Welcome to Project AWARE

Project AWARE Foundation is a growing movement of scuba divers protecting the ocean planet -- one dive at a time.

Who should try this experience?

Project AWARE’s philosophy is to mobilize a global force of scuba divers and water enthusiasts who care about protecting the world’s water resources and choose to make a difference – one dive at a time. By earning the Project AWARE Specialist certification, you’ll be aware of the most pressing problems facing vulnerable aquatic environments and know what everyday actions you can take to help protect them.

Anyone who has an interest in the aquatic world should take this course. There are no prerequisites, age restrictions or water sessions required for this non-diving specialty.

What will you learn?

Through classroom discussions, you learn:

How Project AWARE unites scuba divers and water enthusiasts to make a difference.
About environmental issues in the ocean commons and coastal zones.
About fisheries challenges and sustainability problems.
What’s happening to coral reefs and reef inhabitants.
Your role in protecting aquatic environments.

How can you start learning now?

You’ll use the digital manual – AWARE – Our World, Our Water – downloadable for free on ProjectAWARE.org, and can start reading now in preparation for meeting with your instructor.

What scuba gear will you use?

As a dive professional, you’ll want to have all your basic scuba equipment, including a dive computer, a dive knife, and at least two surface signaling devices. During practical skills exercises, like underwater mapping and search and recovery, you’ll use a compass, floats, marker buoys, lift bags and slates. Your PADI Instructor may suggest additional gear that will be useful throughout your diving career.

Check with your local dive center to get advice about everything you’ll need as a dive pro.

Next Step

Breathing underwater for the first time is something you’ll never forget, so don’t wait.

Sign up for Open Water Diver Online and start learning right away.
Enroll in a PADI Open Water Diver course at A-1 Scuba Diving And Snorkeling Adventures.
Try scuba diving with the Discover Scuba Diving program.
Download a Medical Statement and Questionnaire (pdf).
Browse the scuba certification FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions).

Check Out Our Reviews!

Google Rating

4.9

A-1 Scuba Diving & Snorkeling Adventures

4.9

David Goodwin

10:24 22 Apr 17

I have been certified to dive since 1994 and over the years I have been to Scuba shops all over the country. Imagine my surprise when my favorite store happens to be local to me. I found them when I wanted to get Nitrox certified and I have been going back ever since. This is the type of place where you are not just a number but everyone feels like family. This is the way dive shops should be, not just a place of business but a community. I would recommend A-1 to everyone.

Rick Fisher

15:21 15 Nov 14

Just completed dry suit certification at A1 Scuba with my son. Alan and all the staff did a great job teaching both the course and passing along their experience. Dives where packed with information and support from the great dive staff, plus a ton of fun. Highly recommend for any training needs. Can’t wait for our next class in the spring. Also purchased all our gear from A1. They have a great selection, and worked with us to find the right gear at a good price. Have looked at other local dive shops, but nobody does a better job getting to know us and finding the equipment to meet our needs and budget. Great local dive shop.

Mike Shaffer

01:15 17 Nov 14

Anyone who is looking for diving equipment or a place to be certified, need look no further than A-1 Diving. The owner Alan is a true diving pro as well as the rest of the staff. They really know their stuff and love telling you about various dive excursions whenever they have a chance. Also great for world class dive vacations especially North Carolina with the sharks and wrecks. They stock the best equipment. A-1 really works with you to make it one of the best experiences ever.

David Basara

17:17 17 Dec 14

The lessons offered were easy to understand, and the mentors were very kind. As an individual that has been afraid of water for a good portion of my life, I got my confidence back to start diving again. I have some excellent photos from my dives and the memories I made will be with me forever. Pumped up for the diving trip in '15! get your reservations NOW!!!

Robert nope

02:44 08 Jun 18

Great place for shopping or instruction

Jennifer Mayfield

13:16 08 Jun 18

Friendly helpful staff. Highly recommend

Sean Flynn

19:22 11 Jun 18

Great people, extremely knowledgeable. Wouldn’t go anywhere else.

Kevin Zuech

20:05 12 Jun 18

They were great, knowledge and willing to work around my busy schedule. They still invite me to join them on trips to utilize my cert. I would recommend them to anyone wanting to get into diving.

Melissa Bennett

23:09 19 Nov 14

I received my scuba certification from A-1. I love how flexible they are and how they work with people who have crazy schedules!!! They were so patient and really did everything they could to make you feel comfortable with the different exercises required for certification. I highly recommend them!!!

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Want To Learn More?

Have more questions about how to become a certified diver or how to expand your current underwater skills? Contact Us Today!

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I’ve been diving and teaching at A-1 since 2007. We are like a second family, and some of my best friends have come from this group. Come for the diving, stay for the people.

AJ Bubb