SSI announces the availability of two new unique specialties, “Coral Reef Restoration” and “Invasive Species Management,” as part of its commitment to environmental stewardship through the Blue Oceans initiative. These specialties aim to empower certified divers to actively contribute to the protection and restoration of aquatic ecosystems. When combined with SSI’s ever-expanding Ecology Specialties, SSI continues to be the industry leader in conservation course offerings.

Coral Reef Restoration Specialty

Divers now have the opportunity to become certified in Coral Reef Restoration through SSI’s recognized instructors. This specialty equips participants with the diving knowledge and skills needed to engage in coral planting initiatives, contribute to coral health assessments, and actively participate in the preservation of these vital marine ecosystems.

Invasive Species Management Specialty

SSI recognizes the urgent need to address the threats posed by invasive species to aquatic biodiversity. The Invasive Species Management specialty is designed to train divers through SSI’s recognized instructors in identifying, safely removing, and managing invasive species, particularly in sensitive aquatic environments. Divers will play a crucial role in preserving native species and restoring ecological balance.

Ocean Guardian Digital Card

To celebrate the availability of these unique specialties, SSI is introducing the Ocean Guardian Digital Card, a certification card recognizing divers who complete the Coral Reef Restoration and/or Invasive Species Management specialties. This exclusive certification signifies a diver’s dedication to ocean conservation and identifies them as an Ocean Guardian.

SSI invites divers worldwide to join the Blue Oceans initiative, participate in these unique specialties, and become Ocean Guardians committed to protecting and restoring our oceans.

SSI’s Blue Oceans Initiative

SSI’s Blue Oceans Initiative sets the benchmark for conservation among the recreational diving community. Combining awareness and encouragement of opportunities to conserve our aquatic environments through diving activities, minimizing our impact through awareness and diving skills across all training programs, offering educational materials such as the Blue Oceans Program and our Ecology Specialties, and now, through Ocean Guardian, SSI is enabling its divers to create a direct positive impact on our aquatic environments.

If you are not yet an SSI Training Center or SSI Instructor but want to explore how you can benefit from offering SSI’s wide range of ecology conservation programs like these, call SSI at 1-800-892-2702 or visit us at https://my.divessi.com/become_trainingcenter to become an SSI Training Center, or check out how to get a FREE SSI Crossover Kit by clicking here: https://www.divessi.com/en/blog/free-ssi-crossover-kit-promotion-7120.html.

As the DEMA 2024 show approaches, the Dive Gaia team is excited to present exclusive pre-DEMA opportunities for your 2025, 2026 & 2027 bookings. Booking early secures your preferred dates. Please feel free to contact us directly, or consult your preferred scuba travel tour operator for further details on these time limited offers.

About the Gaia Love Vessel

Constructed in marine steel, Gaia Love is a modern motor yacht, purpose built to explore the far-reach regions of Indonesia in comfort and style. Emphasis on divers’ comfort, needs and a bespoke experience on a dive vacation was top priority and hence the attention to details on all the amenities and design.

With 4 decks of interior space, all incorporated in a contemporary setting, divers have the ultimate luxury of space. Within are 6 ensuite rooms on the upper deck and 5 ensuite rooms on the lowers deck, approximately 20 sq. m/215 sq. ft in size. Upper deck rooms features an additional private balcony accessible directly from each room individually.

Situated on the main deck is the restaurant and lounge. Gather to relive the dive earlier or watch a movie from our onboard entertainment system and enjoy our chef prepared snacks at the same time. Moving to the stern on the main deck, a large dive deck awaits you that can accommodate up to 28 divers. Further aft is the boat deck, stores two of three custom, 5 m/18′ diving skiffs and also facilitates your boarding onto the vessel.

The top deck features a bar for evening gatherings and relaxation under the stars . Sufficient shelter is available on the top deck as well as areas for those who wish to soak up some sun. If outdoor dining is preferred, the top deck will be perfect.

Gaia Love has a very well-equipped wheelhouse, from up-to-date navigation equipment to advanced communication systems, life rafts, life vests, EPIRB, fire protection and fire fighting systems.

Type: Motor Yacht (M/Y) • Year Built: 2016 • Length: 132′ (40m) • Beam: 33′ (10m) • Decks: 4 • Cruising Speed: 10 knots • Passengers: 20 • Crew-to-Guest Ratio: 1:1 • Massages: Available • Internet: Available

Gaia Love took home a total of 9 Readers Choice Awards this year in categories including Quality of Liveaboard, Level of Luxury, Quality of Staff and Quality of Food. For more details, visit our website.