PADI — Professional Association of Diving Instructors

PADI is a global organization that provides scuba diving certifications and training materials. Most dive centers in Koh Tao or Cebu use their curriculum because it is easy to recognize. You will see their logo on rental gear and course booklets everywhere. Training costs vary by region, but an Open Water course usually costs between $350 and $450 USD.

Some divers avoid it because they prefer technical agencies like TDI. This is a mistake if you want easy access to rentals. Always check if your specific agency is accepted by the local shop before you fly. I once saw a diver struggle in Anilao because his agency did not recognize the local instructor’s specific specialty rating. Stick to the basics first.