PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) received approval from the United States Department of Veteran affairs for reimbursement of PADI Instructor Examination fees. Now qualified veterans, active duty personnel and approved dependants can submit the $440. USD Instructor Examination fee for reimbursement under the VA Licensing and Certification Tests program.
The PADI IE VA benefit is retroactive to 26 January 2003; anyone attending the IE from that date is eligible to submit a request for reimbursement. For more information on this program and eligibility requirements log on to www.gibill.va.gov/education/benefits.htm and www.gibill.va.gov/education/LCweb.htm. PADI professional members can view the same information on the PADI Pros website.
The Department of Veterans Affairs has been very active in creating opportunities for veterans and military personnel in recreation industries such as rock climbing, alpine skiing, and self defense. The added benefit for those seeking professional careers in scuba diving is a wonderful example of the DAVs commitment to the brave men and women who have served our nation. PADI is pleased to partner with the VA to deliver quality training and career opportunities for our military personnel.
