The PADI Master Scuba Diver Challenge sets the stage for PADI Professionals to inspire, achieve, and push the boundaries of excellence within the diving community. The 2024 Challenge was no exception, as instructors worldwide demonstrated their unwavering commitment to advancing diver education and fostering a love for exploration beneath the waves.

Today, we proudly celebrate the remarkable achievements of the 2024 winners, each of whom has gone above and beyond in their dedication to continued education.

2024 PADI Master Scuba Diver Challenge Winners

Individual Member

PADI Americas:

• George Hedebeck, Jr – IDC Staff Instructor
• Donald Johnson – Master Instructor
• Boonchob  Vijarnsorn – Course Director
• Robert Meadows – Course Director

PADI Asia Pacific:

• Ekaterina Zlotnikova – IDC Staff Instructor
• Adarsh Dileep – IDC Staff Instructor
• Ji Woo Lee – Course Director
• Lewis Rimmer – IDC Staff Instructor

PADI EMEA:

• Louise Haaker – IDC Staff Instructor
• Astore Santoro – Course Director
• Louise Kiyani – Master Instructor
• Vincent Maissan – Course Director

Retail and Resort Challenge

PADI Americas:

• Breezeway Bubbles Scuba – 5 Star Dive Center
• Sin City Scuba – 5 Star Instructor Development Center
• Columbus Scuba – 5 Star Instructor Development Center
• Sea Experience – 5 Star Instructor Development Resort

PADI Asia Pacific:

• Dive Zone Whitianga – 5 Star Instructor Development Center
• SCUBAINFO – 5 Star Instructor Development Center
• Auckland Scuba – 5 Star Instructor Development Center
• Entrants with 15+ MSD ratings – No participants

PADI EMEA:

• DIVE.IS – Sport Diving School of Iceland – 5 Star Instructor Development Center
  Ocean Turtle Diving – 5 Star Instructor Development Center
• TSK Zürich – 5 Star Instructor Development Center
• ABC Dive – 5 Star Instructor Development Center

What Made This Year Special

The 2024 Master Scuba Diver Challenge was a testament to the enduring spirit of PADI Professionals worldwide. From mentoring divers on their journey to earning the prestigious Master Scuba Diver rating to utilizing innovative approaches in diver education, these leaders exemplified the core values of the diving community.

The winners’ efforts have not only elevated their local dive communities but also strengthened the global network of PADI divers who are inspired to seek adventure and save the ocean.

A Word from Our Winners

Here’s what some of our winners had to say about their experience with the 2024 Challenge:

“Being a PADI Course Director is much more than teaching people how to dive. It’s about passing on a passion, a love for the underwater world that changes you from within. And the Master Scuba Diver Challenge represents the pinnacle of this journey. Guiding my students toward this achievement and watching them grow.

Being awarded by PADI EMEA as one of the winners of the Master Scuba Diver Challenge is an indescribable emotion. It is a recognition that rewards years of dedication, commitment, and love for this sport. But most importantly, it acknowledges the passion I put into training the divers of tomorrow. Because for me, teaching is not just about imparting skills. It’s about sharing a love, a way of life. It’s about seeing in my students the same spark that ignited in me years ago—the same desire to explore, to learn, to respect the ocean.

The Master Scuba Diver Challenge has been an incredible experience. I’ve seen my students push past their limits, face their fears, and discover a whole new world. And in them, I’ve seen the same passion that drives me.

Winning this award is an immense honor, but the greatest satisfaction comes from seeing my students achieve their dreams. Knowing that I have contributed to shaping skilled, aware, and passionate divers is the ultimate reward. Thank you to PADI EMEA for this recognition. And thank you to all my students for their trust, commitment, and enthusiasm, which they show me every single day.

I will continue to give my all because diving is my life, my passion, my way of being. And because seeing my students reach their goals is the greatest satisfaction of all.”  – Astore Santoro

“We are happy to hear the news that our dive shop, Breezeway Bubbles Scuba won the PADI Master SCUBA Diver challenge for 2024.   Since we are located in Wisconsin with only about a 6-month dive season, we knew we had to push hard to compete.  We attribute our success to our dedicated staff that promoted the value to the customer of earning the Master SCUBA Diver rating.   Our dive team was very flexible and creative in offering courses that drove customer demand and fit into the student’s schedule.

We also reward each of our divers that reach the milestone by giving them a custom-made Master SCUBA Diver T-shirt, and we throw an exclusive party at the end of the year to celebrate the achievement of all who earned the Master SCUBA Diver rating.  When PADI announced waiving the Master SCUBA Diver application fee this past year, we spread the word about this opportunity, and it really took off from there.  We truly appreciate all our Breezeway Bubbles Scuba Dive Team members and our students who support us throughout each year.” – Breezeway Bubble Scuba

“We are blown away to discover Ocean Turtle Diving is one of the winners of the PADI MSD Challenge.   We have the most incredible team and wonderful divers who fully embraced this journey and learnt some great skills and had some incredible experiences along the way.  Becoming an MSD is HUGE – it shows you have really broad experience, have learnt loads of core skills through the courses up to Rescue and been on some true adventures through your five specialty courses.  It’s such a great idea, not easy to achieve, but truly brilliant to accomplish and we are so proud of all our amazing divers who reached the dizzying heights of MSD with us this year.” – Ocean Turtle Diving

“I’ve always maintained that teaching specialty areas of diving builds stronger divers and creates ancillary interests in diving. Strong divers are far more likely to embrace diving and contribute to the diving culture. Giving the students recognition, gives them confidence and allows them to feel more a part of that culture.” – Andy Silverman (Columbus Scuba)

“It’s a joy to help a student chose the right path from open water, advanced OW, PADI Specialties, to Rescue diver. Being part of their development, watching them achieve MSD, become knowledgeable, skilled, rounded divers is a great reward. When they have taken advice, listened, and trusted us, it makes our job immensely pleasurable.”  – Louise Kiyani

“It’s our belief that a quality dive education doesn’t stop after the Open Water. The Master Scuba Diver Challenge makes learning into a fun competition and the personal development you see in a short period makes it a great journey to offer. If you can transfer your passion for the different disciplines in diver to new divers, it’s not hard for them to become enthusiastic.” – Vincent Maissan

“As an instructor, it’s been a true privilege to guide my Master Scuba Diver students through their journey, watching them take on challenges and grow with each dive. At our PADI Dive Center, we’re not just teaching skills—we’re creating an environment where learning is fun, supportive, and full of adventure. By carefully crafting courses and bringing everyone together, we build more than just divers; we build a community. This award is a testament to their hard work and to the incredible team effort that makes every moment of this journey unforgettable.”  – Robert Meadows

“The PADI Master Scuba Diver challenge is a powerful tool we’ve successfully leveraged by introducing it early, starting in Open Water class. By presenting the MSD as a goal, we give both new and experienced divers a clear, attainable target. Through targeted course bundles, like our ‘MSD prep’ packages tailored to divers’ goals, we’ve increased class sales and offer an enhanced value for our customers.”  – Curtis Snaper (Sin City Scuba)

“Con-Ed students sometimes under-represent the milestone that MSD represents; however, that smile of accomplishment… just as big as after your OWD certification.”  – George Hedebeck

Looking Ahead: The 2025 Master Scuba Diver Challenge

As we celebrate the incredible achievements of our 2024 winners, we invite you to set your sights on the 2025 PADI Master Scuba Diver Challenge. This year’s competition promises even more opportunities to make an impact, drive diver education, and gain well-deserved recognition for your efforts.

For details on how to participate and the tools available to support your journey, visit:

• Immediate Members – https://pros-blog.padi.com/the-master-scuba-diver-instructor-challenge-is-on/
• Retail and Resort – https://pros-blog.padi.com/the-master-scuba-diver-dive-center-and-resort-challenge-is-on/

Congratulations once again to all the 2024 winners! Your dedication and passion for the underwater world continue to inspire us all.

The post Celebrating Excellence: Announcing the Winners of the 2024 PADI Master Scuba Diver Challenge appeared first on PADI Pros.

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