Description

Deepen your understanding of the marine and freshwater environments you love to explore, and the vital role divers can play in protecting them. This course looks at how underwater ecosystems function, the relationships between the organisms that live there, and the pressures these fragile environments face today. You’ll come away with a greater appreciation for what you see on every dive and practical ways to reduce your own impact, from buoyancy and contact awareness to responsible interaction with marine life. It’s a great fit for divers who want their time underwater to support conservation and who care about keeping these places healthy for generations to come.

Divers have a vested interest in protecting the marine environment. In many cases, divers do not have environmental information about local sites. This specialty is designed to increase the open water diver’s understanding of marine and freshwater environments, the problems facing these unique ecosystems, and the role that diver’s play in protecting our marine resources.

Dives included: 2 open water sessions (scuba dives or snorkeling).

Prerequisites

• SDI Open Water Scuba Diver or equivalent if participating in the open water scuba dives
• SDI Snorkeler certification or equivalent for the non-diving (snorkeling) certification
• May also be taught as an academic-only course, in which case no prior certification is required
• Minimum age 18; 10 with parental consent
• Complete a medical statement where relevant

What You Will Learn

• How marine and freshwater ecosystems function
• Relationships among organisms and their habitats
• Threats and pressures facing aquatic environments
• Reducing diver impact through buoyancy and contact awareness
• Responsible interaction with marine life

Required Equipment

• Complete open-water scuba kit
• Dive computer
• Slate for observations (optional)
• No collection tools — observation focused

Course Requirements & Standards (SDI)

• Knowledge development with optional open-water application dive(s)
• Conservation and low-impact diving emphasis
• Conducted within recreational limits

After This Course

Supports conservation-minded diving and pairs well with photography and buoyancy specialties.