What every diver needs to know about Project AWARE !
I do not care what agency certified you, if you are a diver, take note because you will be bombarded with AWARE information over the next Month (especially) as we lead up to AWARE Week, so you might as well know more about this incredible organization!
So let’s start from the beginning for the uninitiated,
What is Project AWARE?
“Our ocean conservation adventure started as a project – an environmental ethic initiated by the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI®) in the late 80’s.
Today, Project AWARE is a global movement for ocean protection powered by a community of adventurers. We connect the passion for ocean adventure with the purpose of marine conservation to create lasting change.
Supported by this growing movement, we envision a world where the ocean doesn’t need protecting. Our local actions collectively protect the most vulnerable marine species and decrease pollution. We work together for a clean, healthy ocean – and we have fun doing it!” (from the Project AWARE Website)
Project AWARE makes it possible for divers & dive professionals alike to rally together to take action for the ocean through Dive Against Debris Dives & Coral Watch Surveys. These surveys provide a service to the ocean and gather data which can be used to take further action where necessary. Not only divers can participate and be a part of the global Project AWARE community, by participating in non-dive specialties people of all ages can learn about coral reef conservation, shark and ray conservation, we even teach the principals of dive against debris to our beach cleanup & snorkel cleanup participants so they can assist our divers in sorting and recording their marine debris and maybe one day they too will become divers - diving against debris!
How does SALT partner with Project AWARE?
SALT offers a variety of Project AWARE Specialties year round like:
Coral Reef Conservation Specialty
Fish ID Specialty
Dive Against Debris Specialty
Coral Watch Specialty ( Coral Health Survey )
SALT has adopted Toucari Bay and the Cabrits Jetty under the Project AWARE - Adopt A Dive Site Program. We do cleanup dives at these locations regularly with our divers and submit that data to Project AWARE through their mobil app. Of course any time our divers or crew see marine debris (that is safe to remove) they are encouraged to do so and report it at the end of the dive, which is one of the reasons there can be such a huge difference in the amount of rubbish removed from a dive. Sometimes we end up with little surveys which include just 1 small item or even just a fragment, while others include hundreds of pounds of bulk junk that required surface support to handle!
Our Divemaster Joy rigging a surface line to the lift bag line, and Diver Bill securing the pile of galvanized roofing below!
How can you get involved with Project AWARE?
Donate directly to Project AWARE
Join us at AWARE Week, take part in our special Coral Reef Conservation & Coral Watch workshops, snorkels & dives (events for divers and non divers) , or Dive Against Debris Days.
Sign up for a Project AWARE Specialty course or dive at SALT or your local PADI Dive Shop.
Make a donation of $10 or more the next time you take a certificaiton class or specialty to upgrade your card to a Project AWARE certification card.
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