RSS
Main / What's the difference between a PADI Dive Center, PADI 5 Star Dive Center and a PADI 5 Star IDC?
Dive operators that offer PADI products and services are members of the PADI International Resort and Retailer Associations. The association comprises approximately 4700 authorized PADI Dive Centers, resorts, dive boats, dive operators and hotels that offer PADI instruction and other related services. These facilities are your source for dive equipment, education, travel and other dive opportunities. To be an association member, PADI Dive Centers and Resorts must adhere to specific standards that assure you'll get the best training and service.
PADI has designed classifications for members that signify varying levels of commitment to offering PADI diver education, dive equipment sales, services and dive experiences. The primary classifications are:
PADI Dive Center:
A PADI Dive Center is a professional business that engages in the retail sale of recreational scuba diving equipment, dive instruction and dive services. PADI Dive Centers have demonstrated a commitment to PADI education by offering PADI certification courses and experience programs.
PADI 5 Star Dive Center:
The PADI 5 Star Dive Center membership level is awarded to progressive PADI Dive Centers that excel in providing dive consumers with a full range of diver education programs, equipment selection, and experience opportunities and actively promote aquatic environmental awareness. A PADI 5 Star Dive Center is active in its community presenting a professional image consistent with, or better than, the norm of the marketplace. These dive centers embrace the PADI System of diver education and are committed to providing customers with quality products, services and experiences.
PADI 5 Star Instructor Development Center (5 Star IDC)
The 5 Star IDC rating is one of the highest ratings in the PADI system. A PADI 5 Star IDC not only meets all 5 Star Dive Center standards, but also offers PADI Instructor-level training. PADI 5 Star IDCs display a strong commitment to developing dive professionals by providing educational programs from entry-level through instructor training.
Non-affiliated dive centers:
Dive operators that are not members of PADI but offer diver education may not follow standards set by PADI. Being a member of PADI requires the affiliated dive operator to maintain specific quality standards in scuba education, equipment and services. Going to a non-affiliated operator may mean that you may need to take more care of yourself in terms of learning and getting the appropriate training in skills and knowledge. The most important reason for choosing a dive operator based on their affiliation is, if you want to complete or continue your diver training. So by going with a PADI member, you can be sure that the dive center meets all the requirements set by PADI on diver training, equipment retail or rental and services. You are also assured that this facility is committed to the diving industry and you.
For more information on training standards, please feel free to contact us.
« go back
