How Special is a PADI 5-Star Designation?

PADI says, "PADI Five Star Dive Resorts are progressive resorts that offer the full range of PADI scuba programs, have a good equipment selection, and offer dive activities that promote aquatic environmental responsibility. PADI Five Star Dive Resorts are committed to providing quality diver training and continuing education programs that include dive experiences and environmental awareness." https://tinyurl.com/4hhd5mau

In reality, the PADI 5-Star designations might suggest, like a 5-star hotel, a higher degree of service and luxury, but when PADI "awards" five stars to a PADI resort, dive center, or instructor development center, it does so because of the range of business it provides. It does not necessarily promise a customer better service or facilities than operations that are not five-star. The five-star phrase is there to attract and impress customers. It says we are PADI and PADI only.

PADI regional representatives pressure resorts and dive centers to go for the PADI 5 Star accolade - for example, they must sell dive gear - and to teach only the PADI way of diving. To become a five-star PADI operation, they must forego teaching SSI, SDI, RAID, BSAC or other courses. They can only teach PADI courses. It's the PADI way of maintaining a monopoly.

The five-star designation a clever marketing gimmick designed to attract divers. It's quite effective. But for the diver, it comes with no guarantees.

- John Bantin