About the Course
The SDI Marine Ecosystems Awareness Diver course is designed to increase your understanding of marine and freshwater environments, the problems facing these unique ecosystems, and the role that divers and snorkelers play in protecting our aquatic resources.
Following the course, you’ll know how to apply best practices in your own interactions with the aquatic environment, identify dive centres and boat operators that apply these best practices to their services, how to minimise your impact in your interactions with the aquatic environment, and understand how activities such as surveying, cleanups, and observation can benefit aquatic resources.
Course Outline
The SDI Marine Ecosystems Awareness Diver course is delivered through a dry, ‘fins off’ interactive workshop.
During the course, you’ll learn about the physical attributes of the marine environment, topographical features, marine organisms, ecosystems, environmentally friendly diving techniques, issues facing marine ecosystems including issues of local interest, best practices to reduce potential negative impacts, diver interactions, observation techniques, and collection methods.
Typical time commitment: 3-4 hours
Pricing Options
Standard
Group Course1:4 Instructor-to-Student Ratio
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Small-group learning environment
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Flexibility in course location
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Option to bolt-on to other courses
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No hidden costs
or to explore more options.
Private
Private Course1:1 Instructor-to-Student Ratio
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Everything in the "Standard" package
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1-on-1 private tuition
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Learn at your own pace
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Tailor your course to you, including:
- course date,
- course timing, and
- course location.
or to explore more options.
More Information
Previous dive experience and/or qualifications: No previous dive experience required for those undertaking an academic-only course. Those participating in a course including open water dives must be a certified SDI Open Water SCUBA Diver, or equivalent from another recognised diving agency.
Minimum age: 10 years old for academic-only course. 12 years old when participating in a course including open water diving – Diving in Melbourne is one of the most rewarding places to dive, but the conditions can make it challenging for younger people. Therefore, we restrict our minimum age to 12 years. Divers who are under the age of 15 may earn a Junior Diver certification. After certification 12 to 14-year-olds must dive with an adult certified diver and are limited to a maximum depth of 21m. The same depth restrictions apply for continuing education courses.
Medical fitness: In order to take part in diving, you should be medically fit to dive. As part of your booking process, we will ask you to complete a medical form. If the form indicates that you must get a diving physician’s medical evaluation, we recommend getting this sorted in good time ahead of your course, and prior to finalising your booking. We won’t be able to take you diving if you do not obtain any required approvals, and your deposit may be forfeit. For a list of qualified diving physicians, visit the SPUMS website.
Our base price includes the learning and administrative costs of the course. There may be additional costs to consider depending on the course and your individual requirements, we will confirm these with you when you book onto the course. Find below our typical inclusions based on the academic-only course, and other costs that you may need to consider:
Package Inclusions
- Instructor-led workshop
- Certification processing fee
Other Costs to Consider
- Travel
For those undertaking a course that involves open water dives, you will require the following equipment for this course:
- Basic open water SCUBA equipment, including:
- Mask, fins and snorkel
- Buoyancy compensator device (BCD) with a low-pressure power inflator
- Regulator with submersible pressure gauge
- Alternate air source
- Weight system
- Personal dive computer (PDC)
- Compressed gas cylinder
- Compass
- Rescue signals (1 no. audible, and 1 no. visual)
Please note: all students are required to own their own mask, fins, snorkel, and boots, even when equipment is supplied as part of the course, or when renting equipment from us. This is due to hygiene reasons, but also ensures that whatever equipment you are using is fitted correctly so you feel comfortable throughout your course. If you do not own your own equipment already, take a look at our Open Water SCUBA Diver Starter Bundle, which includes everything you need to get started.
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