Master Eco Diver
My blog posts this month have been centered on the environment, only fitting since Earth Day was last week. I’ve written about the many environment-specific PADI Specialties: Project AWARE, Coral Reef Conservation, Underwater Naturalist, Fish Identification, Shark Conservation, and Peak Performance Buoyancy.
Sharks are apex predators. They keep the oceans healthy by removing sick aquatic animals and keeping fish populations under control. Shark Conservation is essential for ocean sustainability.
Last month, I wrote about Master Scuba Diver. What would you think if you could be a Master Eco Diver? While not a recognized certification (right now), you could become the Master Eco Diver—Master Scuba Diver with the Eco-twist. How? Easy. You need to follow the same requirements as Master Scuba Diver, but complete environment-specific specialties.
For example:
- Complete PADI Open Water Diver (or equivalent)
- Complete PADI Advanced Open Water Diver (or equivalent)
- Complete PADI Rescue Diver (or equivalent)
- Log fifty(50) dives
- Complete AWARE Fish ID Specialty
- Complete AWARE Coral Reef Conservation Specialty
- Complete Project AWARE Specialty
- Complete the PADI Underwater Naturalist Specialty
- Complete the PADI Peak Performance Buoyancy Specialty
Now, you’ve met all of the requirements for being a PADI Master Scuba Diver, focusing on eco-specific specialties. You’re well versed in environmental issues and diving safely. Talk about being the ideal dive buddy!
Remember the AWARE Ten Tips? Let’s take a look at a few of those tips and see what diving courses can help you out.
#1 Buoyancy Expert: Peak Performance Buoyancy helps here
#2 Be a role model: Rescue Diver, Divemaster and Instructor
#3 Take only pictures, leave only bubbles: PADI Digital Underwater Photography
#4 Protect Underwater Life: Underwater Naturalist
#5 Become a Debris Activist: Project AWARE Specialty
#6 Responsible seafood choices: Project AWARE, Underwater Naturalist and FishID
#7 Take Action: AWARE Kids program has some good info on contacting your elected officials
#8 Be an eco-tourist: Maybe not a specialty, but using the PADI Travel network can help
#9 Shrink your carbon footprint: Project AWARE Specialty
#10 Give back: you don’t need training here, just find ways to help support groups like Project AWARE