40 and Fabulous! Pro Dive Cairns celebrates 40 years in the Dive Industry

23rd of August 2023

From a small rented shop on the Cairns waterfront in 1983 to an internationally recognised leader in the dive industry, Pro Dive Cairns celebrates a remarkable 40 year milestone on 23 August 2023. 

In the early years, pool work was conducted in a local backpacker hostel’s swimming pool with training dives at Lake Eacham on the Atherton Tablelands and then completed on the Great Barrier Reef. 

Today 180,000 dive certifications and 40 years later with a team of 55 local staff, Pro Dive Cairns operates a purpose built 5 Star PADI Diver Training and Instructor Development Centre, three premier 24 metre liveaboard vessels conducting year round 3 day / 2 night trips to the Outer Reefs off Cairns, and a dive specialty retail store. 

Quicksilver Group Managing Director Tony Baker said, “Over the past 40 years, the company has introduced the underwater world of SCUBA and the Great Barrier Reef to a global community. It is a tribute to past and present staff that more than 180,000 people have decided to do their dive certification with us and that over 600 professional dive instructors have begun their dive careers at Pro Dive Cairns.” 

“We are extremely proud of these achievements. The fact that so many people have chosen Pro Dive Cairns is very satisfying and reflects an ongoing commitment to providing the best possible dive education and diving adventures over many years.” 

PADI Managing Director, Danny Dwyer said, “Our entire team at PADI would like to congratulate the team at Pro Dive Cairns on reaching the remarkable milestone of 40 years in the dive industry. Pro Dive Cairns enjoys an international reputation as one of the world’s premier diver training schools. “ 

“Pro Dive Cairns has issued over 180,000 PADI certifications, a prestigious milestone only achieved by a few PADI dive operators worldwide. While this is an outstanding numerical achievement, we applaud Pro Dive Cairns ongoing commitment to quality education, diver safety and professionalism as their first priority. Our two companies have shared a strong and successful business partnership for 40 years and we’re looking forward to sharing more success in the years ahead,” said Mr Dwyer. 

Paul Lim, General Manager Pro Dive Cairns added, “Our longevity in business is an outstanding testament to our partnership with PADI and the dedication and professionalism of all our staff over the years, as well as the quality and reputation of our product.” 

Congratulations Pro Dive Cairns and here's to continuing to deliver exceptional diving experiences for many more generations of underwater explorers.

Top main photo: Instructor Natalie Sudermann with Pro Dive Cairns General Manager, Paul Lim.