Learning to scuba dive lets you step, often quite literally, into an underwater world and explore places which would otherwise be inaccessible. And while this unique activity is a convenient, often relaxing, way to observe life under the waves, it also provides key skills for protecting everything marine. In short, here’s how learning to dive can help you save the ocean.
As PADI AmbassaDiver Amber Sparks of Blue Latitudes Foundation discovered, “Learning to dive gave me the ability to see and experience the marine environment in a new and exciting way!” In particular, in-water education gave her new strings to her bow. She adds, “Diving, and specifically diving in oil platform environments, has inspired me to seek new opportunities for conservation at the intersection of industry and the environment.”
Here are seven ways learning to dive can help you save the ocean.
1. Obtain Exposure to the Ocean and the Issues
Perhaps the most impactful part of taking the Open Water Diver course is physically getting in the water and seeing the underwater world with your own eyes. The memories and understanding you acquire during these otherworldly experiences give birth to the passion, motivation and love which are invaluable in the fight to save the ocean. As Emma Daffurn, PADI Corporate Social Responsibility Specialist, points out, “If everyone on this planet could just do one dive, I believe it could fundamentally change how humanity interacts with the natural world.”
But it’s not only about the good stuff. In addition to beauty, time in the water will also give you first-hand experience seeing some of the real-life issues facing the oceans, such as coral bleaching, plastic pollution (and other types of pollution) and habitat destruction.
2. Learn Best Practices for Underwater Exploration
During the Open Water Diver course, you will be taught the best practices for observing and exploring the world beneath the waves. From never touching marine life to minimizing contact with the seafloor, these guidelines help promote respect for the environment and teach a better understanding of why and how this unique place needs protecting – even during recreational diving.
3. Make Connections
The diving community is full of people who want to save and protect the ocean. Completing the Open Water Diver course is a great way to meet like-minded people who can help you make a difference, either in a personal or professional capacity. Being part of a network of people who care about the ocean will help you stay up to date on what’s going on, such as environmental issues you can raise awareness for, events you can attend and petitions you can sign.
4. Become an Ambassador for the Ocean
As a qualified Open Water Diver, you’ll be able to show and tell friends, family and the world all about the amazing world that exists underwater, in addition to the threats facing it. As an honorary ambassador for the ocean, you’ll possess new knowledge and power to share stories, pictures and experiences, increasing awareness while also inspiring and motivating others to join the fight to protect the ocean.
5. Gain the Know-How to Partake in Citizen Science Projects
An Open Water Diver certification does more than let you recreationally scuba dive to 60 feet (18 meters). Once your certification card is in your hands, you’ll be able to sign up for a whole range of marine conservation projects, such as underwater clean-ups, coral restoration projects and marine animal protection missions. These individual projects are part of a larger plan to save the ocean. For example, as Emma Daffurn notes, “By becoming a citizen scientist and submitting marine debris data to PADI AWARE, you are directly providing support to scientists and policymakers to make real changes.”
6. Take the First Step on a New Career Path
Completing your Open Water Diver certification could be the first step into any number of careers in which being able to dive is important. Of course, one natural progression from the Open Water diver certification is to become a PADI Divemaster or PADI Instructor. Both of these positions will allow you to influence new and experienced divers, through education about protecting the ocean and the example you set in and out of the water.
Additionally, there are numerous environmental jobs in which being a PADI-certified scuba diver can be an integral, or at least very handy, skill to have. Conservation biologists, marine resource economists and hydrologists may spend some of their working hours under the waves, and they all play important roles in helping to save the ocean.
7. Further Your Education with AWARE Specialty Courses
Even if furthering your certification level isn’t of interest, you can continue to learn about saving the ocean. With an Open Water Diver certification in hand, you can begin to expand your conservation education through the AWARE conservation specialty courses, which cover a range of topics and teach PADI certified divers about marine life and the underwater environment. These course also provide real tools and strategies on how to help in marine conservation. For example, the Project AWARE Specialist covers the problems facing our oceans and includes specific actions you can take to help protect it and make a difference. Other available courses include Coral Reef Conservation, AWARE Shark Conservation and the pollution-fighting Dive Against Debris.
Are you ready to step up, help save the ocean and #LiveUnfiltered at the same time? Sign up for a PADI Open Water Diver course today.
