National Geographic Diver Program
As a participant in the National Geographic Diver Program you will learn to explore with detail, identify important underwater features and navigate with certainty. You will have the diving knowledge and practice to maneuver with poise along the reef ’s ecosystems.
Whether you’re new to scuba diving, or an experienced diver, the National Geographic Diver program will give you new tools to understand and safely explore the underwater world.
Your adventure begins with the National Geographic Diver certification, where you’ll gain the knowledge and practical experience to live the diving life.
- You’ll learn basic dive skills and safety information through the PADI Open Water Diver course.
- You’ll be introduced to worldwide dive environments and opportunities by interacting with the National Geographic Diver Almanac and DVD.
- You’ll learn to fine-tune your buoyancy to hover easily and maneuver carefully through delicate aquatic habitats.
- You’ll learn how to observe your surroundings in order to get the best experience from each dive. You’ll gain practical experience by gathering information and collecting images to create a visual representation of a dive site, detailing what you’ve discovered through your observations.
- You’ll improve your navigation skills and ability to find your way around underwater by using a compass as well as natural references.
- You’ll be introduced to a multitude of aquatic species and be able to identify local plants and animals.
Here are few frequently asked questions:
Q. What is the difference between the National Geographic Diver Certification and the PADI Open Water Diver Certification?
A. As a National Geographic Diver, your certification signifies you have all the abilities of a PADI Open Water Diver plus additional knowledge that broadens your awareness of the aquatic realm and new skills to better explore underwater. The PADI Open Water Diver course is the foundation for the National Geographic Diver program.
Q. Who is eligible to become a National Geographic Diver?
A. The program is open to beginners as well as the experienced diving enthusiast. Experienced divers can become National Geographic Divers by enrolling in the National Geographic Portal.
Q. Where can I sign up to become a National Geographic Diver?
A. Visit Adventure Scuba, Manhattan’s first PADI National Geographic Dive Center.
Q. Who developed the National Geographic Diver Program?
A. National Geographic partnered with PADI, the world’s leader in dive education, to jointly create the National Geographic Diver program. Both organizations have the common goal of encouraging public interest in recreational diving worldwide and exposing people to the aquatic environment to help them gain a better appreciation of our underwater cultural heritage.
Q. What does the National Geographic Diver Program Include?
A. The National Geographic Diver program allows individuals to become certified scuba divers or, if already certified, the opportunity to increase their diving skills. The program promotes adventure, discovery, exploration, and aquatic conservation. Along with learning basic dive skills and mastering safety information, National Geographic Divers complete a National Geographic Knowledge Review based on information gained by interacting with the National Geographic Diver Almanac and DVD . They also demonstrate the ability to hover in at least three different positions. During an open water dive, divers participate in an Exploration Project that includes gathering information and creating a visual representation of the dive site detailing specific features. They also may practice navigating a square or rectangle pattern using a compass and natural references or participate in an aquatic life identification exercise.
Q. Where will the dive courses take place?
A. PADI National Geographic Programs will be offered at PADI 5 Star Dive Centers and Gold Palm Resorts throughout the world that qualify as PADI National Geographic Dive Centers. Adventure Scuba is the first 5 Star Dive Center in Manhattan to offer the program and training takes place at both our retail location at 1737 York Ave and the Aquatic Center at Asphalt Green. To start your National Geographic adventure, visit Adventure Scuba, a PADI National Geographic Dive Center.
Q. What recognition do I get as a National Geographic Diver?
A. You’ll receive a distinctive National Geographic Diver certification card. This card signifies that you have completed the program’s knowledge and skill requirements, joining an elite group of divers. You will show this certification card any time you need dive services as you travel around seeking new dive adventures.
Q. How does the National Geographic Diver Program support aquatic education and conservation of underwater environments?
A. The National Geographic Society’s contributions to inspiring underwater exploration date back to 1926 when NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC magazine published the first underwater color photographs taken by photographer Charles Martin. In the 1950s, National Geographic began a long-standing relationship with Jacques Cousteau, supporting his undersea explorations and sharing his dive adventures with the world. Today, the National Geographic Society continues to support underwater expeditions and showcase the underwater photography of David Doubilet and Emory Kristof, among others, in various National Geographic publications. National Geographic television programs and films document new technologies such as Greg Marshall’s Crittercam, and allow us to learn about the research and expeditions of National Geographic Explorers-in-Residence Bob Ballard and Sylvia Earle.
As part of a growing commitment to fund the Society’s initiatives, all of National Geographic’s net proceeds from the PADI National Geographic Diver program will support exploration, conservation, research, and education. National Geographic supports a wide array of aquatic initiatives, including expeditions to reveal and share unique underwater environments around the globe. Other projects will include preservation of national marine sanctuaries and protection of endangered aquatic animals and plants.
Project AWARE, in conjunction with PADI, introduces more than a million divers and nondivers each year to aquatic conservation and environmental issues. The National Geographic Diver program curriculum further encourages understanding of and respect for the aquatic world’s delicate ecosystems. Project AWARE and PADI have also developed additional courses about the aquatic environment. For more information about this training, contact your local PADI Dive Center or Resort to enroll in one of the many AWARE specialty programs offered.
Q. How did National Geographic choose PADI?
A. National Geographic chooses partners who share their mission of exploration and conservation of our planet. PADI shares that philosophy and those values in promoting awareness of the aquatic environment and advocating education about the underwater world through increased participation in the sport of scuba diving.
All required course material is included in the tuition for the National Geographic Diver program. As with our other programs students must supply, for their own comfort and safety, Mask, Snorkel, Fins, Boots and Wetsuit. Adventure Scuba has a broad selection of equipment and we will make sure that all gear purchased is properly fitted for each participant.
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