Introduction
PADI® has unveiled an innovative global referral program designed to grow the diving community while advancing ocean conservation efforts. The “Seek Adventure. Save the Ocean℠ Together” initiative leverages the passion of existing divers to introduce friends and family to the underwater world, creating a ripple effect of ocean advocacy and adventure.
Diving Deeper Into Community
The program represents PADI’s latest investment in expanding the diving industry’s reach, connecting its vast network of 6,600 Dive Centers and Resorts and 128,000 PADI Professionals with potential new divers through the advocacy of its 30 million certified members. “The referral program is simple and builds on the passion of scuba divers,” explains Kristin Valette Wirth, Chief Brand and Membership Officer for PADI Worldwide.
Creating Waves of Connection
The program’s structure is elegantly simple yet impactful. PADI Divers can now access their PADI Account to share a 15% discount on the Open Water eLearning course with friends and family. In return, successful referrals unlock a 30-day PADI Club trial for the referrer, providing access to exclusive benefits including discounts on eLearning programs, certification cards, a complimentary ReActivate program, and digital access to Scuba Diving magazine.
Surfacing New Opportunities
To support this initiative, PADI has developed comprehensive marketing toolkits for its members, featuring four mini-campaigns that focus on core diving values: wellness, connection, education, and purpose. This resource enables dive centers and professionals to customize their outreach while maintaining consistent messaging about the transformative power of diving.
Exploring Ocean Conservation
The referral program integrates seamlessly with PADI’s broader initiatives, including the Master Scuba Diver Challenge, which offers professionals the chance to win a dream dive trip to the Maldives. This multi-faceted approach ensures that growth in the diving community directly contributes to ocean conservation efforts.
“By referring a friend, it is a two-for-one deal on staying connected, giving and getting exclusive discounts, and saving the ocean together,” notes Valette Wirth. Through this program, PADI continues its mission of inspiring global adventure while fostering a community dedicated to ocean preservation, creating a sustainable future for both the diving industry and marine ecosystems.
