The first global AWARE Week ran from 15th - 23rd September 2018 and saw the dive community take action for the ocean planet. From Dive Against Debris in Dubai to AWARE Shark Conservation courses in Canada and Project AWARE specialties in New Zealand, divers all around the world equipped themselves with the skills needed for ocean protection.

Tómmi Knúts began diving in Iceland in 1973 and from then on developed an extensive career as a diving professional. After establishing Iceland’s first PADI dive centre, DIVE.IS in 1998, he spent the following ten years teaching students the wonders of the underwater world and

As the world celebrates the 3rd Anniversary of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, we accelerate efforts to support to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, and #SDG14 “Life Below Water” in particular - Conserve and Sustainably Use the Oceans, Seas and Marine Resources for Sustainable Development. Each of us, every day, has the ability to engage and make the world a better place. The time to #Act4SDGs is now.   

Fishery managers have taken conservation action for the Greenland shark – the species thought to have the longest lifespan of any vertebrate. At their annual meeting, member countries of the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) agreed a ban on intentional take of Greenland sharks from international waters, along with other requirements for all NAFO countries to maximize live release of accidental catches and minimize associated harm. Scientists had recommended a complete ban on retention and landing of the species, action that was supported by conservationists and proposed jointly by the EU and US.

Jack Fishman, Project AWARE’s Community Conservation Officer, zooms in on Curaçao to share inspiring local community actions led in support of the global AWARE Week and World Cleanup Day celebrations.

PADI® and Project AWARE® announce the launch of the updated Project AWARE Specialty course to coincide with the first global AWARE Week, 15-23 September 2018. The newly revised course provides information and encouragement to help individuals take responsibility for ocean health.

Coinciding with International Coastal Cleanup Day on 15 September, AWARE Week marks the perfect time to focus on making a difference in the health of the underwater environment. Leadership is needed to educate and empower more divers to become ambassadors for the ocean. Join PADI and Project AWARE in protecting the ocean planet.

The County of Orange recognizes the achievement of over 54,000 AWARE divers in 114 countries for removing and reporting 1 million pieces of trash through Dive Against Debris®.

Once a year, Seaventures bring all their conservation work together for a week of education and action. PADI instructor Pete Hamerton tells us more...