A PADI® certification card unlocks adventure anywhere there’s water, but what if you accidentally leave your PADI card at home?
- If you’re diving with one of the more than 6,600 PADI Dive Shops around the world, they’ll be able to look up your PADI certification online. Please keep in mind: some of the world’s best dive sites are far from shore (and a reliable internet connection).
- Non-PADI Dive Centers won’t be able to look up your certification. The same goes for most liveaboard operators.
Help Future You Avoid Disappointment
Imagine how horrible it would feel to arrive at your dream dive destination only to be stranded topside because you forgot your certification card at home. That’s why many divers have both a physical card and a PADI eCard™. Having both means you’re covered in just about any circumstance. You also get a discount when you buy a physical card and a PADI eCard at the same time.
If the internet isn’t available or your phone’s battery dies – use the physical card. Should you accidentally forget your plastic card at home, use the PADI eCard on your phone. Tip: take a screenshot of your eCard and send it to your dive buddy.
Don’t Be ‘That Diver’, Bring Your Certification Card
Divers must have proof of certification. We all learned this in our Open Water certification course, right? Your dive crew is there to ensure your scuba adventure is fun and safe, not look up certifications. Carrying proof of certification is the responsible, respectful thing to do.
You don’t want to be that diver who delays the dive because they didn’t bring their card and now the divemaster has to look it up on their phone. Divers are generally kind and easy-going people, but in this situation, some of us may be silently judging you. 😉
In all seriousness, having a backup PADI card is a smart idea and they’re fun to pick out. PADI partners with award-winning photographers and there are new images to choose from every year. Order online or through your local PADI Dive Center or Resort.
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