Since Project AWARE started in 1992 as a marine conservation nonprofit organisation, many PADI divers have shown their support for ocean protection when completing a PADI training course by making a small donation to receive the Project AWARE version of their PADI certification card.

In 2016, as PADI celebrates its 50th Anniversary and long-term commitment to teaching divers the importance of protecting fragile aquatic ecosystems, you can join in the celebrations by taking action with Project AWARE. We're proud to be PADI’s preferred environmental partner and we’re even prouder of what we achieve thanks to the support of our growing movement of divers protecting the ocean one dive at a time.

From becoming a Dive Against Debris activist to voicing your support for meaningful shark and ray conservation measures at the 17th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CITES (CoP17), 2016 promises to be an action-packed year for divers around the world to show how committed the diving community is to protecting our ocean planet.

In PADI’s 50-Year Anniversary video, Dr. Sylvia Earle comments: “PADI can be an agent of change. Enlisting divers. Enlisting the powers that the PADI Members have. To spread the word...to engage people, to engage the world. To take care of the ocean that takes care of all of us.”

Robert Wyland, renowned marine life artist, adds: "The feeling that you get when you're diving really empowers you to want to be proactive, to ensure we have this not only for us but for future generations".

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Celebrate PADI’s 50th Anniversary and bridge your passion for diving to underwater conservation work:

• If you complete a PADI course in 2016, ask your Instructor for a special limited edition Project AWARE version of your PADI certification card
• If you can’t wait to show off your support for ocean protection, visit www.padi.com to request a replacement card.
• Show off your support on Twitter and Instagram: Share the Project AWARE version of your PADI card with the hashtags #MyPADI #MyOcean

The New 2016 PADI 50th Anniversary Humpback Whale Project AWARE Limited Edition card is available from 13th January 2016.

Also available in 2016 is a special Project AWARE limited edition PADI Freediver card only available if you complete a PADI Freediver™ Course and the Project AWARE Manta Ray PADI card. All card choices are subject to stock availability.

Whale photo courtesy of David Valencia