PADI AWARE Specialist

XXXXX-5 PADI AWARE Specialty Lesson Guides Digital

INTRODUCTION
PADI AWARE Specialty Course Goals
• Introduce you to PADI AWARE Foundation and its mission
• Familiarize you with the PADI Blueprint for Ocean Action and the
10 Tips to Save the Ocean
• Teach you about the key threats facing the marine environment
to be Ocean AWARE
• Workshop simple actions you can take to support
ocean conservation
INTRODUCTION
PADI AWARE Foundation
• Registered, global non-profit organization
with charities based across the globe
• Founded in 1992, relies on public donations
and holds above industry standards for
allocating funds directly to impact
• Actively works with divers across the world to advance
conservation goals – Blueprint for Ocean Action
Mission: To drive local action for global ocean conservation
 PADI Blueprint for Ocean Action
Rid the Ocean of Multiply Marine Protected Protect Endangered and
Marine Debris Areas (MPAs) Vulnerable Marine Species

Reduce marine debris by 50% in Multiply MPAs) and protect 30% Reduce the number of sharks and rays
targeted countries of the ocean threatened with extinction by 25%

Accelerate Coral Reef Reduce and Offset the Dive

Recovery and Restoration Industry’s Carbon Footprint

Accelerate coral reef recovery and Achieve net-zero across the PADI
restore 5% of coral reef habitats. organization and protecting and restoring
blue carbon habitats.
INTRODUCTION
PADI AWARE – Accomplishments
• More than a half a million conservation actions taken in 186 countries
• Helped secure protection measures for more than 100 shark and ray species
• Funded millions ($US) in community grants
• Adopt the Blue – created largest network of underwater sites for conservation
• Removed 500,000 kilograms/1 million pounds of marine debris
• Created the largest underwater citizen science movement on the planet
• Published ground-breaking marine research on marine debris
• Aided more than 30,000 entangled animals
 TIP 1
Be Ocean AWARE

Understand the significant role the ocean plays and the

key threats facing the marine environment

XXXXX-5 PADI AWARE Specialty Lesson Guides Digital

 TIP 1
Be Ocean AWARE Questions you’ll be able to answer:
• Why is the ocean critical to life on Earth?
• What are the key threats currently facing the
marine environment?
• What efforts are being made to address declining
ocean health?
 TIP 1
Be Ocean AWARE Key Points
• Ocean is the largest ecosystem – covering 70% of Earth’s surface
• Ocean needs our help – major threats:
• Pollution • Overfishing
• Climate Change • Habitat Loss
 TIP 1 WORKSHOP
Be Ocean AWARE

Answers these questions for your plan:

• Of the four threats, what have you seen in the local
area or elsewhere?
• How did you or can you identify ocean threats?
• What can be done about local threats?
 TIP 2
Take Action

Divers are the underwater eyes of the world, strong ocean advocates
and marine stewards. Every action, big or small, matters

XXXXX-5 PADI AWARE Specialty Lesson Guides Digital

 TIP 2
Take Action Questions you’ll be able to answer:
• Why is taking action so important?
• What are some actions that you can take?
• Where and how can you participate in
conservation efforts?
 TIP 2
Take Action Key Points
• You are the strongest ocean advocate because you care
about threats facing the ocean
• You can help affect change – action examples:
• Take Images • Become an Ocean Torchbearer
• Act Locally • Volunteer your time
 TIP
TIP 2 WORKSHOP
WORKSH
Take Action
OP
Answers these questions for your plan:
• What will you take action on right away?
Scan the QR Code and visit the PADI
AWARE Take Action page
 TIP 3
Respect Wildlife

Understand why you should practice role-model behavior, and not

touch, feed, or chase marine life

XXXXX-5 PADI AWARE Specialty Lesson Guides Digital

 TIP 3
Respect Wildlife Questions you’ll be able to answer:
• How can touching, feeding, handling,
chasing or riding aquatic organisms
affect them?
• What is passive interaction and how can
it lead to more rewarding experiences?
 TIP 3
Respect Wildlife Key Points
• Choose not to touch marine life
• The less you affect the environment, the better it is for its natural state
• Passive interaction reduces negative effects on underwater life
• Allow marine life to come to you!
 TIP 3 WORKSHOP
Respect Wildlife

Answers these questions for your plan:

• What kind of interactions have you had with
aquatic life?
• What interactions were positive and what
interactions were negative (if any)?
• How can you encourage others to be respectful
of wildlife?
 TIP 4
Be a Buoyancy Expert

Understand skillful buoyancy, and how it can prevent harm to fragile

marine ecosystems

XXXXX-5 PADI AWARE Specialty Lesson Guides Digital

 TIP 4
Be a Buoyancy
Expert Questions you’ll be able to answer:
• Why should you be a buoyancy expert?
• How can you fine tune your buoyancy control?
• How does buoyancy apply to:
• Freedivers?
• Mermaids?
• Snorkelers?
• Swimmers?
 TIP 4
Be a Buoyancy
Expert Key Points
• Having good buoyancy control means that you can control
your position in the water
• Streamlining, correct weighting, practice and training are
key to good buoyancy control
• Enter and exit the water carefully
• Take time to avoid harm to the environment or yourself
 TIP
TIP 4 WORKSHOP
WORKSH
Be a Buoyancy Expert
OP
Answers these questions for your plan:
• When you get in the water, what can you do to avoid
hitting, kicking or bumping into fragile aquatic life?
• How can you improve your buoyancy?
 TIP 5
Practice Responsible Imaging

Support conservation through accurate and respectful

storytelling and responsible imaging

XXXXX-5 PADI AWARE Specialty Lesson Guides Digital

 TIP 5
Practice Responsible
Imaging Questions you’ll be able to answer:
• How do photography and
videography help the ocean?
• What special considerations do you
need to take when shooting images
underwater?
• How can you use social media
responsibly to promote ocean
conservation?
• Why are photos and videos the best
souvenirs to take home?
 TIP 5
Practice Responsible
Imaging Key Points
• Underwater imaging can raise awareness, influence policy,
and support scientific research in the conservation realm
• When you take images underwater you must be aware and
careful not to cause any harm
• Use and showcase your content responsibly to help the
ocean and inspire others to take action
 TIP 5 WORKSHOP
Practice Responsible
Imaging

Answers these questions for your plan:

• What underwater photos and videos have you seen
that inspired you to learn more about the ocean?
• What types of images raise awareness?
 TIP 6
Leave Only Bubbles,
Take Only Trask
Leave no trace and make a positive impact in the places
you explore

XXXXX-5 PADI AWARE Specialty Lesson Guides Digital

 TIP 6
Leave Only Bubbles
Take Only Trash Questions you’ll be able to answer:
• Why should you always avoid physical contact
with the marine habitat?
• Why is it important not to take natural souvenirs?
• Why is marine debris the only items you
should remove?
 TIP 6
Leave Only Bubbles
Take Only Trash Key Points
• Marine ecosystems are complex and delicate.
• Touching, disturbing or removing any natural item
can harm or disrupt the ecosystem balance
• Remove marine debris to help preserve the underwater
ecosystem by eliminating potential threats to marine species
 TIP
TIP 6 WORKSHOP
WORKSH
Leave Only Bubbles
Take Only Trash
OP
Answers these questions for your plan:
• What should you leave underwater, undisturbed?
• What marine debris should you remove?
 TIP 7
Become a Citizen Scientist

Monitor and restore critical marine habitats to advance

marine research

XXXXX-5 PADI AWARE Specialty Lesson Guides Digital

 TIP 7
Become a
Citizen Scientist Questions you’ll be able to answer:
• What is citizen science and what are its benefits?
• What role can divers play in citizen science?
• What are PADI AWARE Foundation’s citizen
science programs and why is it important to
participate?
 TIP 7
Become a
Citizen Scientist Key Points
• Citizen Science helps boost environmental awareness, literacy
and encourages action
• Divers explore diverse waters worldwide and can contribute to
unique and long-term datasets
• PADI AWARE’s Dive Against Debris and Global Shark & Ray
Census collect data that helps develop conservation solutions
 TIP 7 WORKSHOP
Become a Citizen
Scientist

Answer these questions for your plan:

• What citizen science programs are you interested in?
• What citizen science tools can you take with you on
every dive?
Take AWARE courses and conservation-focused
PADI Distinctive specialty courses
 TIP 8
Become an Ecotourist

Choose facilities with responsible social and

environmental business practices

XXXXX-5 PADI AWARE Specialty Lesson Guides Digital

 TIP 8
Be an Ecotourist Questions you’ll be able to answer:
• What is ecotourism?
• How can being an ecotourist make a
difference for the ocean?
• What are responsible social and
environmental business practices?
• What are eco labels and how do they help
identify sustainable operators?
• How can you avoid greenwashing?
 TIP 8
Be an Ecotourist Key Points
• Responsible ecotourism can minimize negative impact on
the natural environment and within human culture
• Your consumer power can increase demand for operators
who uphold responsible environmental business practices
• Responsible social and environmental business practices are
based on respect and understanding of the local community
 TIP
TIP 8 WORKSHOP
WORKSH
Be an Ecotourist
OP
Answer these questions for your plan:
• What environmental business practices can you
look for in a dive operator?
• What can you do while traveling to be a
good ecotourist?
Check out the PADI Dive Shop Locator
 TIP 9
Give Back

Volunteer, donate or fundraise to protect what you love

XXXXX-5 PADI AWARE Specialty Lesson Guides Digital

TIP 9
Give Back Questions you’ll be able to answer:
• Why is giving back so important?
• How can you give back and support the
ocean movement?
• How does the PADI AWARE Foundation
give back to ocean conservation?
TIP 9
Give Back Key Points
• Local communities and non-profit organizations rely heavily on
public support – volunteering, increasing awareness and
donating funds to support their work
• You can give back by:
• Taking action
• Minimizing plastic
• Reducing your carbon footprint
• Much more. . .
 TIP 9 WORKSHOP
Give Back

Answers these questions for your plan:

• What ways have you given back in the past and
what do you plan to do in the future?
• What are the benefits of giving back: for you,
organizations and the ocean?
 TIP 10
Join Us

Take the Ocean Torchbearer Pledge and stay informed

XXXXX-5 PADI AWARE Specialty Lesson Guides Digital

TIP 10
Join Us Questions you’ll be able to answer:
• What does the commitment to Seek
Adventure and Save the Ocean mean?
• What is the Ocean Torchbearer
community and how does it create ocean
change?
• How do you become an Ocean
Torchbearer and what is the Save the
Ocean Pledge?
TIP 10
Join Us Key Points
• PADI’s mission Is to create a billion Ocean Torchbearers who
can be mobilized to take action
• The Save the Ocean Pledge is a statement about being part
of the solution for a healthier planet
• Follow PADI’s social media channels and tag your actions
 TIP
TIP 10 WORKSHOP
WORKSH Join Us
OP
Answer this question for your plan:
• What actions will you take after considering
everything you’ve learned in this course?

Take the Save the Ocean Pledge

Become an Ocean Torchbearer

INSERT QR CODE
HERE
Thank You for Taking
Action for the Waters
You Love