Photo credit: Intrinity Divers
It is the next generation of PADI Torchbearers™ that will help us continue to create balance between humanity and the ocean.
From learning about their local ecosystems to helping PADI Dive Centers write conservation courses, we are inspired by the next generation of Torchbearer’s dedication to seek adventure and save the ocean—setting an example for many generations to come!
Maldivian Children Getting Certified
Thanks to Dive Butler Maldives and one of the newest hotels in the Fari Islands, Patina Maldives, local Maldivian children are now getting the opportunity to become PADI dive certified. They will do their training at the 100% solar-powered dive center at the hotel, which also plays host to a range of conservation initiatives designed to nurture the local ecosystem that is driven by the youngest generation of Maldivians.
Starting Their Diving Careers Young
Last year, Dive Rarotonga teamed up with Korero O Te Orau (KOTO) – an NGO focused on providing life skills to the indigenous youth in Rarotonga – to provide a PADI scholarship program that empowers the country’s next generation through diving. The program combines teaching diving skills with a greater knowledge of the marine ecosystem and the significance it has for the island nation’s culture and history. So far, 68 students have become certified across a range of PADI courses, with many focused on becoming a PADI Divemaster when they become adults.
Volunteering and Cleaning Up
Children living near Machalilla National Park are helping to clean up the seabed as environmental volunteers, which is being led by Cristina Izurieta, co-owner of Mares Ecuador, started her own conservation movement, #DoMingasDeMares. The children who volunteer visit the Marine Fauna Rehabilitation Center to see firsthand how ocean debris negatively impacts animals. When they are old enough, they also get the opportunity to become certified PADI Open Water Divers and volunteer in the Coral Reef Restoration Project with Mares Ecuador. So far, Christina’s movement has trained over 100 students with the goal of certifying 500 more by 2023. All of her students are committed activists taking care of the beach and the new coral reefs they have helped protect.
Students Embracing Salty School Curriculum
With the help of Dive Zone Whitianga and Dive Zone Tauranga, nearly 50 school children per year are receiving their Junior Open Water Dive certifications as part of the Seal Team program. They are exploring local dive sites and learning how to protect and save the ocean with their new diving skills.
Scouts Multi-Task as Divers
For over two decades boy scouts have been earning their PADI Open Water Diver certification as a result of Malibu Divers teaming up with Scout BSA (formerly known as Boy Scouts of America) These scouts are participating in over 20 different programs and also earning their SCUBA Merit badges from completing unique courses such as the BSA Kelp Diver, BSA Abalone Diver and BSA Pirate Diver Specialty –in which Scouts can search for pirate gold and a sunken treasure chests.
Students Making a Mark on Specialty Courses
The youngest group of divers with Welsh Diving have recently written the environment and ecosystem content of PADI Dive shop’s own Underwater Wales Distinctive Specialty course, with official credit being given on the manual. They are also participating in youth group trainings along the coastline of Wales to enhance their diving skills they need to lead the way in protecting and saving the ocean.
Become a PADI Torchbearer and help us achieve balance between humanity and the ocean.
