Coming soon - The PADI eCard is an electronic version of the PADI certification card. PADI eCard is hosted, managed and displayed using the PADI App, currently accessible on Apple, Android and Blackberry, but development for other operating systems will follow. At present the PADI App provides the PADI Dive Shop Locator tool for smartphones.

PADI took the diving industry forward a quantum leap in security when they introduced the first Positive Identification Card, positively identifying divers by including their photograph on their PADI certification card, which has since become an industry norm. Now PADI is set to lead certification security to the next level again, using the massive growth of Smartphone usage to provide an application-driven, instant verification system. Welcome to the era of the eCard!

The eCard, an electronic version of a certification card available for smartphones, will be available shortly for PADI Professionals.

The PADI eCard is proof of certification. Security of the eCard is a primary concern, so QR coding (a specific, two-dimensional code) is integrated to make authentication straightforward and easy.

Initially, the eCard will only be available through Replacement Card Online. Divers replacing existing certification cards will have the options of an eCard, plastic certification card or both.

PADI Professionals will receive an eCard of their highest core level (including Course Director and IDC Staff) as a member benefit with their renewal for 2012. The eCard will be available for new certifications and replacement cards starting in fourth quarter 2011.