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. Description Take the PADI Underwater Naturalist Specialty course and you’ll see new things, even on the most familiar scuba diving sites. Why? Because when 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. Academic Through class discussions and on two scuba dives, you’ll learn: Key differences between the terrestrial and aquatic worlds. Major aquatic life groupings, interactions and information that dispels myths. Responsible interactions with aquatic life. 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. Available Languages For information on other available languages please contact your PADI Dive Center. Equipment Besides your basic scuba equipment, you’ll need a slate and pencil to record your observations. Ask your PADI Instructor or https://locator.padi.com"; title="Use the PADI Dive Shop Locator">PADI Dive Center or Resort staff about additional equipment you may want, such as a dive light to better see into cracks and crevices. Getting Started Pick up your PADI Underwater Naturalist Manual at your local https://locator.padi.com"; title="Use the PADI Dive Shop Locator">PADI dive shop as you enroll in the course. After reading the manual and filling out the Knowledge Review, you’re ready to meet with your PADI Instructor and plan your underwater naturalist dives. Underwater Naturalist Contact Dive Shop Continuing-Education Underwater Naturalist eLearning covers self-study material. Your dive shop will charge training fees. Contact Dive Shop Your Dive Shop 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 AWARE Shark Conservation 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. 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.