PROJECT AWARE - Shark Conservation Diver Course

Sharks are crucial to marine ecosystems, yet sharks are in a global decline. Learn about the value of sharks and what is causing the rapid loss of shark populations.  The course may include two scuba dives or may be presented as a non-diving education program.

The first dive of this distinctive specialty course may credit as an Adventure Dive toward your Advanced Open Water Diver certification – ask your instructor about earning credit.

Join us in the Red Sea and complete this course there Red Sea Diving.

Why do AWARE Shark Conservation Diver Course?

Are you interested in what causes the rapid loss of shark populations, want to understand their behaviour, dispel misperceptions and how we can help increase Shark populations?

Or do you just want the excitement of diving with one of the oldest animals that live on Earth ?

If you have answered yes to any of these questions above, the AWARE Shark Conservation Diver Course is what you need.

Shark populations are rapidly declining, mainly due to overfishing. Many actions are required to protect sharks including improved fisheries management and trade regulation. An important step towards gaining improved protection for sharks is to raise the public’s awareness of the issues and engage them in shark conservation activities. With this in mind use this course to turn students into advocates for shark conservation. This means to give them the knowledge they need to understand the issues, and the inspiration to take action.

Course Learning Objectives;

By the end of knowledge development, students will be able to explain

Sharks in Peril and why we should care

Conservation status of sharks, why they are unique and vulnerable, and the importance of healthy shark populations.

• Explain the unique physical attributes of sharks
• Outline the conservation status of sharks
• Explain the life history traits that make sharks vulnerable
• Describe the importance of sharks to marine ecosystems

Managing threats and recognising values

• Threats to sharks and how they could be managed. Recognising the value of sharks and removing barriers to conservation.
• State the major threats contributing to declines in shark populations
• Describe key management strategies that can protect sharks
• Describe the value of sharks to local economies
• Describe common misperceptions of sharks and explain why these should not be a barrier to shark conservation

Taking action and joining the Project AWARE movement

Actions they can take to protect sharks, sharks in your location and how joining a global movement of divers can help protect sharks.

• List personal actions you can take to protect sharks
• Identify sharks in your local area or travel destination and list their conservation status
• List responsible environmental guidelines for diving with sharks
• Explain how to be part of the global movements of Project AWARE divers

www.projectaware.org/project/sharks-peril

Course Consists of

• A knowledge development and review session 2hrs,
• optional pool session to improve buoyancy skills
• 2 open water dives.

To obtain the full PADI Distinctive certification of AWARE Shark Conservation Diver. If the dives are not completed the participant is awarded with a AWARE Shark Conservation Program Participant Certificate only.

*Manual and certification included

Where can I go from here?

The Shark Conservation Specialty Course counts as one of your five Specialty diver certifications for the Master Scuba Diver certification.

Other courses related to Shark Conservation

AWARE - Coral Conservation, AWARE - Fish ID, Peak Performance Buoyancy, Underwater Photography, Night Diver, Deep Diver and Enriched Air Diver

Prerequisites

Junior Open Water Diver, 12yrs old

Course Cost

£120*

Course Dates

Theory in the UK and dives in The Red Sea on one of our trips.

Places strictly limited to a max of (6) students per Instructor.

Book your place today - deposit £70