Is PADI non-profit?

[miketsp]

There is no "public good" which comes out of my taking an OW class, thus no market interference by the government or others is warranted.

Maybe I'm taking this out of of context but I'm sure you didn't mean it. Lets start with the cultural aspects - it's in the interest of any government to have the population ecologically aware.
Second, I know quite a few marine preservation areas that wouldn't have been formed if it wasn't for lobby groups formed by recreational divers.
As a recreational diver down here in Brazil, every time I dive a marine reserve I pay taxes that maintain the structure that preserves these areas.
Diving stimulates tourism. I know quite a few cities that would be wiped off the map if there was no recreational diving.
Hyperbaric medicine studies don't just benefit divers - they help medicine expand our frontiers in general.
If there were no recreational divers there would be a lot less nautical activity in general - imagine the job losses.
How many military reservists are better qualified for their activities because they dive as a hobby.
The list goes on....

 

[VTernovski]

I know quite a few cities that would be wiped off the map if there was no recreational diving..

I would add, quite a few countries too... Bonaire comes to mind.

 

[archman]

Lets start with the cultural aspects - it's in the interest of any government to have the population ecologically aware.

Certainly not the United States! That would just mean more regulations, expense for industry and government, lawsuits, and general discontent. Oh no, the last thing you're gonna get most governments thrilled about is greater environmental education of the public, that's just asking for trouble. Run a comparison between the California and Texas public and you'll get the drift real fast.

Hyperbaric medicine studies don't just benefit divers - they help medicine expand our frontiers in general.

I don't mean to come off as a pill, but hyperbaric medicine does just fine without the diving industry... we're regarded as a fringe in most places. Many hyperbaric facilities don't even cater to scuba divers!

 

[dweeb]

John Cronin is dead dude, and those fortunate enough to have met him are better people for it. Myself included.A little respect for one of divings greats. Please!

Correction: WAS laughing all the way to the bank.
As for one of the greats, that's like calling P.T. Barnum
one of our cultural greats.

 

[dweeb]

He also inspired close to quarter of a million people to become professional divers and 10 million to become certified.

Yeah, he created one heck of a pyramid club.
Next you'll be nominating Ray Kroc as the greatest culinary genius of all time.
There is more to greatness than mere volume.

 

[MikeFerrara]

Correction: WAS laughing all the way to the bank.
As for one of the greats, that's like calling P.T. Barnum
one of our cultural greats.

I would. Isn't he the one who said "there's a sucker born every minute"?

 

[MikeFerrara]

Yeah, he created one heck of a pyramid club.
Next you'll be nominating Ray Kroc as the greatest culinary genius of all time.

It's clear that he is..."Over 6 million sold"! And...he inspired millions to follow in his culinary foot steps.

There is more to greatness than mere volume.

I'll bet we'd have a hard time proving that about now.

 

[dweeb]

Second, I know quite a few marine preservation areas that wouldn't have been formed if it wasn't for lobby groups formed by recreational divers.

Yeah, one weekend wonders who think that making a piddling token donation to a foundation will make up for their crawling on all fours across the reef.

Diving stimulates tourism. I know quite a few cities that would be wiped off the map if there was no recreational diving.

Yeah, the bar owners in Cozumel are thrilled.
I'm so glad to have helped liquor sales in the third world>

1. No one said there was anything wrong with recreational diving per se.

2. PADI is not responsible for the existence of recreational diving.

However, if it weren't for PADI, they never would have put that ecological nightmare of a pier for big cruise ships in Cozumel. PADI attracted the type of people it serves to diving - those who go on a Carnival cruise every year and fit a couple follow-the-DM pseudo dives in at one of the stops.

 

[MikeFerrara]

Enough of this silliness. Every one knows that Mike Nelson is the one who really deserves the credit for the popularity of diving.

 

[Mako Mark]

However, if it weren't for PADI, they never would have put that ecological nightmare of a pier for big cruise ships in Cozumel. PADI attracted the type of people it serves to diving - those who go on a Carnival cruise every year and fit a couple follow-the-DM pseudo dives in at one of the stops.

Dont be so self rightous dweeb. You are a part of the reason that the cruise liner pier is on cozumel just like I am and everyone else that has ever dived there, and the DM´s are there, MANDATED by mexican law as they have taken a course and are certified by the government as National Park Guides. This may not mean that they are perfect, but it is more than just about anywhere else in the world I have ever worked.