Fiji featured on ScubaEarth

Fiji is world renowned for having some of the most friendliest and welcoming people on earth. It’s a culture that lives the word, bula, which literally means life, but is used as a common greeting expressing a feeling of sincere welcome. It’s a place that you could leave your kids at the local village for the day and know they’ll be well taken care of. It’s also romantic and full of exotic tropical adventure. And, underwater, it’s a place that explodes with color, especially of the soft coral variety, which gives Fiji its nickname as the soft coral capital of the world.

But, you might miss the multihued forests while distracted by such cool marine life as blue ribbon eels, sea turtles, tridacna clams and clouds of anthias. Most of the sites feel the rush of current, which keeps the soft corals nice and plump.

Above the water, you’ll want to end each day as the Fijians do, around the ceremonial kava bowl, a drink that has a great relaxing effect that will ensure each day ends with a smile. Bula!

http://www.scubaearth.com/dive-destinations/dive-destination-overview.aspx?divesiteid=196

Returning Soon - Review of Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort, Kadavu Island, Fiji - TripAdvisor

We have been to several places on Kadavu and find Matava the best. We would return just for the food but when you add the reef, the wonderful staff, diving, snorkeling, fishing, and the very nice beach facing the resort we will be there again in 2010 and that should be about 12 visits for us since we began traveling to Fiji in 1993-ps we did our rescue PADI Certification there.

Returning Soon - Review of Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort, Kadavu Island, Fiji - TripAdvisor

Fiji Instructor Development Course in May 2011

Bula Vinaka,

 

We are now finalising the numbers for the Viti Watersports Instructor Development Course in May.

 

In order to secure a place on the course we require a F$300 deposit. Please email mike@vitiwatersports.com for dates, prices.and further details.

 

Once we have received your deposit, I will email detailed instructions on how to prepare for the course.

 

Please remember that proper preparation is essential and NOW is the time to begin.

 

I am available to visit your resort, or you can send staff to me, so that  I can assess their knowledge and set them a schedule to ensure that they are well prepared.

 

I am also available for staff training in other areas, such as EFR Instructor, Specialty Instructor MSDT etc.

 

Vinaka,

Andrew Redfern

New PADI Pros Site

PADI Asia Pacific
Unit 3, 4 Skyline Place
Frenchs Forest NSW 2086
Australia

Tel: +61 2 9454 2906
Fax: +61 2 9454 2999
Web: http://www.padi.com
Email: memdep@padi.com.au

Globally, PADI will soon be launching a completely revised website for PADI professionals.  The PADI Pros web address remains as www.padimembers.com but all PADI Members will need to click on the link to “Create a New Account” after the new site is launched in mid April. 

You’ll immediately see the difference in the format and design as soon as the new PADI Pros is available. Keep your eye out for the new look & feel and remember to “Create a New Account” when the new format appears.

The “Create a New Account” process is extremely easy as you’ll be prompted when trying to enter the new website.  You’re able to choose a new Username and Password after entering your Name, Member Number, Date of Birth and other information as it appears on your PADI Member Card.  Members who attempt to enter the new PADI Pros without “Creating a New Account” will be denied access.

Thank you for taking the time to review this information and please don’t hesitate to contact the Member Services’ team at memdep@padi.com.au if you have any questions relating to the launch of the new PADI Pro site.

Very Best Regards from, 

The PADI Asia Pacific Member Services’ team

PADI and The Underwater Channel Launch Video Alliance

Click here

NEW YORK / LONDON (July 2nd, 2009) - PADI and The Underwater Channel, which is powered by Babelgum, today announced a new partnership that will bring scuba diving and ocean conservation video content to a global audience on www.padi.com/scuba/video. PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) is the world's leading scuba diving organization and strongly supports oceanographic conservation efforts globally. Kristin Valette, VP, Marketing and Communications at PADI Americas said, "We have had a successful partnership with The Underwater Channel for some time.  They share our commitment to diving and to the future health of the world's oceans. This distribution partnership with Babelgum, is both exciting for us and the dive community globally.  We are particularly proud to be associated with a range of compelling programming being produced and acquired by The Underwater Channel from around the world. These include exciting diving and other inspiring films about the importance of marine conservation" The partnership will result in the showing of a new and already acclaimed film: THE DROP ZONE, which is sponsored by PADI, Body Glove and Sport Diver magazine. The partnership will also illustrate the commitment Babelgum and The Underwater Channel has towards education and ocean conservation through the medium of web video.  The Underwater Channel is powered by Babelgum, an established destination for high quality environmental programming and major independent film releases. "The Underwater Channel partnership with PADI provides us with an exceptional ally in our efforts to inspire and fascinate people with the wonders of the world's oceans," said Nicholas Claxton, Founder and Managing Director of The Underwater Channel. "This is a relationship I have been nurturing together with Terry Cummins, Vice President of PADI Worldwide, for over 2 years and there is so much potential for us to work together as internet video comes of age as a multi-cultural communication tool. Distribution via www.padi.com/scuba/video is only one application of this alliance, and we are looking forward to working with PADI for a long time to come." www.padi.com/scuba/video will commence on padi.com during the month of June 2009 and will initially be featuring six Babelgum exclusive episodes of the thought provoking documentary The End of the Line. About PADI:  Professional Association of Diving Instructors PADI is the world's leading scuba diving training organization with full service offices for its' members and over 5600 Dive Centres and Resorts throughout the world. With more than forty years experience in the dive industry, PADI member services, training materials, and constantly expanding PADI eLearning programs let you experience scuba diving from nearly anywhere. Visit the dive industry's number #1 website: www.padi.com for a wealth of information about diving PADI Worldwide and PADI Americas | 30151 Tomas Street | Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688 U.S.A. Office:+1(949) 858-7234 About The Underwater Channel The UnderwaterChannel.tv is a free web TV channel dedicated to bringing the mysteries of the deep to the surface and communicating everything underwater. By bringing the experience of diving into people's homes through a dedicated web TV channel, The UnderwaterChannel.tv fulfils a 24/7 need for divers to pursue their passion and tempt "armchair" divers out of their seats and into the water. www.theunderwaterchannel.tv  For further information on The Underwater Channel please contact: PR and Marketing Jill Jessop: Off +44 20 8334 1058; Mob. +44 77327 42621 About Babelgum An integrated mobile and Internet content platform, Babelgum combines the full-screen video quality of traditional television with the interactive capabilities of the Internet, offering professionally produced programming on-demand to a global audience. Babelgum recently launched an original mobile application in the United States, UK and Italy that brings regionally tailored programming to smart phones (at present iPhones 3G, iPod Touch and Nokia N96, n95 and 6210) via 3G and WiFi. Babelgum's editorial focus is on music, comedy, film, urban culture, nature and the environment. www.babelgum.com For further information on Babelgum please contact: Babelgum's Press Office Andrea Giannotti, Off. +44 20 7268 2490; Mob. +44 7825 892 640

What Can You Do to Keep Waters Debris Free?

• Buy in bulk, re-use as often as possible and always recycle.
• Bring reusable bags with you when shopping.
• Avoid buying plastic or Styrofoam products whenever possible.
• Be aware of everything you buy and avoid products with excessive packaging.
• Demand more and improved recycling facilities for your area.
• Properly dispose of all pieces of fishing line, net or other associated litter.
• Keep plastics and other litter off the ground and the ocean floor.
• Keep storm drains and shorelines free of plastic and other debris.
• Remove debris you see during every recreational dive or shoreline visit.
• Get involved. Participate in local shoreline and underwater cleanups with Project AWARE.

What Can You Do to Keep Waters Debris Free?

Premier PADI Retail and Resort Members Address Future of Diving

Major International Retailer and Resort Conference held to Address Economic Challenges

Kurumba Island, Maldives – 13 January 2009 – Dive retailers and resort operators are facing unprecedented challenges. Recognizing that, PADI Worldwide and PADI Europe called leading retail and resort dive operators in the European, Maldivian and Egyptian regions together to address the future development of the regional market and survival in tough economic times. PADI’s Future Development of Diving Symposium, hosted in November 2008 at the Kurumba Maldives resort, joined together 10 countries and 24 premier PADI Dive Center and Resort members to discuss key aspects of business conduct and the strategic direction necessary to ensure a healthy future.

Dr. Drew Richardson, PADI Worldwide President and Chief Operating Officer, joined members of PADI Europe’s executive management to conduct the Future Development of Diving Symposium. The presentations explored diver acquisition and retention tactics, and other areas critical to business success. The group discussed international generational trends and targeted marketing tactics, advanced customer relationship management systems and techniques, and the need and demand for responsible, sustainable tourism. To set the tone for the days ahead, keynote speaker and renowned trendspotter Magnus Lindkvist kicked off the symposium with dynamic workshop and problem solving exercises, along with a highly entertaining and educated look into the future of business and how to capitalize on trends in consumer demands in an uncertain market. 

PADI eLearning^® was also a topic of discussion, as PADI Retail and Resort members discussed the benefits and flexibility of the program. Participants shared eLearning success stories, with some claiming a 35 percent increase in new customers since the launch of the program.


To ensure high energy and strengthen the common bond that unites all PADI Members throughout the symposium, attendees enjoyed daily diving lead by the professional team at Euro-Divers Kurumba. Fueling the attendees’ passion for the sport, each dive provided a renewable well of inspiration for the day’s discussion.

“This symposium was testimony to the fact that we all have the power to improve our 2009 results if we choose a positive attitude and perspective about the future, even in uncertain economic times,” says Richardson. “We can’t change the circumstances of the world, but we can change our attitude and response to it.” 

As the industry leader in diver education and dive business, PADI continues to deliver information, customer support, consulting solutions, and results to PADI Members. Through PADI’s Future Development of Diving Symposium, PADI effectively mapped out a strategic plan identifying key actions necessary for delivering premier programs and unsurpassable service to divers, PADI Professionals and PADI Retail and Resort members worldwide. 

Others promise … PADI delivers.

Divenewswire

PADI Project AWARE Environmental Achievement Award Awarded to Matava

Matava has been awarded the PADI Project AWARE Environmental Achievement Award 2008 for its policies on environmental sustainability 

KADAVU, FIJI ISLANDS - 5th Februuary 2008 - Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco-Adventure Resort is proud to announce that it is an official 2008 recipient of The PADI Project AWARE Environmental Achievement Award.


Project AWARE Foundation Chairman, Dr. Drew Richardson recognizes the importance of the scuba diving community taking its part in protection of global ecosystems. "The Project AWARE Environmental Achievement Award is about rewarding vision, excellence and pursuit of conservation. More importantly, this award ensures the enjoyment of underwater environments for future generations," states Richardson.


"Our awards recognise dive operators making a positive impact on local communities and the environment, as well as providing great dive holidays! The number of outstanding environmental programs taking place is inspiring," said Joanna McNamara, Project AWARE Coordinator. 


After reviewing Matava's application, Project AWARE determined that our dive operation met all requirements set forth for Project AWARE's Environmental Achievement Award and shown exemplary efforts to conserve aquatic environments through education, advocacy and action. Therefore, Project AWARE was proud to name Matava an official 2008 recipient!



Matava Director, Mr Richard Akhtar says "The PADI Project AWARE Environmental Achievement Award gives us special environmental recognition and shows our customers that we are responsible and committed to reducing the environmental impacts of our business."


"After 6 years of hard work and commitment to our strict environmental policies, it is rewarding to be recognized by our international scuba certification agency"


Mr Akhtar went on to say that "..after our recent major resort upgrade in early 2008, and the addition of our new high-tech solar power plant solution for the Main Bure, kitchen and The Terrace restaurant area, we believe we are the leader in eco-sustainable resorts in the country."


Mr Akhtar finished by saying "Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco-Adventure Resort has proved that it is indeed among the leaders in environmentally sensitive resorts worldwide, and this latest award solidifies our position as an example of how resorts can operate AND help maintain and improve the surrounding environment."
 
Project AWARE Foundation, a registered nonprofit organization, works in direct partnership with divers and water enthusiasts to conserve underwater environments through education, advocacy and action. To get involved in environmental activities and make a lasting difference visit www.projectaware.org 
 

Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort, is an eco adventure getaway offering you a fun and unique blend of cultural experiences and adventure activities in the environmentally pristine and remote island of Kadavu in the Fiji Islands.

Matava offers accommodation for up to 22 guests in lush tropical surroundings in traditional thatched Fijian 'bures' with hardwood polished floors, louvre windows and private decks offering privacy, comfort and superb ocean views

Mad Fish Dive Centre and Bite-Me Gamefishing Charters are our on-site diving and fishing specialists offering the best of both under and on the water activities.

www.Matava.com www.Scuba-Diving-Fiji.com www.GamefishingFiji.com

# # #

PADI Project AWARE Environmental Achievement Award Awarded to Matava

Tokoriki Diving, Fiji: Tokoriki Diving: Go Eco Project AWARE Operator Status Awarded To Tokoriki Dive Shop

Go Eco Project AWARE Operator Status Awarded To Tokoriki Dive Shop

Dive Tropex Tokoriki is the latest PADI dive centre to be awarded with Project AWARE Go Eco Operator status in 2007.

Project AWARE Foundation, the dive industry’s leading non-profit environmental organisation launched the Go Eco campaign in the Asia Pacific region in 2005. The main objective of Go Eco is for dive centres to minimize their impact on the aquatic ecosystem whilst contributing to environmental, economic and cultural conservation. Dive centres are required to meet best practice environmental guidelines and commit to the PADI Project AWARE Go Eco philosophy.

Dive Tropex Tokoriki is delighted to be awarded with the Project AWARE Go Eco operator status for 2007. As a Go Eco operator we are committed to providing dive experiences that enhance visitor awareness, appreciation and understanding of the local aquatic environment.


Tokoriki Diving, Fiji: Tokoriki Diving: Go Eco Project AWARE Operator Status Awarded To Tokoriki Dive Shop

PADI Instructor Development Course in Fiji, 21st – 29th November 2008

A quick reminder that deposits are due for the PADI Instructor Development Course by the 15th October 2008.
Please find the details of the courses on offer below:

Instructor Preparation Course (IPC) (optional)
15th-19th November F$650

Whilst the IPC is optional it is highly recommended as a means of ensuring you are well prepared for the IDC. We cover the examination topics (Physics, Physiology, RDPs, Skills & Environment and Dive Equipment) (Please note that these topics are NOT covered during the IDC. If you do not complete the IPC you MUST come to the IDC with a thorough understanding of these subjects). We also cover Skill Demonstrations, Systems Standards and Procedures, Teaching in the Classroom and Confined Water and the Rescue Demonstration required during the IE. If you are in any doubt about your preparation for the IDC please take this course. It really does make a difference)

Instructor Development Course (IDC)
21st – 29th November F$1850

The IDC covers not only information essential for you to pass the Instructor Examinations, but also vital information to enable you to become a successful professional within the dive industry.

Instructor Examination (IE)
1st-2nd November AUD$675

The IE is the final step in becoming a PADI Instructor. It consists of two days of evaluation on topics covered during the IPC and IDC. PADI also require candidates to pay boat fees for the Open Water sections of the IE in addition to the IE fee.

Please note that the above fees include tuition tanks and weights ONLY. All other required equipment and materials MUST be provided by the candidates. (Required materials and equipment list will be sent to interested candidates)

We require a F$300 deposit to ensure your place on the course(s) (This is NON REFUDABLE unless the course is cancelled by Viti Water Sports or the candidate produces a medical report signed by a physician stating they are unable to attend the course) All materials can be ordered through Viti Water Sports at very competitive prices.

As proper preparation is ESSENTIAL for the program and a considerable amount of SELF STUDY is REQUIRED prior to the start date it is highly recommended that you acquire the required materials and start your preparation ASAP.

PADI Assistant Instructors and Instructors from other organizations can become eligible to attend the IE by completing an OWSI course. 26th-30th November F$1250

We will also be conducting an IDC Staff Instructor Course. 20th-30th November F$850

A full range of PADI Courses will be available following the IE (e.g. EFR Instructor, Specialty Instructor etc.)

Any questions can be forwarded to me at this email address or by phone (679) 9233865

Best Regards,
Andrew Redfern
PADI Course Director
Viti Water Sports
andrew_redfern01@yahoo.com.au
(679) 9233865

PADI Asia Pacific B2B Online Shopping Cart Launches Today!

Receive a free PADI cap when you place an order online during August 2008!*

The B2B Online Shopping Cart has now launched today in Asia Pacific! PADI Members now have an even easier and more efficient way to order and manage their educational product inventory.

That’s not all! To highlight the launch of the new Shopping Cart, PADI Asia Pacific Members who order online during the month of August 2008, will also receive a FREE PADI CAP when they place a minimum order of AU$100.00. (While stocks last.)

Using the latest technology, the Shopping Cart enables members to place and track orders, view purchase history and get the latest information about new products and special promotions.

PADI’s online Shopping Cart never closes and instantly recognises PADI Members when they log on to the Pro Section at padi.com. PADI’s online Shopping Cart offers several key features:

• The new online catalogue offers prompts to view related, new or upgraded products, keeping PADI Members informed of the latest developments
• Recurring order function allows for effortless placement of repeat orders
• Quick Order option allows busy PADI Members to “enter and go” by simply entering a product number
• Checkout options let PADI Members view costs for various shipping methods such as road, international air and priority

PADI Asia Pacific will continue to maintain full sales and field service staffs, enabling members to receive the best virtual and real customer service and convenience. PADI Members will still enjoy the relationship they share with their Sales Consultant and Regional Manager, but will have the additional resource of an enhanced online shopping cart. 

To begin purchasing, simply log onto the PADI Pros Site and click on the ‘Shop Online’ tab at the top right-hand corner of the page and away you go!

For more information about PADI’s new online Shopping Cart, contact your local PADI Sales Consultant, phone: +61 2 9454 2822 or email: padisales@padi.com.au  and get ready to log on to the PADI Pro’s Section on padi.com to receive your FREE PADI CAP during the month of August, 2008 with orders of AU$100.00 or more (while stocks last).

*PADI Asia Pacific Members who place a minimum online order of AUD$100.00 during the month of August 2008, will receive a free PADI Cap, while stocks last.

Best Regards From,

PADI Asia Pacific

Leading Conservation Organizations Join Forces for Coral Reefs

Project AWARE and Reef Check partner for global reef protection.

Two top nonprofit conservation organizations, Project AWARE Foundation and Reef Check Foundation, have formally partnered with one mutual goal - to protect coral reefs around the world.

Project AWARE and Reef Check both rely on dedicated volunteer divers to collect relevant data for their monitoring programs. Project AWARE’s CoralWatch monitoring, implemented in partnership with the University of Queensland, Australia in 2005, collects information on the intensity of coral bleaching and recovery. Since 1997, Reef Check has carried out an annual global scientific survey of human impacts on coral reefs. Project AWARE and Reef Check would like to encourage all divers to volunteer for these programs and help track the condition of coral reefs.

“The joint efforts of Project AWARE and Reef Check aim to boost public awareness and action for critical conservation initiatives,” said Project AWARE Foundation, Director, Jenny Miller Garmendia. “Volunteer divers are at the core of these monitoring programs and are natural advocates for declining underwater ecosystems.”

The partnership was announced at the launch of the year-long International Year of the Reef 2008 campaign in Washington, DC this week.

According to Dr. Gregor Hodgson, Founder and Executive Director, Reef Check, “Reef Check is very pleased to be partnering with Project AWARE because we share the same goals of involving more volunteer divers in coral reef monitoring and conservation. All of the data gathered will be used to interpret trends in global coral status.”

###

Project AWARE Foundation, a registered nonprofit organization, is dedicated to conserving underwater environments through education, advocacy and action. For more than 16 years, Project AWARE has worked in direct partnership with divers and water enthusiasts to protect aquatic resources in 175 countries and territories of the world. www.projectaware.org

Reef Check Foundation is an international non-profit organization dedicated to conservation of two ecosystems: tropical coral reefs and California rocky reefs. With headquarters in Los Angeles and volunteer teams in more than 90 countries, Reef Check’s mission is to protect and rehabilitate reefs worldwide. www.reefcheck.org

PADI Seeks to Teleport Eight Million Virtual Residents into PADI Dive Centers and Resorts

Virtual dive information center in Second Life allows residents to try diving and links to eLearning.

Constantly seeking to increase business for PADI Members, PADI has launched an “Information Center” in the popular online virtual world, Second Life® (www.secondlife.com). This makes PADI the first diver training organization to set up an information center in this alternate reality. And, with links to eLearning, the virtual information center has the potential to bring some of the eight million Second Life residents out of the virtual world and straight into PADI Dive Centers and Resorts.



An online community, Second Life allows the user to create a character and interact with other Second Life users. Second Life has its own currency that exchanges for real world money and residents can buy virtual things ranging from clothes to yachts. There are also many activities: Residents can go to a night club and dance or attend a concert transmitted live into Second Life. And now, they can go diving.


PADI’s Information Center in Second Life lets users learn about everything from scuba gear to the world’s greatest dive destinations. The Information Center directs users to contact their local PADI Dive Center or Resort for more information and links to PADI’s Open Water Diver Course Online, enabling Second Life users to begin their real life dive adventure with a PADI Dive Center or Resort with the simple click of a button.


The plan to enter the Second Life community was spearheaded by PADI International Limited Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Douglas Nash. "A PADI Information Center in Second Life is big news," says Nash. "One great thing is that it ties in so nicely with eLearning program on padi.com. By appealing to the more than eight million Second Life users, this has the potential to get more new people from all over the world into diving. And there are already loads of beautifully designed coral, marine life and scuba gear in Second Life, so scuba diving will definitely appeal to the residents. Forget about surfing the internet – now you can dive it!”


Although PADI is the first diver training organization to plunge into Second Life, many other major brands, including Reebok, Dell and IBM, have already done so. Even Hollywood has a Second Life, with Warner Bros. Music present.


As Nash further notes, “Second Life isn’t a here-today, gone-tomorrow kind of thing. It’s great because - like no other medium - it provides an alternative environment for those who use it. Setting up a PADI Information Center in Second Life is good for PADI Members - and of course, for showing more people how to become divers in the real world.”


To find out more about Second Life and its new PADI Information Center, go to www.secondlife.com, create a free character, search for PADI inside Second Life, then click teleport. If you’d like to experience the real deal, contact the PADI International Resort and Retailers Associations and take advantage of all of the PADI Membership benefits by calling 800 729 7234 (US and Canada), +1 949 858 7234, ext. 2260.

Others promise … PADI delivers.

PADI Master Scuba Diver Challenge Issues $100,000 US in Cash Rewards

PADI Members reap the benefits as the popular program grows.

12 June 2007 – Rancho Santa Margarita, CA – The PADI Master Scuba Diver Challenge continues to lead the way in continuing education and diver retention programs, with PADI Americas rewarding instructors with more than $100,000 US for supporting this popular campaign. This translates to more than 4000 new PADI Master Scuba Diver certifications and 20,000 specialty certifications since the program's inception in June 2005. These numbers nearly triple when certifications from all PADI global offices worldwide are included.

“PADI Members worldwide are clearly integrating the Master Scuba Diver Challenge into their local marketing tactics,” noted Kristin Valette, Director of Marketing and Communications, PADI Americas. “By doing so, they’re reaping the rewards in more ways than one. Continuing education sales positively impact all dive business profit centers - from equipment sales to dive travel to education. The Master Scuba Diver Challenge rewards are simply an added bonus to a winning strategy.”

PADI’s Master Scuba Diver Challenge will roll throughout 2007 and beyond, with new and exciting support materials coming in 2008. PADI Instructors continue to reap rewards with a $25 US incentive for every PADI Master Scuba Diver they certify in 2007 and new PADI Master Scuba Divers receive a branded backpack and personalized certificate of recognition.

As the world’s largest diver training, certification and membership organization, PADI continues to focus major resources on effective diver acquisition and retention programs such as the unprecedented GO Dive campaign, the innovative PADI Master Scuba Diver Challenge and motivational Go PRO Challenge.

For more information about these exciting campaigns and to learn how you can leverage PADI Membership to your advantage, contact the PADI International Resort and Retailer Associations at 800 729 7234 (US and Canada) or +1 949 858 7234, ext. 2260.

Others promise … PADI delivers.

padi.com Traffic Soars

A 41 percent spike in padi.com traffic is attributed to the recent eLearning launch

Traffic at padi.com – one of the dive industry's most visited websites - skyrocketed the week of 20 May 2007 largely due to the launch of the PADI Open Water Diver Course Online. The volume of traffic marks the highest number of page views in padi.com history, which holds promise of an increase in new divers for PADI Dive Centers and Resorts.

With eLearning’s launch on 21 May 2007, padi.com saw an immediate increase in traffic. By Friday 25 May, padi.com traffic increased more than 41 percent, equating to an additional 5,538 unique visitors on that day alone as compared to last year. 4,926 visitors on that day were new to the site. Padi.com page views increased by more than 76,600 as compared to the same time last year, surging padi.com traffic to a record breaking week!

PADI eLearning is already leading to a surge in business for PADI Dive Centers and Resorts. Phil Ellis, owner and operator of Dive Sports in Decatur, Alabama, USA already has seven eLearning students. “All seven of my customers who signed up for PADI eLearning did so through our company website,” boasted Ellis. “One of our customers told me that she wouldn't have been able to learn to dive if it wasn’t for eLearning. She’s from a city about 50 miles away and could never make arrangements to get into our store for regularly scheduled classes because of her busy schedule. She happened to visit our website after we put up the eLearning link and saw how convenient it was for her.”

Mass Diving, in Natick, Massachusetts, USA had two eLearners the same day the site launched. “We had two people sign up right away for PADI eLearning from padi.com,” shared Mark Potter, owner and operator of Mass Diving. “They’re twins, they’re both already done with the program and they’ve already come into the store to purchase their mask, fins and snorkels. We’re starting their pool and open water training tomorrow.”

“I asked them, now that they're done with the course, if they would do it again via eLearning or if they would have preferred to take the course via the DVD version,” continued Potter. “They told me, hands down, that they would do eLearning again. There were a few little glitches, but nothing they couldn’t work out. They’ve asked for some more help on dive tables, so I’m having an instructor email them to give them more direction. And, if they need to, they can always sit in on a regular class when we cover that portion. But, overall, I feel warm and fuzzy over eLearning. It’s going to be a big hit.” It’s important to note that Mass Diving students pay $55 US more for the PADI Open Water Diver Course Online than their standard PADI Open Water Diver course.

Surge in padi.com traffic, new students at PADI Dive Centers and Resorts, increased course profits and honest feedback from dive center owners and operators. It all adds up to a single, clear message – the PADI Open Water Diver Course Online is helping PADI Members make more money.

“We have two people who were planning on going to the Bahamas for either a resort course or certification. But they found our website, saw eLearning and called us. Now, they’ve finished the knowledge development portion of the class with us and we’ve helped arrange their in-water training with a PADI Resort in the Bahamas. They’ll be by to purchase their personal equipment prior to their trip,” said Dive Sports' Ellis. “I think eLearning is the most significant technological advance PADI has ever made. It’s a great tool. I feel very sorry for the stores who don’t embrace it, because I think they’ll be left behind.”

PADI Asia Pacific Announced 2007 Member Awards

At the recent ADEX Conference in Bangkok, PADI Asia Pacific announced the recipients of its member rewards for 2007.

Contested among the various dive centres, instructors and divemasters throughout the Asia Pacific Region, congratulations are due to the following who received these awards

• Outstandings (Dive Centre/Resort) Business Award: Abyss Scuba Diving, Australia
• Instructor Development Award: Minni Vansgaard & Alina Conroy, Indonesia
• Tourism Award: Dive Tutukaka!, New Zealand
• Young Achiever in Diving Award: Harrison & Taylor Koens, Fiji
• Project AWARE Environmental Award: Aquaventures PNG, Papua New Guinea
• * Diver Training Award: Pro Dive Cairns, Australia
• * Diving for Tomorrow Innovation Award: AW Redcliffe Dive Centre, Australia

Well done to Harrison & Taylor Koens from Subsurface in Fiji!

PADI Diving Society 2008 Member Handbook and Benefits Drive Underway

Member directory targets more than 175,000 dive enthusiasts.

PADI Dive Center and Resort IRRA Members and Sport Diver partners can participate in a simple, effective target marketing opportunity free of charge. The PADI Diving Society Member Handbook and Benefits drive is underway for 2008, and participants can sign up through 20 July 2007.

The PADI Diving Society Member Handbook is where Society members turn before making an equipment purchase or booking dive travel. By sponsoring a benefit in the Member Handbook, you'll reach thousands of potential customers – many of them recently certified divers – before they make a buying decision.

PADI IRRA Members and Sport Diver marketing partners are eligible for a free listing. Although dive center and resort listings make up the majority of booklet, there is a special section in the front reserved for dive equipment and accessory manufacturers.

Sponsoring a benefit is easy for PADI Dive Centers and Resorts. All they need to do is either choose from a list of suggested special offers or create a custom offer of their own. The sponsorship process takes less than 10 minutes to complete and all sponsors will have their store name and contact information published in the 2008 Handbook & Benefits Directory. All offers are also posted to an online benefits directory - available 24 hours a day at padi.com.

The 2007 Member Handbook and Benefits Directory includes more than $57,000 US in special offers and is a core benefit of PADI Diving Society membership. Industry sponsors for 2007 include:

• Manufacturers: SCUBAPRO UWATEC, Aqua Lung/ SUUNTO/SeaQuest, Mares, DUI, Oceanic and Sealife.
• Liveaboards: Peter Hughes and Broadreach.
• Travel: Choice Hotels, La Quinta Hotels, SeaWorld, AVIS, National, Alamo, and PADI Travel Network.
• Hundreds of PADI Dive Centers and Resorts: Offers are available in more than 60 countries including locations in Australia, Thailand, Fiji, the Caribbean, the Americas, the Red Sea, the United Kingdom, Europe, Russia and Africa.

Offers must be received by 20 July 2007 for inclusion in the 2008 Member Handbook. PADI Dive Center and Resort Members can sponsor a benefit via the Pro Section at padi.com. All other interested parties should contact Danielle Harris at danielle.harris@padi.com or by calling 800 729 7234 (US and Canada) or +1 949 858 7234, ext. 2356.

About PADI Diving Society

PADI Diving Society is a membership organization of more than 175,000 active divers and dive professionals. Member benefits include a subscription to Sport Diver magazine, a member handbook full of special offers on equipment, travel, PADI courses and other dive-related services, and a personalized membership card.

Subsurface Fiji Wins Prestigious Diving and Environmental Award

Recognized by ‘PADI Project Aware’ for their efforts in protecting and conserving the underwater world, Award Winning Dive Operator Subsurface Fiji has been awarded the prestigious “PADI Project Aware Environmental Achievement Award 2006”.

Subsurface Fiji will be honoured by ‘PADI Project Aware’ in leading publications, including Sport Diver, Scuba Diver and The Undersea Journal for placing priority on sharing and preserving this precious marine environment.

Already a winner of the ‘Fiji Excellence in Tourism Award’ for Diving in 2005, Subsurface offers diving at 44 sites throughout the entire Mamanuca Island chain, whose underwater jewels are one of Fijis most treasured secrets. With increasing international Awards, spreading the word that Fijis environment is pure and to be cherished, Subsurface Fiji has placed the mystical Mamanuca Islands firmly on the map.

Well done Karen and tony for this! Putting Fiji diving where it belongs!