Sharks are an essential part of a healthy ocean. This course explores why they are vulnerable, the importance of a healthy shark population, managing threats and how to take action to protect them. Description Love sharks? Scared of sharks? Or do you just want to know more about them? Enroll in an AWARE Shark Conservation Specialty course and discover the value of sharks to marine ecosystems and economies. You’ll learn more about the causes of declining shark populations and the actions you can take to become a knowledgeable and passionate shark defender. By being informed, you can dispel misconceptions and act to protect sharks. Sharks need you! If you’re a PADI (Junior) Open Water Diver who is at least 12 years old, you can enroll in the AWARE Shark Conservation Diver Specialty course. Academic At the end of your classroom session and two open water dives, you will be able to explain: The conservation status of sharks, why they are unique and vulnerable, and the importance of healthy shark populations. How to manage threats to sharks, recognize the value of sharks and remove barriers to conservation. Actions you can take to protect sharks and how joining a global movement of divers can help to protect sharks. Get credit! The first dive of this PADI Specialty Diver course may credit as an Adventure Dive toward your Advanced Open Water Diver certification – ask your instructor about earning credit. Getting Started Download and read the AWARE Shark Conservation Diver Study Guide from the Project AWARE website. Stop by your local PADI Dive Center and Resort to enroll in the course and start learning about the value of sharks to marine ecosystems and economies. More Courses Continuing Education Advanced Rebreather Diver Dive in silence and train to dive as deep as 40 metres/130 feet. Learn about scrubbers, oxygen consumption and bailout requirements including how to configure a bailout cylinder system. Continuing Education Altitude Diver Diving in altitudes higher than 300 metres/1000 feet above sea level is altitude diving. Discover a hidden world where only a few have ventured. Continuing Education Boat Diver This course helps you expand your knowledge about boats from small inflatables to large liveaboards. You'll gain experience scuba diving by completing two dives from a boat. Continuing Education Cavern Diver Gain the knowledge and skills to explore caverns correctly and safely. This course guides you to enter far enough for adventure, but stay within the light zone for an easy exit to open water. Continuing Education Coral Reef Conservation This course helps you appreciate the complexity of coral reef habitats and teaches how you can help conserve these vital systems. Continuing Education Deep Diver Explore deeper dive sites with confidence at depths down to 40 metres/130 ft. Learn to manage your gas supply, go over buddy contact procedures, and buoyancy control.