Name: PADI Project AWARE Specialist — Marine Conservation Specialty
Price: 199 USD
Availability: InStock

Project AWARE Specialty: Dive with purpose, act for the oceans

Oceans cover over 70% of our planet and are home to extraordinary biodiversity — but they face unprecedented threats: plastic pollution, global warming, overfishing, destruction of coral reefs. If you are passionate about the aquatic world and want to be part of the solution, this course is for you.

The PADI Project AWARE Specialist specialty confronts you with the most urgent environmental problems of our time and gives you the tools to take concrete action. In one day, you will discover the major challenges threatening marine ecosystems, you will understand how your diving behaviors have a direct impact on the environment, and you will learn to take effective action to protect marine life — both in and out of the water.

At Aquanaut, the protection of Bacuit Bay and its marine life is a fundamental value. This course naturally aligns with our daily commitment to responsible and sustainable diving in El Nido.

Important: This course is open to everyone, with no diving prerequisites and no age limit. Divers or non-divers, everyone can become an active participant in marine conservation.

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Ideal for:

Divers mindful of the impact of their activity on marine ecosystems
Non-divers who wish to get involved in ocean protection
Travelers aware of local and global environmental challenges
Divers preparing for their Master Scuba Diver certification
Anyone who wants to understand practical ways to act for the oceans

Course objectives:

Become aware of the main threats to marine ecosystems globally
Understand the diver's role and impact in ocean preservation
Identify practical steps to implement daily and during dives
Join a global community of divers committed to marine conservation

Learning Outcomes — you will learn to:

Identify the top 10 threats facing our oceans today
Understand the effects of climate change on coral reefs
Adopt diving behaviors that minimize environmental impact
Participate in underwater cleanups and report the data
Raise awareness among your network about marine conservation issues
Actively support Project AWARE initiatives worldwide

Equipment Provided to Participants

All participants have access to:

PADI Project AWARE educational materials
Access to Project AWARE online resources
Environmental data collection materials if cleanup activity is included

No diving equipment is required for this course — the training is primarily theoretical and can be taken by anyone.

Certification Included:

PADI Project AWARE Specialist certification (issued upon completion of the training)

This certification grants you access to:

An internationally recognized status as a committed diver by PADI and Project AWARE
Credit for a specialty towards your Master Scuba Diver rating
Access to Project AWARE's conservation programs and initiatives worldwide
A global community of divers and ocean advocates

Course Structure

From Theory to Practice: Your Training Journey

Theory sessions (2 sessions)

Lesson 1: Oceans in Peril — Understanding the Challenges

Overview of global marine ecosystems
The 10 main threats identified by Project AWARE
Climate change and coral bleaching
Plastic pollution: origins, impact, and solutions

Lesson 2: Taking Action — The Diver's Role

Impact of diver behavior on reefs and marine life
Best practices for responsible diving
Participation in data collection programs (Dive Against Debris)
How to raise awareness and mobilize others

Practical session (optional)

Activity: Dive Against Debris — underwater cleanup

Debris collection at a dive site or beach in El Nido
Identification and recording of collected debris in the Project AWARE global database
Debriefing and team experience sharing