Professional Association of Diving Instructors
[11] In 2006, PADI was severely criticized by a Coroner's court in the United Kingdom for providing what experts regarded as short and insufficient training.[clarification needed][18] PADI courses are performance-based diver training[Note 2] programs, and at the introductory level emphasizes practical knowledge, safety and motor skills.According to PADI, these practices fall within current modern learning philosophies and receive regular updates via peer review.[19][20] The PADI training system is composed of modules with standardized learning objectives divided into theory and practical skills development.PADI, via its subsidiary, Emergency First Response, Corp, distributes the following programs in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid for both divers and non-divers:[clarification needed][33] These may not be recognised by health and safety authorities in some jurisdictions where workplace first aid certification must be through a nationally or state accredited training provider.PADI courses are recognized, recommended and cited by the institutions and organizations listed below for both recreational diving and vocational training.[37] Recognition's and equivalencies has been established between PADI and Confédération Mondiale des Activités Subaquatiques,[38] the Colombian Navy,[39] and Fédération Française d'Études et de Sports Sous-Marins (FFESSM).[35] As of 2012, PADI rescue diver and divemaster programs are included on the United Kingdom's Health and Safety Executive list of approved diving qualifications.[42][failed verification] The relevant certifications may include: Most PADI training programes are not directly covered by ISO standards.Prerequisites are Open Water Diver, in date Emergency First Response primary and secondary care, and recommended PADI Peak Performance Buoyancy.[53] Affiliates include: PADI's instructional methodology is cited in EDUCAUSE's 2012 book, Game Changers: Education and Information Technologies regarding badges as "a symbol or indicator of an accomplishment, skill, quality, or interest."PADI, as well as other diver certification organisations and individual businesses, has put significant resources into conservation and developed public awareness programs".[58] New Frontiers in Marine Tourism also cites in the section entitled Student Scholarships and Social Responsibility: A Growing Agenda for PADI, that "The PADI Scholarship program … is a good example of the way that various disparate parts of an industry, each with limited resources, can pool their efforts to help more people from developing countries to enter the diving profession… PADI recognizes that good relations with the involvement of local people is essential both to business development and to environmental protection.