Dive Against Debris Course

Make a difference on every dive by activating your inner citizen scientist. During the Dive Against Debris® Diver Specialty course, you’ll learn how ocean plastic and trash cleanups not only keep your local dive sites healthier, but also how to contribute to a global database that documents our planet’s marine debris problem. Under the guidance of your instructor, you’ll participate in a Dive Against Debris survey and turn your passion for the underwater world into real action.

Join the PADI Torchbearer™ movement of divers protecting our ocean planet and making every dive count.

What You'll Learn

✅ Identify which objects should and shouldn’t be removed from the ocean

The PADI Dive Against Debris course teaches divers how to identify which objects should and shouldn’t be removed from the ocean by providing guidelines on assessing the impact of various debris. Divers learn to distinguish between harmful items, like plastics and fishing gear, which pose significant threats to marine life, and benign objects that may not require removal. The course also emphasizes the importance of reporting certain items to local authorities or conservation organizations if removal is not feasible. By understanding these guidelines, divers can contribute effectively to marine debris management while minimizing unintended consequences for the ecosystem.
✅ Conduct a survey: Sort, record and report the marine debris you collect

The PADI Dive Against Debris course teaches divers how to conduct a survey by guiding them through the processes of sorting, recording, and reporting marine debris. Divers learn to categorize collected debris into types, such as plastics, metals, or fishing gear, and accurately record this information using standardized forms or digital tools. The course emphasizes the importance of reporting the data to relevant organizations or databases to contribute to larger conservation efforts and track trends in marine pollution. By following these procedures, divers play a crucial role in documenting and addressing the impact of debris on marine environments.
✅ Contribute to PADI AWARE Foundation’s global database

The PADI Dive Against Debris course teaches divers how to contribute to the PADI AWARE Foundation’s global database by providing clear instructions on how to submit their debris survey data. Divers learn to input detailed information about the types and quantities of debris collected, using standardized reporting forms or digital platforms designed by the AWARE Foundation. This process ensures that their data becomes part of a comprehensive global database that tracks marine pollution trends and informs conservation strategies. By contributing to this database, divers help drive global efforts to reduce marine debris and protect ocean ecosystems.

Certification Requirements

Pre-requisites

PADI (Junior) Open Water Diver, PADI Freediver™ or PADI Advanced Mermaid™ (or qualifying certification)

Schedule/Time

PADI eLearning: 2-4 hours. Entire course: 1 day

Age

10 years or older

Health

Good physical health

Why Take the Dive Against Debris Course?

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Every diver should take the Dive Against Debris course to actively participate in the crucial effort to combat marine pollution and protect underwater ecosystems. This course provides divers with the skills to identify, collect, and report marine debris effectively, turning their passion for diving into meaningful environmental action. By learning to conduct surveys, sort and record debris, and contribute data to the PADI AWARE Foundation’s global database, divers become integral in tracking and addressing the impact of pollution on marine life. Participating in this course not only enhances a diver's awareness and responsibility but also empowers them to make a tangible difference in preserving the ocean for future generations.