GVI and PADI launch new reef diver qualification

Global Vision International gains PADI accreditation for its Coral Reef Research Diver Speciality in the Seychelles.

GVI assists the Seychelles government and local NGO’s in their biological study and conservation programmes, including coral reef research, invertebrate surveys, whale shark migration observations, plankton sampling, turtle nesting research and in water turtle surveys. Based in Cap Ternay National Marine Park, staff member Kirsty Nash (PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer and EFR Instructor) has developed a specialist reef diver qualification for all expedition members.

“The expedition team has developed fish and coral reef research using set methodologies for under water surveys using scuba,” says Kirsty. “It was a natural next step to get these skills recognized by PADI and offer a qualification to our dedicated volunteers.”

The purpose of the PADI Coral Reef Research Diver Specialty is to provide the diver with the skills to perform effective underwater surveys of coral reef fauna in the following ways:

1. An overview of the coral reef ecosystem and major fish and/or hard coral families 2. The planning, organization, procedures, techniques, problems and hazards of survey diving on coral reefs 3. Buoyancy and navigation techniques for effective monitoring of coral and/or fish communities 4. Proper techniques and safety considerations for the use of various underwater tapes, reels, and recording materials.

This qualification is available now in addition to PADI Open water, Advanced Open water, Rescue Diver, Dive Master, Underwater Photographer and a range of other speciality courses at GVI expeditions. Mexico expeditions will offer the new course from January 2007.

For futher details please visit http://www.gviaustralia.com or contact Erica Louise on info@gviaustralia.com

Contributed by James Whiteley added 2006-09-06