drew richardson

One of my colleagues fondly remembers being 12 and having his father grin broadly and proudly while watching him through a window. The window viewed into a pool where he was taking scuba lessons, [...]

While diving some time ago, I overheard a nearby team going through the BWRAF (BCD-Weights-Releases-Air-Final check) predive safety check. At “A” — Air — they checked valves open, test breathed, [...]

Every diver is humanity’s torchbearers to the underwater world. And probably more importantly, the underwater world’s ambassador to humanity. The post You Are A Torchbearer appeared [...]

The story of the ocean and the story of humanity Are one and the same, a Great River that Knows no borders and notes no lines, Only ripples. While we might call it the Seven Seas, Today we sing [...]

2020 was not an easy year, but as pointed out in my previous blog post, amid pandemic-driven challenges ranging from major travel restrictions to distancing and wearing masks out of the water, [...]

Arguably, diving is the most inclusive sport in the world. At this writing, PADI professionals teach, lead and support diving in 185+ countries and territories, and by best estimate, more than [...]

While scientists, politicians and other experts remain unsure about the pandemic’s long and short environmental effects, one thing it’s clearly not affecting is the PADI family’s passion and [...]

This year, the third annual AWARE Week  happens 19-27 September. Although we fight for and advocate on behalf of the seas year ’round, AWARE Week brings PADI Torchbearers together for a [...]

Looking at human history, two characteristic stands out repeatedly as our greatest strength when groups and societies overcome threats, face challenges and enact vital changes. Solidarity and [...]

Beginning in 2015, each year the dive community comes together for Women’s Dive Day – an annual event that celebrates the contributions and dedication shown by the women in diving, and smashes [...]