Underwater Naturalist
Get a better understanding about the local ecosystem and the differences between terrestrial and aquatic worlds. See new things, even in the most familiar dive sites. When you 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.
Required Dives
Dive One
• Apply diving techniques to preserve bottom-dwelling organisms and minimize disturbance of all aquatic life
• Locate and identify at least two local aquatic plants
• Locate and identify at least four local aquatic invertebrate animals
• Locate and identify at least five local aquatic vertebrate animals
Dive Two
• Apply diving techniques to preserve bottom-dwelling organisms and minimize disturbance of all aquatic life
• Identify and observe symbiotic and predator/prey relationships
• Locate indications of impact by man on the dive site and evaluate the possible cause
Gaining the Knowledge
This will be a comprehensive and very informative training program that introduces you to becoming an underwater naturalist. At your own pace, you'll work your way through the different sections including; key differences between the terrestrial and aquatic worlds, major aquatic life groupings, interactions and information that dispels myths and having responsible interactions with 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: Besides your basic SCUBA equipment, you’ll need a slate and pencil to record your observations. You may want a dive light to better see into cracks and crevices. 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.