As a 2012 membership renewal benefit all PADI Members will receive a free PADI eCard for their highest core level (including Course Director and IDC Staff). The PADI eCard is an electronic version of the PADI certification card.
The eCard will be available for diver replacement cards in fourth quarter 2011. Initially, the eCard will be available through Replacement Card Online only. Divers obtaining a replacement card will have the choice of an eCard, a plastic card or both. In addition, PADI Members can use PIC Online credits to sell eCards to existing PADI Divers through the Online Processing Center on the PADI Pros’ Site. PADI Members can then utilize the power of smartphone technology when certifying divers.
PADI eCard is hosted, managed and displayed using the PADI App, initially accessible on Apple, Android and Blackberry smartphones, but development for other operating systems will follow. Security of the eCard is a primary concern, so PADI has integrated features such as QR coding (a specific, two-dimensional code) to make authentication straightforward and easy.
PADI eCard development demonstrates PADI’s commitment to positive identification certification cards and sets a new bar for delivery, embracing environmental stewardship by reducing the amount of plastics, paper and transportation used to deliver certifications to divers, for those who choose to use it.
