Learn more about the different fish and animals that inhabit the underwater world

When you start a new job, aside from getting familiar with the process of the work itself, you need to get to know all the names of the new people. It is easy for them because there is only one of you, but there are lots of them. Some techniques used are to remember something different about the person, for example she always wears bright lipstick, he has a shaved head.

Underwater we are now looking at and being looked at by a lot of different animals, all have their own names and places to live, each dive is far more interesting when you know their names.

The same techniques can be applied as when starting a new job, find something that stands out with this individual, carrying Fish Identification Slates and a pencil helps so much. You use your pencil to circle the fish on your slate, then when you are back on the boat/beach look in your book to find out more detail.

Interestingly the next time you see that fish you know enough for them to be an old friend. Each dive you do this, you learn more of the names and personalities, amazingly things underwater seem a lot more friendly and fun.

PADI Underwater Naturalist specialty course goals

To interact with the living underwater world based on objective assessments and observations

View the aquatic ecosystems scientifically, without biases based on misconceptions and myths

Learn the basic organism groupings and identifications, with emphasis on understanding the relationships between organisms, their environment and humans

Understanding and applying environmentally friendly diving techniques

What’s included in the PADI Underwater Naturalist specialty course?

PADI Underwater Naturalist Manual
PADI Underwater Naturalist Specialty Chevron (badge)
Gold PADI Underwater Naturalist Diver Certification Card
PADI Underwater Naturalist Specialty Certificate of Recognition

One day on a boat to complete the two (2) dives

Classroom time to review the knowledge review in your manual and watch the PADI
Underwater Naturalist DVD

A pool session to practice the techniques of an Underwater Naturalist and review your general diving skills

Who can become a PADI Underwater Naturalist specialty diver?

Junior Open water Diver – 12-14 years old – Certified Adult maximum depth 18m
Open water Diver – 15 years up – Maximum depth 18m

A large sea fan, soft corals, and other colorful marine life grows on a healthy reef slope.

What you need

Mask, Fins and Snorkel
Exposure Suit and Accessories (hood)
Weight System (weight belt/integrated weight with quick release)
Tanks (2 dives)
Regulator with SPG (submersible pressure gauge)
Alternate Air Source
BCD with low pressure inflator
Instrumentation with a means to monitor depth, time and direction
Recreational Dive Planner (RDP) or eRDPML
Diving Tool/Knife capable of cutting line
Slate and pencil
Whistle or surface signaling device
Dive Bag
Log Book

On a tight budget or schedule?

Complete your PADI Underwater Naturalist Diver Specialty Course on a dive by dive schedule, you could complete one dive a week for two weeks or one dive a month for two months depending on your budget/schedule.

For more details on this option please speak to the Whitsunday Diving Academy team.

Questions and Schedule

For the classroom and pool you will need to bring your completed PADI Underwater Naturalist Diver Specialty Manual and knowledge review, swimmers, towel and dive equipment.

For the boat trip you will need lunch, water bottle, swimmers, towel, hat, sun block and dive equipment.

Any questions about the PADI Underwater Naturalist Diver Specialty Course or the schedule, please speak to the Whitsunday Diving Academy Team.