NADD Global Diving Agency

What NADD Global Diving Agency does

NADD Global Diving Agency is a privately held Italian diving and aquatic training organization founded in 1984 and headquartered in Milan. It develops and certifies recreational, technical, and professional scuba courses; apnea/freediving programs; swimming instruction; and aquatic emergency response training. Course standards carry both European (EN) and international (ISO) certifications issued by UNITER and the European Underwater Federation, qualifying NADD as international didactics and enabling its certifications to be recognized across diving centers and authorities worldwide.

Its core product ecosystem consists of the NADD E-learning Platform (a web-based training system delivering digital manuals, instructional videos, and interactive quizzes across multiple languages), the My NADD Dive Card app and My NADD Professional 2.0 web platform (a mobile/web application for digital certification cards, instructor dashboards, and Card Check online verification), and the NADD Training Programs catalog covering beginner through Instructor Trainer pathways. Supporting sub-brands include the NADD Swimming Division and the NADD Environment Protection Project, which runs initiatives such as 'Io Sub Custode del Mare' with over 30,000 participating divers.

NADD generates revenue primarily through training and certification course fees (delivered via its global network of affiliated instructors and Training Centers), e-learning subscriptions, paid certification card management and renewal services, and merchandise sales through nadd.shop. Distribution is largely community-led through certified instructors and Training Centers, supplemented by direct-to-consumer digital channels (website, e-learning portal, My NADD app) and three regional coordination offices serving Asia, Egypt, and Latin America. The organization also maintains partnerships with the Italian Ministry of Environment, CNR researchers, Genoa Aquarium, and HSA Italia to extend brand reach beyond commercial training.

Name

NADD Global Diving Agency

Legal name

NADD – Global Diving Agency

Website

https://naddeurope.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1984

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

NADD Global Diving Agency is a Milan-based, privately held diving certification and training organization founded in 1984, offering ISO/EN-certified scuba, apnea, swimming, and emergency courses through a global network of affiliated instructors and Training Centers, supported by its e-learning platform and My NADD digital certification ecosystem.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Scuba Diving Training and Certification

akta.pro primary industry

Dive Centers & Scuba Training (PADI/SSI, certifications) (THAAAIAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Scuba Diving & Freediving Centers (Training, Guided Dives) (THAAAKAD), Diving Experiences (Scuba Dives, Dive Trips, PADI/SSI Courses) (THAJAJAD)

Keywords

• Scuba diving certification
• Freediving training
• Swimming instruction
• Diving education agency
• Underwater certification courses

Headquarters

HQ city

Milan

HQ country

Italy

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Training and Certification Courses: NADD generates revenue primarily through the sale of training courses across its multiple divisions: recreational scuba, technical scuba, apnea, swimming, and emergency. Affiliated instructors and diving centers deliver courses, with NADD issuing certifications. Course revenue flows through the network of Training Centers and instructors.
2. E-learning Subscriptions: NADD's e-learning platform provides digital training materials (manuals, video lessons, interactive quizzes) to students. The platform is accessible via the web and mobile devices, supporting course delivery and learning verification for all NADD course types.
3. Certification Management: NADD issues and manages digital and physical certifications for divers. The My NADD portal provides online certification requests, duplicate certificate requests, and professional card renewal services for a fee.
4. NADD Shop: NADD operates an online shop (nadd.shop) selling equipment and merchandise.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

NADD Global Diving Agency is a privately held Italian diving training organization founded in 1984 that delivers certified scuba diving, freediving (apnea), swimming, and aquatic emergency response courses through a global network of affiliated instructors, diving centers, and schools. It issues internationally recognized EN and ISO certifications and supports training delivery via its proprietary e-learning platform, the My NADD web portal, and the My NADD Dive Card mobile app for digital certification management.

Product overview

NADD Global Diving Agency is a diving and aquatic training organization founded in 1984, offering a multi-disciplinary portfolio of products and services centered around its scuba diving, apnea, swimming, and environmental protection programs. The core product ecosystem consists of the NADD E-learning Platform (a web-based training and knowledge-verification system with digital manuals, videos, and interactive quizzes), the My NADD Dive Card App (a mobile/web application providing digital certification cards and an online certification card verification system), and a comprehensive catalog of training courses spanning recreational, technical, professional, and apnea divisions. These products are interconnected: the E-learning Platform supports course delivery and student progress tracking, while My NADD enables digital certificate management, Card Check verification, and instructor course management. NADD also operates a Swimming Division and an Environment Protection Project as sub-brands, and sponsors the NADD Excellence Award recognizing outstanding members.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• My NADD: Digital platform for certification management, e-learning, and professional area access for NADD members and instructors.
• NADD e-learning
• NADD Swimming Division
• NADD Excellence Award

Products and services

• NADD Scuba Diving Courses Recreational scuba programs (Scuba Experience, Open Water Diver, Advanced, Rescue, specialties such as Deep, Nitrox, Wreck, Night, Underwater Navigation), technical courses (Trimix, Rebreather, Cave, Extended Range), and professional pathways (Divemaster, Assistant Instructor, Open Water Instructor, Instructor Trainer) delivered by NADD-affiliated instructors and diving centers worldwide.
• NADD Apnea Courses Freediving (apnea) training programs covering Snorkeling, Apnea Basic, Levels 1–3, Monofin, Spearfishing, Mermaid, Rescue Apnea, and professional apnea instructor certifications for individuals seeking sport, fitness, or competitive freediving credentials.
• NADD Swimming Division Swimming instruction programs developed and certified by NADD for children, adults, people with disabilities, and aquafitness, delivered through hundreds of NADD-trained swimming instructors across multiple pool facilities.
• NADD E-learning Platform Web-based training platform delivering digital manuals, instructional videos, and interactive quizzes for all NADD course types (scuba, apnea, swimming), enabling real-time progress tracking for instructors and direct student-instructor communication, available in Italian, English, German, and Spanish.
• My NADD Dive Card App Mobile and web application (App MYNADD Dive Card) allowing certified divers to store and display their NADD digital dive certification cards on smartphones and tablets, with a Card Check function that lets diving centers and authorities verify certifications.
• My NADD Professional 2.0 Updated responsive web platform consolidating e-learning, digital certifications, Card Check verification, online certification requests, status verification, material orders, and a download area into a single application accessible on smartphones, tablets, and desktop.
• NADD Shop Online storefront at nadd.shop selling NADD-branded diving equipment and merchandise to divers, instructors, and training centers.
• NADD Aquatic Emergency Response Courses Aquatic-focused emergency response and first aid training including BLS, BLSD, Oxygen Provider, and water-rescue courses for divers and non-divers needing life-saving skills in water environments.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 30,000 scuba divers have participated in NADD environmental monitoring programs.

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• UNITERcoreTechnology or IntegrationUNITER is the certifying body that issues ISO and EN certifications for NADD courses. NADD's training rules and procedures are compliant and certified according to UNITER directives, qualifying NADD as international didactics.
• EUF (European Underwater Federation)coreTechnology or IntegrationEUF is the certifying body that issues European EN certifications for NADD courses. NADD courses carry EN certification alongside ISO certification, both issued by leading quality bodies.
• HSA Italia – Handicapped Scuba Association InternationalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNADD continues to support scuba diving and swimming for people with disabilities through HSA Italia, the Italian division of HSA International. This partnership reflects NADD's founding roots in disability aquatic training and its ongoing commitment to inclusivity.
• Ministero dell'Ambiente (Ministry of the Environment)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerNADD collaborates with the Italian Ministry of the Environment on environmental protection projects including the 'Io Sub Custode del Mare' initiative (over 30,000 divers involved), the national 'Diritti al Mare, Diritti del Mare' campaign (1996–2013), and ongoing plastic pollution campaigns. NADD's environmental initiatives have been included in prestigious ministerial projects.
• VAS – Verdi Ambiente e SocietàcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNADD partnered with VAS (Verdi Ambiente e Società) and the Ministry of the Environment on the 'Diritti al Mare, Diritti del Mare' environmental campaign (1996–2013), which conducted environmental monitoring and public awareness activities along Italian coastlines.
• CNR – Consiglio Nazionale delle RicerchecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNADD collaborates with CNR (National Research Council of Italy) researchers, specifically Dr. Nicoletta Riccardi (CNR-ISE) and Dr. Angelo Mojetta, on a volunteer enrollment project for freshwater mussel research relevant to climate change studies. NADD divers collect data in Italian lakes for CNR analysis.
• Acquario di Genova (Genoa Aquarium)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNADD participates in an environmental education project developed in collaboration with the Genoa Aquarium and the Ministry of Education, promoting marine awareness among students.
• Sofrapa-StoreminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSofrapa-Store is an affiliate partner referenced on NADD's emergency courses page, providing diving equipment for purchase with affiliate linking.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Emerging players

• IANTD (International Association of Nitrox and Technical Divers): IANTD is a technical diving certification agency focused on advanced recreational, nitrox, and technical diving programs. Comparable to NADD's technical course portfolio, though with a narrower recreational/apnea offering.
• AIDA (Association Internationale pour le Développement de l'Apnée): AIDA is the international governing body for freediving (apnea), offering certification pathways from beginner to instructor level. Directly comparable to NADD's Apnea Division (Snorkeling, Basic, Levels 1-3, Mermaid, Spearfishing, Rescue Apnea) and a relevant benchmark for freediving-specific course depth.

Direct peers

• SSI (Scuba Schools International): SSI is a major global scuba and freediving certification agency with a digital-first MyDiveGuide platform and worldwide training center network. Highly comparable to NADD as a multi-discipline certification body offering scuba, apnea, and digital certification management.
• PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors): PADI is the world's largest scuba diving certification agency, offering Open Water through Instructor-level certifications and operating a global network of dive centers and instructors. Directly comparable to NADD in core product offering (recreational and professional scuba certifications) but at vastly greater scale.
• CMAS (Confédération Mondiale des Activités Subaquatiques): CMAS is the World Underwater Federation, an international federation for recreational and competitive diving including scuba, apnea, and underwater activities. Comparable to NADD in providing internationally recognized certifications across multiple aquatic disciplines, with a strong European footprint.
• RAID (Rebreather Association of International Divers): RAID is a scuba diving certification agency offering recreational, technical, and professional training through an international network of dive centers. Comparable to NADD in its certification agency model and multi-tier course pathways, though smaller in scale.
• NAUI (National Association of Underwater Instructors): NAUI is a US-based scuba diving certification agency offering recreational, technical, and professional diving courses. Directly comparable to NADD as a certification body delivering structured course pathways and instructor training, though rooted in a different geographic market.
• TDI (Technical Diving International): TDI specializes in technical and overhead-environment diving certifications (Trimix, Rebreather, Cave) and operates a global instructor network. Comparable to NADD's technical diving division (Light Deco, Decompression Procedures, Extended Range, Trimix, Rebreather, Cave) but with a narrower recreational offering.

Regional players

• FIAS (Federazione Italiana Attività Subacquee): FIAS is an Italian diving federation offering scuba certifications and instructor training within Italy. Comparable to NADD as a domestic Italian competitor with overlapping recreational and professional course pathways, though smaller and more domestically focused.
• BSAC (British Sub-Aqua Club): BSAC is the UK's national governing body for recreational diving, offering certification pathways from Ocean Diver through Instructor. Comparable to NADD as a long-established national certification body with a strong club ecosystem, though operating primarily in the UK rather than Italy/Europe.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/NADDGlobalDivingAgency
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/nadd-europe

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about NADD Global Diving Agency