Technical diving educator Paul Toomer has joined PADI as Global Tec Diving Consultant, marking a new chapter in a career that has helped shape technical diver training worldwide.
Paul Toomer coming full circle by returning to PADI
Paul Toomer has announced today (Friday 29 May 2026) that he has accepted the position of Global Tec Diving Consultant with PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors), returning to the agency where he began his professional diving career.
The move follows Toomer's departure from RAID, the training agency he helped build into a major force within technical diver education. Last year, in 2025, he announced that he was stepping away from the organisation after years of involvement as co-owner and Director of Diver Training.
A familiar name in technical diving
Toomer is widely regarded as one of the most leading figures in modern technical diving education. Over several decades, he has trained instructors and divers around the world and has been involved in the development of numerous technical diving programmes spanning open-circuit, closed-circuit rebreather and overhead-environment diving.
In a statement announcing the appointment, Toomer described the move as something of a return to his roots.
"I began my career at PADI, and it seems so serendipitous that I am now right back to where I started," he said.
Expanding technical diving
According to Toomer, his new role will focus on developing technical diving materials and programmes covering open-circuit and closed-circuit diving, as well as cave and other overhead-environment disciplines.
"I cannot wait to start working with the amazing team at PADI delivering state-of-the-art technical materials for open and closed circuit, overhead and beyond," he stated.
The appointment may also be seen as a signal of PADI's continuing commitment to the technical diving sector, which has grown steadily over the past two decades as equipment, training standards and diver interest have evolved.
Industry respect
In his announcement, Toomer also expressed gratitude to the various agencies that approached him following his departure from RAID, noting that he had been "overwhelmed with kindness".
Those who know Toomer will recognise the enthusiasm reflected in the concluding line of his statement: "Now, let's get this PADI party started, we have much to do."
For many in the technical diving community, it will be interesting to see what influence he brings to the next phase of PADI's technical diving programmes.
Earlier coverage
X-Ray Mag previously profiled Paul Toomer and his career in technical diving, and reported on his departure from RAID earlier this year.
"I began my career at PADI, and it seems so serendipitous that I am now right back to where I started."
