PADI partners with ATOAI to promote safe and sustainable dive tourism in India

MoU to highlight safety standards and promote India as a top global diving destination

PADI, world’s largest diving instructors’ organisation, and Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) have signed an agreement to strengthen dive safety and promote India as a sustainable, world-class diving and adventure tourism destination.

The Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) the largest purpose-driven diving organisation with a global network has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Monday with the Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) national representative body for India’s adventure travel and tourism sector to promote safe, sustainable, and globally recognised scuba diving practices across India’s adventure tourism sector.

In a press statement, PADI says that this collaboration aims to improve diver safety, maintain global consistency in scuba diving training and encourage responsible tourism across the country.

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The statement adds that PADI brings its worldwide experience of nearly 60 years in diver training, while ATOAI works with tour operators and industry stakeholders across India to promote the highest safety standards. Together, they aim to position India as a leading destination for safe and sustainable diving.

According to the statement, MoU focusses on improving diver safety and training standards in India. PADI and ATOAI will share their expertise to help operators follow global best practices. They will also collaborate at national and international trade shows to promote India as a safe diving destination, and support marine conservation through activities like underwater and beach clean-ups.

“PADI is thrilled to partner with ATOAI to advance sustainable adventure tourism and diving in India. This collaboration will help showcase India as a world-class diving destination, enhance diver education and safety through PADI’s global standards, and contribute to the development and adoption of ISO standards for scuba diving in India. We look forward to inspiring more people to explore and protect India’s incredible underwater world,” says Thomas Knedlik, Vice President, PADI, Asia Pacific States.

“This collaboration with PADI marks a significant milestone in India’s journey towards becoming a global leader in Responsible Adventure Tourism. By uniting ATOAI’s deep-rooted knowledge of India’s diverse adventure landscape with PADI’s internationally recognised expertise in diving safety and education, we aim to set new benchmarks in quality, safety and sustainability and showcase India as a world class diving and water sports destination,” says Ajeet Bajaj, President, ATOAI.

“We propose to work closely with Bureau of Indian Standards & PADI to help develop and adopt robust national standards for scuba diving and other adventure activities. Together, we are committed to building a responsible and resilient adventure tourism ecosystem that not only offers world-class experiences but also protects and celebrates our natural heritage,”  Bajaj adds.