AWARE - Fish identification

If you have ever thought about taking your PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course, PADI Enriched Air Diver course, or PADI Rescue Diver course this video gives you an idea of what you can expect. These courses will help you achieve the PADI Master Scuba Diver rating!

Who should try this experience?

“What was that fish?” is a common question heard after a dive. If you want to be the scuba diver with the answers, instead of the one asking the questions, then take the AWARE – Fish Identification Specialty course. You’ll enjoy your dives even more when you recognize the creatures that you see and can identify the main fish families and their characteristics.

If you’re at least 10 years old and a PADI (Junior) Open Water Diver or higher, you can enroll in the AWARE – Fish Identification course.

What will you learn?

Once you learn to recognize what types of fish you see, you’ll find it easier to reference the exact species after a scuba dive. For example, a butterfly fish in the Caribbean has a similar shape to a butterfly fish in Southeast Asia, but colors and markings may be wildly different. If you know what fish family it belongs to, you can more easily look up the local name or at least be able to intelligently ask the local scuba instructor what you saw.
During two scuba dives, you’ll learn:

How to identify characteristics of local fish families and species.
Fish survey techniques and strategies.
About Project AWARE activities that can help protect aquatic life

Get credit! The first dive of this PADI Specialty Diver course may credit as an Adventure Dive toward your Advanced Open Water Diver certification – ask your instructor about earning credit.

How can you start learning now?

Stop by your local dive shop, to enroll in the course. Check out the marine species reference library at ScubaEarth^®.

What scuba gear will you use?

Beyond using basic scuba equipment, you’ll want a slate to record what you see and a fish identification card if available for your area. Your PADI Instructor and local dive center or resort staff may suggest additional equipment or references depending on what you’re likely to see on your dives.

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).

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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.

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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!!!

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02:44 08 Jun 18

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13:16 08 Jun 18

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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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