{"id":791,"date":"2024-09-04T09:46:41","date_gmt":"2024-09-04T09:46:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/?page_id=791"},"modified":"2026-04-15T10:37:51","modified_gmt":"2026-04-15T10:37:51","slug":"dive-against-debris-course","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/marine-conservation-courses\/dive-against-debris-course\/","title":{"rendered":"Dive Against Debris"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wpb-content-wrapper\"><p>[vc_section has_dark_background=&#8221;yes&#8221; full_width=&#8221;stretch_row&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_123456789{background-color: #192753 !important;}&#8221;][vc_row boxed_layout=&#8221;yes&#8221; equal_height=&#8221;yes&#8221;][vc_column width=&#8221;2\/3&#8243;]<ul id=\"breadcrumbs\" class=\"breadcrumbs\"><li class=\"item-home\"><a class=\"bread-link bread-home\" href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/\" title=\"Home\">Home<\/a><\/li><li class=\"separator separator-home\"> &gt; <\/li><\/ul><div class=\"course-price-wrapper\"><h3>PADI AWARE Dive Against Debris<\/h3><div class=\"bt-course-price\"><a href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/prices\/#conservation\" class=\"button fasc-button\">BOOK ONLINE<\/a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong>PRICE<\/strong>: 5,000&nbsp;THB<\/div><\/div>[vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<em>Dive Against Debris is a PADI AWARE specialty course that empowers divers to remove underwater marine debris and report data on the types and quantities of trash found. Isla Tortuga Divers conducts these dives to actively clean local reefs while educating participants on the global marine plastic crisis. The course results in a direct positive impact on the Koh Tao underwater environment.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3>Scuba Divers Keep our Oceans Clean<\/h3>\n<p>Scuba Divers have a responsibility to protect the ocean and by taking our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.padi.com\/aware\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">PADI AWARE<\/a> Dive Against Debris course, you will learn how to make a difference and make every dive count.<\/p>\n<p>A dive against debris diver takes action by collecting critical survey data and reporting it to a global database used by <a href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/marine-conservation-courses\/\">marine conservation<\/a> organisations, researchers and policymakers worldwide.<\/p>\n<h4>Join the Movement<\/h4>\n<p>Become an expert in organising local marine debris events and contributing to a global movement by signing up for our 1 Day PADI AWARE Dive Against Debris <a href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/padi-specialty-courses\/\">specialty course<\/a>.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_1341\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1341\" style=\"width: 1260px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1341\" src=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/islatortugadivers.com-padi-marine-debris-collection-koh-tao.jpg\" alt=\"dive against debris environmental course Thailand\" width=\"1260\" height=\"840\" srcset=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/islatortugadivers.com-padi-marine-debris-collection-koh-tao.jpg 1260w, https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/islatortugadivers.com-padi-marine-debris-collection-koh-tao-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/islatortugadivers.com-padi-marine-debris-collection-koh-tao-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/islatortugadivers.com-padi-marine-debris-collection-koh-tao-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1260px) 100vw, 1260px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-1341\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Dive Against Debris Collection<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a class=\"fasc-button fasc-size-medium fasc-type-flat\" style=\"background-color: #33809e; color: #ffffff;\" href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/prices\/#conservation\">BOOK ONLINE<\/a><\/p>\n<h3>Included in our Dive Against Debris course<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Dive against Debris Survey Guide<\/li>\n<li>Dive Against Debris Data Card<\/li>\n<li>Dive Against Debris Marine Debris Identification Card<\/li>\n<li>1 Dive Against Debris dive **<\/li>\n<li>AWARE Dive against Debris Certification Card<\/li>\n<li>Dive Insurance<\/li>\n<li>Max 4 students per <a href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/pro-level\/\">PADI Dive Instructor<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Full set of Aqualung rental equipment including a Dive Computer for your course<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/about-us\/\">Official Isla Tortuga Divers<\/a> T-shirt<\/li>\n<li>Community Vibes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>** Optional second dive: 800 THB<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3>Prerequisites for the Dive Against Debris course<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Minimum certification: Junior <a href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/padi-diving-courses\/open-water-course\/\">Open Water Diver<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Minimum Age: 12 years<\/li>\n<li>Maximum Depth: 18 metres\/60 feet<\/li>\n<li>Dive Against Debris dive counts as an Adventure dive on <a href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/padi-diving-courses\/advanced-open-water-course\/\">PADI Advanced Open Water<\/a> course<\/li>\n<li>Recent diving experience \u2013<a href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/padi-diving-courses\/scuba-review\/\"> scuba review<\/a> if you have not dived in the last 12 months<\/li>\n<li>Medically fit to dive<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a class=\"fasc-button fasc-size-medium fasc-type-flat\" style=\"background-color: #33809e; color: #ffffff;\" href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/prices\/#conservation\">BOOK ONLINE<\/a><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_1336\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1336\" style=\"width: 1260px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1336\" src=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/islatortugadivers.com-dive-against-debris-marine-conservation-koh-tao.jpeg\" alt=\"dive against debris marine conservation koh tao\" width=\"1260\" height=\"840\" srcset=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/islatortugadivers.com-dive-against-debris-marine-conservation-koh-tao.jpeg 1260w, https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/islatortugadivers.com-dive-against-debris-marine-conservation-koh-tao-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/islatortugadivers.com-dive-against-debris-marine-conservation-koh-tao-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/islatortugadivers.com-dive-against-debris-marine-conservation-koh-tao-768x512.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1260px) 100vw, 1260px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-1336\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Dive Against Debris<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3>1 Day Dive Against Debris Specialty course<\/h3>\n<p>The Dive Against Debris specialty course is conducted over two sections; theory and practical.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Knowledge Development<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Students need to attend the presentation \u2018survey of marine debris for scuba divers.\u2019<\/li>\n<li>Create a My Ocean profile on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.diveagainstdebris.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Dive Against Debris website<\/a> to submit data<\/li>\n<li>Read the Survey Guide and complete the Knowledge Review<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Open Water training<\/strong> &#8211; 1 Open Water Dive Against Debris<\/p>\n<h3>What you learn on a Dive Against Debris course<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>How to leverage marine debris surveys for debris management<\/li>\n<li>How to conduct marine surveys using the Marine Debris Survey Guide<\/li>\n<li>How to join the worlds largest citizen science movement<\/li>\n<li>How to organise local events to protect the ocean<\/li>\n<li>How to create a healthier ocean<\/li>\n<li>Learn how to collect, remove and report on marine debris<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Open Water training for Dive Against Debris<\/h3>\n<p>Your Dive Against Debris Open water training dive will be conducted at a suitable <a href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/dive-sites\/\">dive site around Koh Tao<\/a>. The choice of dive site will depend on multiple factors including weather and our current diving schedule.<\/p>\n<h3>Information for Dive Against Debris specialty course<\/h3>\n<p>This specialty course equips students with the knowledge and skills to independently complete Dive Against Debris surveys, which includes collecting and removing marine debris and reporting this data back to PADI AWARE.<\/p>\n<h4>What is Marine Debris?<\/h4>\n<p>Marine debris is a human created litter that has been released into the oceans, seas or freshwater environment, either accidentally or deliberately.<\/p>\n<p>One of the most common materials <a href=\"https:\/\/www.marineconservation.org.au\/10-of-the-most-dangerous-plastic-products-polluting-our-oceans\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">found in the ocean is plastic<\/a>, which has a significant impact on marine life.<\/p>\n<p>Marine debris is a serious and growing threat to the health of our oceans. By reducing our reliance on single-use plastics, disposing of waste properly, and supporting organisations that clean up debris, we can help protect our oceans for future generations<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_1339\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1339\" style=\"width: 1260px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1339\" src=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/islatortugadivers.com-padi-dive-against-debris-course-koh-tao.jpg\" alt=\"padi marine debris collection koh tao\" width=\"1260\" height=\"840\" srcset=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/islatortugadivers.com-padi-dive-against-debris-course-koh-tao.jpg 1260w, https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/islatortugadivers.com-padi-dive-against-debris-course-koh-tao-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/islatortugadivers.com-padi-dive-against-debris-course-koh-tao-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/islatortugadivers.com-padi-dive-against-debris-course-koh-tao-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1260px) 100vw, 1260px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-1339\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Marine Debris Collection<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a class=\"fasc-button fasc-size-medium fasc-type-flat\" style=\"background-color: #33809e; color: #ffffff;\" href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/prices\/#conservation\">BOOK ONLINE<\/a><\/p>\n<h3>Ten Reasons why Marine Debris is bad for the ocean<\/h3>\n<p>1. <strong>Harm caused to marine animals:<\/strong> Animals mistake debris for food or get entangled in it, which can lead to injuries, starvation and death.<\/p>\n<p>2. <strong>Plastic Pollution:<\/strong> Plastic in the ocean breaks down into smaller micro and mesa plastics tiny pieces, which harms marine life even without ingesting it.<\/p>\n<p>3. <strong>Habitat destruction:<\/strong> Debris smothers coral reefs, sea grasses and other vital habitats, which disrupts marine ecosystems and affects the food chain.<\/p>\n<p>4. <strong>Disrupts ecosystems:<\/strong> Marine debris can smother coral reefs, seagrasses, and other vital habitats, affecting the entire food chain.<\/p>\n<p>5. <strong>Spreads pollutants:<\/strong> Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) can adhere to plastic debris and enter the food chain when ingested by marine life.<\/p>\n<p>6. <strong>Threatens human health:<\/strong> Microplastics, tiny fragments of plastic debris, can contaminate seafood and drinking water, potentially impacting human health.<\/p>\n<p>7. <strong>Reduces touristic value:<\/strong> Beaches and waterways littered with debris are unpleasant for swimming, fishing, and other recreational activities.<\/p>\n<p>8. <strong>Economic impact:<\/strong> Cleaning up marine debris is expensive, and the economic impact on fisheries and tourism can be significant.<\/p>\n<p>9. <strong>Introduces invasive species:<\/strong> Debris can act as rafts, transporting invasive species to new areas and disrupting ecosystems.<\/p>\n<p>10. <strong>Oxygen depletion:<\/strong> As marine debris decomposes, it can consume oxygen in the water, creating dead zones where marine life cannot survive.<\/p>\n<h3>PADI AWARE Dive Against Debris Course Schedule<\/h3>\n<p>You will meet your <a href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/pro-level\/master-scuba-diver-trainer\/\">diving instructor<\/a> at 9am ready for the class presentation and orientation that includes completion of your paperwork and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.padi.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">PADI<\/a> medical statement.<\/p>\n<p>09:00 &#8211; 11:00: Orientation &amp; Knowledge Development<\/p>\n<p>12:15 &#8211; 17:00: Dive Against Debris open water dive<\/p>\n<p>17:00 \u2013 18:00: Complete the steps to record and report your data from the survey and upload to the global PADI AWARE database.<\/p>\n<p>Upon completion of all the course requirements you will be certified as a PADI AWARE Dive Against Debris diver.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_1335\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1335\" style=\"width: 1260px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1335\" src=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/islatortugadivers.com-dive-against-debris-environmental-course-thailand.jpg\" alt=\"padi dive against debris Thailand\" width=\"1260\" height=\"840\" srcset=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/islatortugadivers.com-dive-against-debris-environmental-course-thailand.jpg 1260w, https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/islatortugadivers.com-dive-against-debris-environmental-course-thailand-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/islatortugadivers.com-dive-against-debris-environmental-course-thailand-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/islatortugadivers.com-dive-against-debris-environmental-course-thailand-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1260px) 100vw, 1260px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-1335\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">PADI Dive Against Debris<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a class=\"fasc-button fasc-size-medium fasc-type-flat\" style=\"background-color: #33809e; color: #ffffff;\" href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/prices\/#conservation\">BOOK ONLINE<\/a><\/p>\n<h3>Marine Debris Identification Guide and Data Card<\/h3>\n<p>Students have to complete the knowledge development and knowledge review of 15 questions guided and reviewed by our specialty instructor, before participating in the open water dive and data reporting.<\/p>\n<p>The instructor led knowledge development is conducted on the first morning and covers various subjects including:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Describe the damage caused by marine debris to wildlife, habitats, and coastal environments<\/li>\n<li>Explain and define marine debris<\/li>\n<li>Describe the pathways taken by litter into the ocean<\/li>\n<li>Explain changes needed to stop litter from entering the ocean and how divers are driving change through Dive Against Debris<\/li>\n<li>Establish a Dive Against Debris survey: survey frequency, sites, profiles and equipment. Use of photography and knowing what to leave behind.<\/li>\n<li>Describe important attributes of a Dive Against Debris survey<\/li>\n<li>Outline considerations for creating a survey dive profile<\/li>\n<li>Describe the use of photography in Dive Against Debris surveys<\/li>\n<li>Identify criteria for deciding when objects should not be removed from underwater<\/li>\n<li>PADI AWARE Dive Against Debris \u2013 Keeping our Oceans Clean<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>There are many ways to keep our oceans clean. It can be as easy as preventing litter entering the ocean in the first place by picking up rubbish from our beaches and disposing of our own trash in an environmentally friendly and reusable way.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_1326\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1326\" style=\"width: 1260px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1326\" src=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/islatortugadivers.com-aware-marine-conservation-course-thailand.jpg\" alt=\"marine conservation padi aware course koh tao\" width=\"1260\" height=\"840\" srcset=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/islatortugadivers.com-aware-marine-conservation-course-thailand.jpg 1260w, https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/islatortugadivers.com-aware-marine-conservation-course-thailand-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/islatortugadivers.com-aware-marine-conservation-course-thailand-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/islatortugadivers.com-aware-marine-conservation-course-thailand-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1260px) 100vw, 1260px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-1326\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Beach Clean on Koh Tao<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3>Koh Tao Conservation Activities<\/h3>\n<p>On <a href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/koh-tao\/\">Koh Tao<\/a>, there are scheduled Beach Cleans, and Dive Against Debris events conducted weekly by the local community or <a href=\"https:\/\/idckohtao.com\/marine-conservation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">diving centres<\/a>, either from a beach or a dive boat.<\/p>\n<p>As divers we need to act responsibly and stop our coral reefs and ocean from becoming polluted and from using it as a dumping ground.<\/p>\n<p>All certified divers should take that responsibility one step further and become a certified PADI AWARE Dive Against Debris diver.<\/p>\n<p>Join the movement and submit your survey data now.<\/p>\n<p>Koh Tao is a great location to go fun diving and explore our PADI Specialty courses. With our <a href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/pro-level\/padi-diving-instructor-course\/\">expert diving instructors<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/pro-level\/padi-divemaster-course\/\">divemasters<\/a>, custom dive boat and quality dive equipment,<a href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/\">&nbsp;Isla Tortuga Divers<\/a>&nbsp;can meet the needs of all certified divers.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/contact-us\/\">Contact us<\/a>&nbsp;for&nbsp;fun&nbsp;dive <a href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/prices\/\">pricing<\/a>, our <a href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/accommodation\/\">Accommodation<\/a> and our daily dive site schedule.[\/vc_column_text]<div class=\"course-price-wrapper\"><h3>Book Dive Against Debris<\/h3><div class=\"bt-course-price\"><a href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/prices\/#conservation\" class=\"button fasc-button\">BOOK ONLINE<\/a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong>PRICE<\/strong>: 5,000&nbsp;THB<\/div><\/div>[\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243; el_class=&#8221;pl-lg sticky-col&#8221;]<div class=\"sticky-sidebar-wrapper\">\r\n                    <div class=\"sticky-sidebar\">[vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id=&#8221;sidebar-page&#8221;]<\/div>\r\n                <\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][\/vc_section][vc_section][vc_row][vc_column]<div class=\"section-heading-wrap\" style='max-width: 991px;text-align: center;'><h3 class=\"section-heading\">What to expect<\/h3><h3 class=\"section-subheading\">Watch Our Video<\/h3><\/div><div class=\"custom-container\" style=\"max-width:1280px; margin: 0 auto;\">[vc_video link=&#8221;https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=Vx7OqQcJZlk&#8221;]<\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][\/vc_section][vc_section][vc_row][vc_column]<div class=\"section-heading-wrap\" style='max-width: 991px;text-align: center;'><h3 class=\"section-heading\">GALLERY<\/h3><h3 class=\"section-subheading\">Check Out Our Pictures<\/h3><p><\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"custom-container\" style=\"max-width:1320px; margin: 0 auto;\"><div class=\"gallery popup-gallery\" id=\"gallery-9712\"><div class=\"gallery-img\"><span  title=\"\" data-caption=\"Marine Debris Collection\" data-description=\"\">\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/islatortugadivers.com-padi-dive-against-debris-course-koh-tao-1024x683.jpg\">\n                          <\/span><\/div><div class=\"gallery-img\"><span  title=\"\" data-caption=\"Dive Against Debris \" data-description=\"\">\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/islatortugadivers.com-dive-against-debris-marine-conservation-koh-tao-1024x683.jpeg\">\n                          <\/span><\/div><div class=\"gallery-img\"><span  title=\"\" data-caption=\"Dive Against Debris Collection\" data-description=\"\">\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/islatortugadivers.com-padi-marine-debris-collection-koh-tao-1024x683.jpg\">\n                          <\/span><\/div><div class=\"gallery-img\"><span  title=\"\" data-caption=\"PADI Dive Against Debris Course Koh Tao\" data-description=\"\">\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/islatortugadivers.com-dive-against-debris-underwater-cleanup-thailand-1024x683.jpg\">\n                          <\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><a href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/prices\/#conservation\" class=\"button center\">Book A Course<\/a>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][\/vc_section][vc_section][vc_row][vc_column]<div class=\"section-heading-wrap\" style='max-width: 991px;text-align: center;'><h3 class=\"section-heading\">FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS<\/h3><\/div><div class=\"accordion\" id=\"faq\"><div class=\"accordion-item\">\r\n                    <h3 class=\"accordion-header\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#faq0\" aria-expanded=\"true\">\r\n                        What is the PADI AWARE Dive Against Debris course?\r\n                    <\/h3>\r\n                    <div id=\"faq0\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse show\" data-bs-parent=\"#faq\">\r\n                      <div class=\"accordion-body\">\r\n                        The PADI AWARE Dive Against Debris course is a specialty scuba diving course that teaches divers how to survey, collect, and report marine debris to help protect the ocean. Participants contribute critical data to a global database used by marine conservation organizations, researchers, and policymakers.\r\n                      <\/div>\r\n                    <\/div>\r\n                <\/div><div class=\"accordion-item\">\r\n                    <h3 class=\"accordion-header\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#faq1\" aria-expanded=\"true\">\r\n                        What are the prerequisites for enrolling in the Dive Against Debris course?\r\n                    <\/h3>\r\n                    <div id=\"faq1\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse show\" data-bs-parent=\"#faq\">\r\n                      <div class=\"accordion-body\">\r\n                        To enroll, participants must:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Be at least 12 years old.<\/li>\n<li>Hold a minimum certification of Junior Open Water Diver.<\/li>\n<li>Be medically fit to dive.<\/li>\n<li>Have recent diving experience (a scuba review is required if you haven\u2019t dived in the last 12 months).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\r\n                      <\/div>\r\n                    <\/div>\r\n                <\/div><div class=\"accordion-item\">\r\n                    <h3 class=\"accordion-header\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#faq2\" aria-expanded=\"true\">\r\n                        What is included in the Dive Against Debris course?\r\n                    <\/h3>\r\n                    <div id=\"faq2\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse show\" data-bs-parent=\"#faq\">\r\n                      <div class=\"accordion-body\">\r\n                        The course includes:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Dive Against Debris Survey Guide, Data Card, and Marine Debris Identification Card.<\/li>\n<li>1 Dive Against Debris dive (optional second dive available for 800 THB).<\/li>\n<li>AWARE Dive Against Debris Certification Card.<\/li>\n<li>Dive insurance.<\/li>\n<li>Full Aqualung rental equipment, including a dive computer.<\/li>\n<li>An official Isla Tortuga T-shirt.<\/li>\n<li>A maximum of 4 students per PADI Dive Instructor.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\r\n                      <\/div>\r\n                    <\/div>\r\n                <\/div><div class=\"accordion-item\">\r\n                    <h3 class=\"accordion-header\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#faq3\" aria-expanded=\"true\">\r\n                        How is the Dive Against Debris course structured?\r\n                    <\/h3>\r\n                    <div id=\"faq3\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse show\" data-bs-parent=\"#faq\">\r\n                      <div class=\"accordion-body\">\r\n                        The course consists of two main sections:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Knowledge Development<\/strong>: Includes a presentation, creating a My Ocean profile, reading the Survey Guide, and completing a Knowledge Review.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Open Water Training<\/strong>: Involves a single open water dive to conduct a Dive Against Debris survey.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>\r\n                      <\/div>\r\n                    <\/div>\r\n                <\/div><div class=\"accordion-item\">\r\n                    <h3 class=\"accordion-header\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#faq4\" aria-expanded=\"true\">\r\n                        How does marine debris harm the ocean and marine life?\r\n                    <\/h3>\r\n                    <div id=\"faq4\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse show\" data-bs-parent=\"#faq\">\r\n                      <div class=\"accordion-body\">\r\n                        Marine debris:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Harms marine animals through ingestion or entanglement.<\/li>\n<li>Destroys vital habitats like coral reefs and seagrasses.<\/li>\n<li>Introduces pollutants and invasive species.<\/li>\n<li>Disrupts ecosystems and the food chain.<\/li>\n<li>Creates economic impacts on tourism and fisheries.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>By participating in this course, divers learn how to address these issues and contribute to a healthier ocean.\r\n                      <\/div>\r\n                    <\/div>\r\n                <\/div><div class=\"accordion-item\">\r\n                    <h3 class=\"accordion-header\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#faq5\" aria-expanded=\"true\">\r\n                        What is the main objective of the Dive Against Debris course?\r\n                    <\/h3>\r\n                    <div id=\"faq5\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse show\" data-bs-parent=\"#faq\">\r\n                      <div class=\"accordion-body\">\r\n                        The Dive Against Debris course is designed to turn your passion for diving into a powerful tool for ocean conservation. Unlike a casual trash pickup, this specialty teaches you how to conduct a formal marine debris survey.<\/p>\n<p>You will learn how to safely remove underwater litter and, more importantly, how to report your findings to the PADI AWARE global database.<\/p>\n<p>At Isla Tortuga Divers, we emphasize that data is just as important as the debris itself, as it provides the evidence needed to advocate for better waste management policies worldwide.\r\n                      <\/div>\r\n                    <\/div>\r\n                <\/div><div class=\"accordion-item\">\r\n                    <h3 class=\"accordion-header\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#faq6\" aria-expanded=\"true\">\r\n                        Is it safe to pick up any trash I find underwater?\r\n                    <\/h3>\r\n                    <div id=\"faq6\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse show\" data-bs-parent=\"#faq\">\r\n                      <div class=\"accordion-body\">\r\n                        Safety is a primary focus of the training. Some items can be hazardous to the diver, while others may have already become home to marine life.<\/p>\n<p>During your training at our 5-Star facility, our elite PADI Professionals teach you how to evaluate whether an object should be removed or left behind.<\/p>\n<p>You will master the use of specialized tools like mesh collection bags and cutting tools, and learn techniques to maintain neutral buoyancy while managing a loaded bag, ensuring you don&#8217;t accidentally damage the reef during the cleanup.\r\n                      <\/div>\r\n                    <\/div>\r\n                <\/div><div class=\"accordion-item\">\r\n                    <h3 class=\"accordion-header\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#faq7\" aria-expanded=\"true\">\r\n                        How do these cleanups specifically help the reefs of Koh Tao?\r\n                    <\/h3>\r\n                    <div id=\"faq7\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse show\" data-bs-parent=\"#faq\">\r\n                      <div class=\"accordion-body\">\r\n                        Marine debris &#8211; especially plastics and discarded fishing gear &#8211; can suffocate coral, entangle marine life, and introduce toxins into the food chain.<\/p>\n<p>By conducting regular surveys at local sites like White Rock or Twins, Isla Tortuga Divers helps maintain the health of our local ecosystem.<\/p>\n<p>The data you collect helps identify hotspots for debris in the Gulf of Thailand, allowing local conservation groups to implement more effective prevention strategies and keep Koh Tao\u2019s waters pristine.\r\n                      <\/div>\r\n                    <\/div>\r\n                <\/div><div class=\"accordion-item\">\r\n                    <h3 class=\"accordion-header\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#faq8\" aria-expanded=\"true\">\r\n                        What happens to the debris after we bring it to the surface?\r\n                    <\/h3>\r\n                    <div id=\"faq8\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse show\" data-bs-parent=\"#faq\">\r\n                      <div class=\"accordion-body\">\r\n                        The mission doesn&#8217;t end at the boat ladder. Once on board or back at our center, you will learn how to weigh, sort, and categorize the debris you collected.<\/p>\n<p>We then help you upload this information to the PADI AWARE database.<\/p>\n<p>At Isla Tortuga Divers, we ensure that all collected materials are disposed of responsibly through local recycling programs whenever possible, ensuring that the trash we remove from the ocean doesn&#8217;t simply wash back in later.\r\n                      <\/div>\r\n                    <\/div>\r\n                <\/div><div class=\"accordion-item\">\r\n                    <h3 class=\"accordion-header\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#faq9\" aria-expanded=\"true\">\r\n                        Can I participate in Dive Against Debris as a beginner?\r\n                    <\/h3>\r\n                    <div id=\"faq9\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse show\" data-bs-parent=\"#faq\">\r\n                      <div class=\"accordion-body\">\r\n                        Yes! Any PADI (Junior) Open Water Diver or equivalent who is at least 12 years old can enroll.<\/p>\n<p>Because marine debris surveys require focus and the handling of extra equipment, it is an excellent way for newer divers to refine their buoyancy and situational awareness under the guidance of a professional.<\/p>\n<p>We provide a supportive environment where you can build your confidence as a Citizen Scientist while making a tangible difference from your very first survey dive.\r\n                      <\/div>\r\n                    <\/div>\r\n                <\/div><\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][\/vc_section]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[vc_section has_dark_background=&#8221;yes&#8221; full_width=&#8221;stretch_row&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_123456789{background-color: #192753 !important;}&#8221;][vc_row boxed_layout=&#8221;yes&#8221; equal_height=&#8221;yes&#8221;][vc_column width=&#8221;2\/3&#8243;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]Dive Against Debris is a PADI AWARE specialty course that empowers divers to remove underwater marine debris and report data on the types and quantities of trash found. Isla Tortuga Divers conducts these dives to actively clean local reefs while educating participants on the global marine [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1339,"parent":408,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-791","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>PADI AWARE Dive Against Debris Specialty Course | Isla Tortuga Divers<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"PADI AWARE Dive Against Debris specialty course is a one day course including one to two dives to learn more about ocean trash\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" 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