There have been some challenging moments, but there is also a lot to celebrate.
2020: Supporting Divers When the World Stopped
When restrictions limited divers’ ability to travel, PADI launched the “Hope Rising” and “PADI Cares” initiatives to promote local diving. PADI also launched PADI Adventures™ and PADI Dive Guides®, new digital tools that made it easier for divers to find new places to dive and plan new adventures.
PADI Dive Guides are powered by local dive shops and often detail:
- The best dive sites
- The best seasons for spotting marine life
- The best time to visit
2021: A New Commitment to Conservation
In 2021, Project AWARE officially became the PADI AWARE Foundation®, a publicly funded charitable nonprofit. The new identity reflects a deeper commitment to ocean health on behalf of PADI and a long-term plan to invest in conservation programs, including the landmark Blueprint for Ocean Action. This 10-year commitment set ambitious targets to remove marine debris, expand marine protected areas, protect vulnerable species, accelerate coral recovery and reduce the dive industry’s carbon footprint.
2022: Shark Protection & a Marine Debris Milestone
In 2022, the Dive Against Debris® database reached a new milestone: 2 million pieces of marine debris logged. The same year, PADI successfully advocated at CITES to restrict international trade for more than 100 species of requiem, hammerhead and guitar sharks.
2023: Expanding Conservation and Accessibility
The following year, Adopt the Blue™ grew to 2000 adopted dive sites, making it the largest global network of regularly-monitored, underwater sites. As of this article’s publication date, the number of adopted dive sites is close to 3,000. View up-to-date stats here.
PADI also launched two major initiatives to support conservation and community.
- PADI Eco Centers are diving operations that have demonstrated a dedication to conservation and sustainability.
- Adaptive Service Facilities are facilities with infrastructure staff to provide training and services for divers with physical and cognitive challenges.
2024: Fast Company Recognition & a World Record
In 2024, PADI AmbassaDiver™ Barrington Scott became the fastest person to dive seven continents, completing the task in 19 days. Remarkably, he achieved this record less than 10 years after earning his Open Water Diver certification.
Also in 2024:
- PADI was recognized by Fast Company for its purpose-driven initiatives. The publication ranked PADI #5 on its list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies (in the Travel and Hospitality category).
- Divers around the world celebrated 10th anniversary of Women’s Dive Day.
2025: Conservation Funding Milestone & the Global Shark & Ray Census
PADI AWARE’s Community Grant Program reached a new milestone, $1 million USD distributed to grassroots projects focused on ocean health. Grantees include large-scale debris removal, community-based planning for marine protected areas (MPAs), coral restoration and youth ocean education.
The same year, PADI AWARE and Blancpain launched the Global Shark & Ray Census. One-third of shark and ray species are threatened with extinction, but governments and scientists often lack the resources to monitor shark and ray populations at scale.
Starting in 2026, shark and ray sightings can be logged in the Conservation Action Portal, a central hub where ocean advocates can also:
- Sign petitions
- Log debris
- Measure their personal conservation and citizen science impact.
PADI Through the Decades
The 2020s are far from over, but it’s shaping up to be a monumental decade for ocean protection and diving achievements. As a PADI Diver, Freediver or Mermaid, you can be part of the movement to protect our blue planet. Click the button below to learn more or get inspired.
