Marine Ecosystem Awareness Course

Divers have an interest in protecting the marine environment. In many cases as divers, we don't have environmental information about dive sites. This specialty is designed to increase the open water diver's understanding of the marine and freshwater environments, the issues faced by these unique ecosystems, and the role the diver plays in protecting our marine resources.

• This course is aimed at:

  • Certified divers who want to learn more about the underwater world and understand the impact that divers and others have on the environment. The course also addresses how we can contribute to preserving the underwater world for future generations.

  Course prerequisites:

  • Certification as an SNSI Open Water Scuba Diver, SNSI Junior Open Water Scuba Diver or equivalent, or be currently enrolled in one of these courses.
  • Minimum age of 18 years; 10 years with parental consent.

  
  

  What You Can Expect to Learn: The SNSI Marine Ecosystem Awareness Course offers in-depth study of all of the following topics and more:

  • Physical attributes of the marine environment, including temperature, thermoclines, salinity, halocline, dissolved gases, and the influence of light on photosynthesis.
  • Circulation of nutrients, waves, tides and currents, as well as their contribution to nutrient cycling.
  • Topographic characteristics of marine ecosystems.
  • Diversity of marine organisms, including plankton, aquatic plants, aquatic animals and their interactions in food chains.
  • Animal behavior influenced by the daily cycle.
  • Detailed study of ecosystems such as tropical, temperate and freshwater reefs.
  • Eco-conscious diving techniques including buoyancy control, kicking and local considerations.
  • Challenges facing marine ecosystems such as local and global environmental issues, fisheries, coral bleaching, diver interactions with animals, and treating injuries to marine life.

  Some of the skills you will need to demonstrate include:

  • Maintain proper buoyancy control at various locations.
  • Make general observations of the surroundings, including location, bottom composition, marine life and features