If you’re a diver, you likely already know that many shark species are critically endangered. But do you know why their numbers are decreasing and, more importantly, what you can do to help? The Project AWARE Foundation is a growing movement of scuba divers working to protect the ocean, and its two main areas of concern are shark conservation and marine debris issues. To help divers and instructors become proactive, Project AWARE created the AWARE Shark Conservation specialty course in partnership with PADI.

You must be, at a minimum, an open-water certified diver age 12 years or older. The study guide is available online at no charge, so whether you’re already a PADI Instructor or a student, you can easily access the materials. The program features a few slides that can be personalized with local shark photos and information, which is an excellent way to learn about your local shark species if there are any. The PADI course includes two open-water dives, however, it’s not essential that you see sharks to earn the certification; rather, it’s more about learning the positive and negative impacts to sharks in the area. Non-diving friends and family can join for the presentation to learn about ways they too can help and will receive a certificate of attendance.

All profits from this course go to Project aware.