PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors), the world's largest diver training organisation, has introduced the 'Master Scuba Diver Challenge' to encourage divers to pursue advanced recreational scuba diving training. This initiative aims to inspire divers to achieve the Master Scuba Diver (MSD) rating, a distinction held by fewer than 2% of PADI divers globally.

The challenge offers participants the chance to win a liveaboard dive trip for two to the Galápagos Islands, including airfare and a seven-day stay aboard the M/Y Galaxy Diver II, valued at $18,000 (US$18,000). This reflects the growing interest in experiential travel and skill-based learning within the diving community.

Vinod Bondi, PADI Regional Manager for India and Sri Lanka, stated, “Scuba diving is evolving beyond a recreational activity into a pursuit that offers divers continuous opportunities to build their skills and gain experience to better explore the underwater environment.” The MSD rating is a significant milestone, requiring divers to complete core PADI certifications up to Rescue Diver, five Speciality Diver Certifications, and log at least 50 dives.

Scuba diving in India is popular in destinations such as Andaman, Lakshadweep, Goa, Kerala, and Puducherry. To join the challenge, divers must submit an application and a brief explanation of their motivation to become a PADI Master Scuba Diver. Additional entries can be earned through certifications completed by 31 December 2026.

PADI, with over 30 million certified divers and a network of 6,600 dive centres worldwide, continues to set the standard for dive training and ocean conservation

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