Did you know that any PADI Instructor at the level of Master Scuba Diver Trainer (MSDT) or higher can author and submit their own Distinctive Specialty course? Over the years, PADI pros have created tens of thousands of unique, creative courses covering everything from local marine life to specialized diving techniques.
The problem? There isn’t a central directory to find them.
If you’re an instructor looking for new, engaging topics to teach, you’re usually out of the loop unless you happen to know the creator. I’m building this crowd-sourced database to bridge that gap and connect course creators with instructors who want to expand their teaching repertoire.
The Directory
| Course Name | Description | Instructor | PADI # | Email Address | Keywords |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PADI Marine Ecology Surveyor Diver |
Introduces divers to non-destructive underwater visual census techniques for citizen-science and marine-conservation work. See more…
The purpose of the PADI Marine Ecology Surveyor Distinctive Specialty Course is to introduce divers to non-destructive underwater visual census techniques to facilitate their participation in global citizen science efforts to conserve sensitive, biodiverse marine ecosystems.
|
Kevin Schmidt | 329403 | kmschmdt@gmail.com | Marine, Ecology, Video Surveying, Conservation Sciences |
| Benthic Survey Diver |
An introduction to visual marine survey techniques focused on benthic species and coral-reef structures. See more…
Written based on marine-conservation NGO experience in Madagascar, this course focuses on survey techniques for benthic species and structures of coral reefs.
|
Neil Davison | 300777 | neildavison300777@outlook.com | Benthic Species, Coral Reefs |
| HMCS Yukon Diver |
No course description was provided. |
Jonathan Schmitt | 322132 | Jon_Schmitt@yahoo.com | HMCS Yukon |
| Advanced Underwater Sign Language |
Improves a diver’s underwater sign vocabulary for better communication below the surface. See more…
The AUSL course will substantially improve your sign vocabulary so you can communicate better underwater. It is based on ASL, so it translates to surface communication as well.
|
Chuck Thompson | 57599 | O2nitrox@gmail.com | Sign Language, Communication |
| PADI Bermuda Invasive Lionfish Culler |
Covers the ecology and behavior of invasive lionfish and how to safely hunt and handle them. See more…
Ecology and behavior of this invasive species. How to safely handle a spear, hunt, and handle a lionfish. Minimum age: 12.
|
David Wakeley | 196401 | wakely.rainbow@gmail.com | Bermuda, Lionfish, Hunting, Spear |
| Underwater Secret Agent Diver |
A mission-based specialty exploring underwater espionage, stealth, observation, and navigation skills. See more…
This distinctive specialty explores the history and techniques of underwater espionage, stealth, observation, navigation, and environmental awareness. Divers complete practical underwater missions while emphasizing control, safety, and responsible interaction with the underwater environment.
|
Frank Lewis | 359052 | frank@divewithfrank.com | Underwater Espionage, Secret Agent, Stealth, Observation, Navigation, Underwater Missions |
| Shuck-Fu: Oyster Conservation Diver |
A conservation-focused specialty centered on oyster ecology, restoration, and responsible underwater interaction. See more…
This course covers oyster ecology, Chesapeake Bay habitat, sustainable harvesting, oyster restoration, and environmentally responsible underwater interaction. It includes oyster-habitat observation and identification activities and a required no-take open-water training dive.
|
Frank Lewis | 359052 | frank@divewithfrank.com | Oysters, Oyster Conservation, Oyster Restoration, Chesapeake Bay, Ecology, Sustainable Harvesting |
7 specialties shown
Have You Authored a Distinctive Specialty?
If you have written a PADI Distinctive Specialty and are willing to share information about it with other instructors, I’d love to add it to the directory.
To submit a listing, email frank@divewithfrank.com or use the Ask Frank page. Please include:
- Your name and PADI Pro number (verified through Pro-Chek)
- Your preferred contact email address
- Course name
- A short description (What does the course teach, and why might another instructor want to offer it?)
- Relevant search keywords (for example: marine life, conservation, photography, wrecks, technical diving, or local history)
A Quick Note for Instructors
Disclaimer: Inclusion in this directory is provided for discovery and professional networking only. It does not constitute an endorsement by Dive With Frank. Instructors remain responsible for evaluating each course, confirming applicable PADI requirements, and arranging any authorization, materials, licensing, or compensation directly with the course creator.