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. If you’re at least 10 years old and a PADI (Junior) Open Water Diver or higher, you can enroll in the AWARE – Fish Identification course.
Required Dives
Dive One
• Identifying fish by placing them in appropriate family groupings
• Recording fish sightings
• Drawing diagrams of unfamiliar fish for later identification
• Demonstrating responsible diving practices to minimize negative environmental effects
Dive Two
• Planning and executing a dive using appropriate fish surveying techniques
Gaining the Knowledge
This will be a comprehensive and very informative training program that introduces you to becoming a fish identification expert. At your own pace, you'll work your way through the different sections including; how to identify characteristics of local fish families and species, fish survey techniques and strategies and also activities that can help protect aquatic life. This portion takes between 12-15 hours and must be completed prior to your dives.
The first dive of this PADI Specialty Diver course may credit as an Adventure Dive toward your Advanced Open Water Diver certification – ask your SCUBA Heroes instructor about earning credit
Equipment: Beyond using basic SCUBA equipment, you’ll want a slate and pencil to record what you see and a fish identification card if available. Your SCUBA Heroes Instructor may suggest other appropriate gear.
Why PADI: PADI Divers carry the most respected and sought after scuba diving credentials in the world. No matter where you choose to dive, your PADI certification card will be recognized and accepted. In fact, on most scuba diving adventures, you’ll be surrounded by other PADI Divers who made the same certification choice you did – to train with the world’s largest and most respected scuba diving training organization.
Read: "The PADI Difference" for an in depth look as to why SCUBA Heroes has teamed up with PADI
12 Specialty Courses
SCUBA diving is a way to explore the underwater world in new and different ways. Specialty Diver courses teach you new techniques and give you the tools to enhance your exploration. These courses are in-depth, comprehensive and very informative training programs. The Specialty Diver Courses go beyond what each Adventure dive teaches you in Advanced Open Water.