You may remember back in December 2016 that PADI® reached an incredible milestone – 25 million certifications!
For the past 50 years, PADI has been The Way the World Learns to Dive® and we think 25 million certifications really proves that – so, when in the final days of PADI’s golden anniversary year, PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer™ Bobby Post taught Sarah Gleeson, a 22-year-old from Alberta Canada, the 25 millionth PADI certification course, it was cause for celebration.
To mark the occasion, PADI offered a dream trip to the Great Barrier Reef for the certifying PADI Instructor as well as the 25 millionth student and her guest.
Just last week, Post touched down in Queensland for his adventure, spending two nights in Cairns before boarding the Mike Ball Dive Expeditions vessel.
“I have to say my expectations were exceedingly high for my live-aboard experience with Mike Ball Dive Expeditions – but it was a truly amazing experience,” Post said.
Over the course of the trip, Post explored the Reef – from Continental Shelf, to Ribbon Reefs, Cod Hole and Steve’s Bommie. “Without a doubt the dives themselves were filled with highlights. From reef sharks to bull sharks, manta rays to ribbon rays, sea snakes to filefish the reef did not disappoint.”
So what’s next for Post?
“I am on my way to Kauai,” he says. “There I will continue to conduct courses from DSD’s to Divemaster with a whole lot of fun dives in between.”
“I can’t begin to describe how exciting the ride has been. It is truly the first time I have been in love with my job; it cannot be understated how this has translated into happiness throughout the rest of my life.”
To read more about diving on the Great Barrier Reef, visit our Vacation Spotlight.