The past 25 years of underwater achievement tell a powerful story: when people work together, the ocean benefits. Historical achievements include, daring rescues, conservation victories, world records and educational innovation.
The Top 25 Milestones in Diving & Marine Conservation
Here are the top 25 scuba diving and conservation milestones of the past 25 years in chronological order.
1. The eRDP (Electronic Recreational Dive Planner) – 2005
The eRDP™ marked the first major update to the Recreational Dive Planner (RDP) since its introduction. The user-friendly calculator format made it easier for students to plan dives without a computer.
If the eRDP doesn’t seem like a big deal to you, you probably didn’t have to do your Open Water Diver or Divemaster exam using the RDP table.
2. The eRDPml – 2008
With the introduction of the eRDPml™ (“ml” stands for multi-level) divers can use a calculator-style interface to plan multi-level dives instead of using The Wheel. As a result, passing the Divemaster and Instructor exams becomes much easier, because you no longer have to figure out if a tiny arrow is “touching” versus “piercing” a line. Anyone else been on that struggle bus?
3. Sidemount Goes Recreational – 2011
At the turn of the millennium, very few divers outside of the technical diving community had even heard of sidemount, a configuration where divers swim with a tank beside them instead of strapped to their back. In 2011, PADI’s Sidemount Specialty allowed any certified diver to try sidemount diving.
Many divers discover sidemount diving is more comfortable than having a tank on your back. Sidemount training also benefits wreck divers who want to explore narrow spaces.
4. Recreational Rebreather Training – 2011
Rebreathers, another tech diving crossover, became available to recreational divers in the early 2010s. Rebreathers allow for silent, bubble-free diving but require specialized training. PADI’s Discover Rebreather and Recreational Rebreather courses opened a new frontier for recreational divers.
5. First Tablet-Based Scuba Course – 2013
Interactive learning on a mobile device is commonplace now, but when the PADI Open Water Diver Touch™ debuted in 2013, it was the first of its kind.
6. Inaugural PADI Women’s Dive Day – 2015
The first PADI Women’s Dive Day took place on July 18, 2015. More than 6,000 divers across 65 countries and all seven continents participated.
7. Thailand Cave Rescue – 2018
A group of brave divers rescued the Wild Boars soccer team from a cave in Thailand, a feat recognized as one of the most dangerous underwater rescues in history.
8. Underwater Cleanup World Record – 2019
In Deerfield Beach, Florida, USA, 633 divers removed more than 3200 lbs (1,450 kg) of rubbish from the natural environment. Divers came from as far away as Europe and South America to participate — and set a new Guinness World Record for participation.
9. Local Diving During COVID – 2020
Many experienced divers dipped their toes in local waters for the first time (or the first time in a long time) when global lockdowns inhibited travel.
10. PADI Adventures & Dive Guides Launch – 2020
PADI Dive Guides® and the PADI Adventures™ app make it easier for divers to research and book their next underwater adventure. PADI Dive Guides are destination profiles packed with expertise from PADI Professionals around the world — including marine life calendars, seasonal conditions and other local insights. PADI Adventures simplifies planning and booking of fun dives, snorkeling trips and other excursions.
11. Project AWARE Becomes the PADI AWARE Foundation – 2021
The PADI AWARE Foundation® is a publicly-funded, charitable nonprofit. The new brand identity reflects a corporate commitment to support ocean health and invest in conservation programs.
12. Mermaids Set World Record – 2021
When 110 PADI Mermaids gathered in Hainan, China for the largest underwater mermaid show, they set a Guinness World Record for the largest mermaid gathering and underscored the growing popularity of mermaiding.
13. World’s Deepest Pool Opens – 2021
Deep Dive Dubai is a 60-meter/196-foot diving playground designed for scuba divers, freedivers and mermaids of all experience levels.
14. Blueprint for Ocean Action – 2021-2022
PADI and the AWARE Foundation debuted a blueprint to achieve critical conservation goals and joined the United Nations’ universal call for a Decade of Action to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Over the next 10 years, the PADI Decade of Ocean Action will work to: rid the ocean of marine debris, multiply marine protected areas (MPAs), protect vulnerable marine species, accelerate coral recovery and reduce the carbon footprint of the industry.
15. Marine Debris Collection Milestone – 2022
The two-millionth piece of marine debris is logged in the Dive Against Debris® database. Dive Against Debris is the largest citizen science database of marine debris on the planet. The program supports marine life conservation efforts and scientific research around the world.
16. CITES Shark Protections – 2022
PADI successfully advocated at CITES to restrict international trade for over 100 species of requiem, hammerhead and guitar sharks.
17. Adopt the Blue Reaches Critical Milestone – 2023
The two thousandth dive site is adopted through Adopt the Blue™. The program reaches the critical mass needed to become the largest network of underwater sites for conservation action. Many more dive sites have been added since then. View up-to-date stats here.
18. PADI Eco Centers – 2023
This prestigious new credential was created in collaboration with the UN’s Reef World Foundation. Dive centers committed to conservation receive a rigorous evaluation to become a PADI Eco Center™.
19. Adaptive Service Facilities Introduced – 2023
PADI establishes a new dive center designation: Adaptive Service Facilities. The designation recognizes operations dedicated to providing training and services for divers with physical and cognitive challenges.
20. Fast Company’s Most Innovative List – 2024
PADI was recognized by Fast Company as one of the World’s Most Innovative Companies, ranking #5 in Travel, Tourism and Hospitality for its purpose-driven initiatives.
21. Seven Continents Speed Record – 2024
PADI AmbassaDiver Barrington Scott became the fastest person to dive all seven continents, completing the feat in 19 days and less than ten years after earning his Open Water Diver certification.
22. Conservation Action Portal – 2025
PADI AWARE’s Conservation Action Portal is an online hub where divers can sign petitions, log debris and measure their personal citizen science and conservation impact. Divers can log in using the same credentials they use for eLearning, the PADI Pros’ Site or other PADI sites.
23. More than $6 Million US in grants awarded – 2025
In total, PADI AWARE and the PADI Foundation have awarded more than $6 million US to fund marine research, education and community projects around the world. Additionally, the PADI AWARE Community Grant Program will provide more than $10 million US in funding by 2030.
24. Global Shark & Ray Census – 2026
One third of all shark and ray species are threatened with extinction. But, unfortunately, governments and scientists often lack the resources to monitor shark and ray populations. To combat this ocean emergency, PADI AWARE, in partnership with Blancpain, introduced the Global Shark & Ray Census, a global citizen science program.
25. Divers Set New Guinness World Record – 2026
New achievement! During an underwater cleanup event in the UAE, divers set a new Guinness World Record for the most participants taking part in an underwater cleanup at the same time. More than 300 divers removed 1188 kg (2619 lbs) of marine debris.
Beyond Milestones: Together, We Can Create Positive Change
Over the past quarter century, the global dive community has pushed the limits of exploration, innovation, conservation and human capability beneath the surface. But these achievements are more than historical milestones. They illustrate the collective impact of divers, instructors and dive centers dedicated to protecting the ocean and making our sport accessible to as many people as possible.
As a PADI Diver, you’re part of a global community of underwater ambassadors and you (yes you) can help us reach new milestones.
- Dive Against Debris and Sign the Plastics Petition
- Visit a PADI Eco Center
- Become an Adaptive Support Diver
