37Today the variation in environmental challenges is enormous. The aquatic realm is affected by many. Coverage in the press is dominated by climate change, food production and sea level rise – they are considered to have the biggest effect on human populations. These are not the only challenges for the (near) future. In one of the biggest eco system assessments ever done by the UN, the millennium assessment has identified inland and coastal waters to be among the ecosystems most affected by human activities. Scuba divers are witness of changes in the underwater world. Their first hand reports can help to assure early recognition of deteriorating ecosystems.

There are strong relationships between the biological, chemical and physical aspects of the underwater world. The Scuba-Eco programme provides you with insights on these relationships. Rather than looking at one aspect individually, this course is about how all aspects tie together.

The minimum age for participating in this course is 12. The course can be completed in a day. During a practical session on land, you will learn how to analyse water samples for the presence of Nitrate and/or Phosphate. During the dive in open water you will learn how to collect relevant data and water samples.

Your instructor will want a completed medical statement from you. In some regions a medical statement with only “no” answers will be sufficient for participation in the course. In other regions a medical signed and stamped by a medical doctor will be required and must unconditionally say that you are fit for diving.

You start your course by downloading the environment book and reading chapter one and three. If you prefer to read your book on paper, then ask your instructor. The price for the paper version of this book is €24.90. If you cannot find a SCUBA C&P instructor in your area, then please contact us via info@scuba-courses.com.