Project Aware Specialties
Local Action. Global Impact. ™
PADI® and PADI AWARE® are committed to saving the ocean together. This starts with proactively working to tackle key ocean threats like habitat destruction, climate change, overfishing, and land-based pollution. Divers are uniquely positioned to bring to the surface what is beneath the waves, acting as the first responders to help drive systemic solutions to press ocean conservation problems.
Fish Identification
“What was that fish?” is a common question heard after a dive. If you want to be the scuba diver with the answers, instead of the one asking the questions, then take the Fish Identification Specialty course. You’ll enjoy your dives, even more, when you recognize the creatures that you see and can identify the main fish families and their characteristics.
- Course Prerequisites: 10 years old and PADI (Junior) Open Water Diver certified or higher.
- Time Commitment: 2 Dives
- Price: $150 US + tax
Underwater Naturalist
Take the PADI Underwater Naturalist Specialty course and you’ll see new things, even on the most familiar scuba diving sites. Why? Because when know more about symbioses, underwater ecology, and aquatic plant and animal habitats, you notice behaviors and see creatures you may have previously missed. Learn more about the local ecosystem and take a closer look on your next scuba diving adventure. PADI (Junior) Open Water Divers who are at least 10 years old are eligible to take the Underwater Naturalist Specialty course.
- Course Prerequisites: 10 years old and PADI (Junior) Open Water Diver certified or higher.
- Time Commitment: 2 Dives
- Price: $150 US + tax
Coral Reef Conservation
Everyone likes to scuba dive or snorkel in warm, clear water on a vibrant coral reef, yet many people know little about what they’re seeing or the importance of reef ecosystems. The Coral Reef Conservation Specialty course helps you appreciate the complexity of these habitats and teaches you how you can help conserve these vital systems. The Coral Reef Conservation course references information in the digital manual – AWARE – Our World, Our Water – downloadable for free on the PADI Aware Foundation website. Although this manual is not required for the course, you can read the chapter on coral reefs in preparation for meeting with your instructor.
- Course Prerequisites: Anyone interested in the aquatic world can take this course. No prerequisites or age restrictions are required, and no water sessions are required to earn this non-diving certification.
- Price: $125 US + tax
AWARE Shark Conservation
Love sharks? Scared of sharks? Or do you just want to know more about them? Enroll in an AWARE Shark Conservation Specialty course and discover the value of sharks to marine ecosystems and economies. You’ll learn more about the causes of declining shark populations and the actions you can take to become a knowledgeable and passionate shark defender. By being informed, you can dispel misconceptions and act to protect sharks. Sharks need you!
- Course Prerequisites:12 years old and PADI (Junior) Open Water Diver certified or higher.
- Time Commitment: 2 Dives (Including 1 Shark Dive)
- Price: $300 US + tax
Dive Against Debris
Do you want to learn how to make a difference on every dive you take but are unsure where to begin? Then, gain the knowledge and skills to activate your inner citizen scientist and complete regular Dive Against Debris® surveys under the guidance of a PADI Professional by taking the Dive Against Debris Specialty.
- Course Prerequisites:12 years old and PADI (Junior) Open Water Diver certified or higher.
- Time Commitment: 1 Dive
- Price: $150 US + tax
