With an estimated 250,000 active individuals, and 12,000 diving facilities worldwide.  The Training and Exploration Sector, which caters for recreational divers, is by far the largest and most active sector in the professional diving industries.

The most respected sector, is probably commercial diving and its specialized applications, such as offshore diving, inshore civil engineering diving, marine salvage diving, HAZMAT diving, and ships husbandry diving.

Our members are active professionals in various sectors of the industry such as: Training and Exploration, Research, Manufacturing, Education, Commercial, Media, Public Service and Rescue. They are either full time or part time active in the industry, but abide by a strict code of conduct and ethics; separating them from them from the rest of the pack.

Other sectors include Scientific Research, Marine Archaeology, Fishing and Aquaculture, Public Service,Law Enforcement, Military Service, and Indoor Diving.

DEFINING A PROFESSIONAL:

Engaged in one of the learned professions
Characterized by or conforming to the technical or ethical standards of a profession
Exhibiting a courteous, conscientious, and generally businesslike manner in the workplace
Participating for gain or livelihood in an activity or field of endeavor often engaged in by amateurs
Having a particular profession as a permanent career
Engaged in by persons receiving financial return
Following a line of conduct as though it were a profession

The International Association of Dive Professionals, is the only international union/association of quality oriented diving professionals worldwide, where your voice, can be heard, and acted upon.
It regroups, individuals, businesses and organizations intent on addressing global issues and challenges; they are faced in a rapid changing world.