Project AWARE
The Project AWARE Specialty course is an introduction to Project AWARE as a global movement for ocean protection. It focuses and expands on the 10 Tips for Divers to Protect the Ocean Planet. Through interactive discussions, you’ll learn how you can make a difference for ocean protection every time you dive or travel. A dry, ‘fins off’ course, this specialty is ideal for divers and nondivers alike to gain insight into how decisions above and below the surface impact our water planet.
Prerequisites
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no prerequisites, age restrictions
Content
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2 theory sessions (4 hours)
Through classroom workshops, you will:
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Be introduced to the Project AWARE movement.
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Understand the 10 Tips for Divers to Protect the Ocean Planet.
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Develop an action plan for how you can personally make a difference.
Project AWARE's popular AWARE - Our World, Our Water manual which is a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding and preserving aquatic environments as well as learning more about ocean environments, ecosystems and threats.
AWARE - Dive Against Debris
Do you want to make a difference on every dive but are not sure where to begin? Gain the knowledge and skills to activate your inner citizen scientist by taking the Dive Against Debris Specialty. You’ll learn to complete Dive Against Debris surveys under the guidance of a PADI® Professional and help keep you your local dive sites healthier by removing trash.
If you’re a PADI (Junior) Open Water Diver who is at least 12 years old, you can enroll in the Dive Against Debris Specialty course.
Prerequisites
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12 years old
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Certified as PADI Open Water Diver or equivalent qualification
Content
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2 theory sessions (4 hours)
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1 open water dive
Your training starts in the classroom by learning:
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About marine debris, the damage done, what it is, where it comes from and how divers are part of the solution.
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How to establish a Dive Against Debris survey, the survey frequency, sites, profiles and equipment. Also the use of photography and knowing what to leave behind.
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How to make your survey count. The five easy steps to report the debris you’ve removed to maximize each survey’s benefits.
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How to join the global Project AWARE movement of scuba divers protecting our ocean planet.
During your one open water dive, you will conduct a Dive Against Debris® survey, including weighing, sorting, recording, disposing and reporting your marine debris to Project AWARE.
AWARE - Shark Conservation Diver
Love sharks? Scared of sharks? Or do you just want to know more about them? Enroll in an AWARE Shark Conservation Specialty course and discover the value of sharks to marine ecosystems and economies. You’ll learn more about the causes of declining shark populations and the actions you can take to become a knowledgeable and passionate shark defender. By being informed, you can dispel misconceptions and act to protect sharks. Sharks need you!
If you’re a PADI (Junior) Open Water Diver who is at least 12 years old, you can enroll in the AWARE Shark Conservation Diver Specialty course.
Prerequisites
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12 years old
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Certified as PADI Open Water Diver or equivalent qualification
Content
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2 theory sessions (4 hours)
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2 open water dives
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At the end of your classroom session and two open water dives, you will be able to explain:
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The conservation status of sharks, why they are unique and vulnerable, and the importance of healthy shark populations.
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How to manage threats to sharks, recognize the value of sharks and remove barriers to conservation.
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Actions you can take to protect sharks and how joining a global movement of divers can help to protect sharks.
Coral Reef Conservation
Everyone likes to scuba dive or snorkel in warm, clear water on a vibrant coral reef, yet many people know little about what they’re seeing or the importance of reef ecosystems. The Coral Reef Conservation Specialty course helps you appreciate the complexity of these habitats and teaches you how you can help conserve these vital systems.
Anyone who has an interest in the aquatic world can take this course. There are no prerequisites or age restrictions and no water sessions are required to earn this non-diving certification.
Prerequisites
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no prerequisites, age restrictions
Content
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1 theory (2 - 3 hours)
Through classroom discussions, you learn:
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How coral reefs function and the complex nature of life on a reef.
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Why coral reefs are so important.
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Why many coral reefs are in serious trouble.
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What you can do to prevent further decline.
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How Project AWARE unites divers and water enthusiasts to make a difference.
Getting Started
The Coral Reef Conservation course references information in the digital manual – AWARE - Our World, Our Water – downloadable for free on ProjectAWARE.org. Although this manual is not required for the course, you can read the chapter on coral reefs in preparation for meeting with your instructor.