News
SSI Continues Environmental Education Leadership with TWO New Specialty Courses
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.
News
Exclusive Shark Diving Adventure in the Maldives – Last Female Space Available!
Oyster Diving is offering one final opportunity for an unforgettable shark diving experience in the Maldives. From February 9-16, 2025, this exclusive trip, led by renowned marine biologist Dr. Elke Bojanowski, will take place aboard the luxurious Horizon III liveaboard. As a special offer, the last remaining female space is available with a £300 discount.
An Unparalleled Diving Experience
Diving enthusiasts will have the chance to explore some of the Maldives’ most spectacular dive sites while gaining insights into shark behavior and conservation from Dr. Bojanowski. Known for her expertise in shark research, Elke will guide divers through encounters with these magnificent creatures during the Maldives’ renowned ‘Shark Week.’
Luxury Aboard Horizon III
The Horizon III liveaboard is designed to provide the ultimate blend of comfort and adventure, featuring:
- 12 well-appointed cabins accommodating up to 22 divers
- A restaurant serving gourmet buffet meals
- A fully stocked bar
- A spa and sundecks for relaxation
- An open-air hot tub for post-dive unwinding
Top-Tier Dive Support
With a dedicated team of four experienced Divemasters, divers will benefit from an outstanding 1:6 ratio, ensuring personalized guidance and safety throughout the trip.
Limited Availability – Book Now!
This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to dive alongside sharks under the mentorship of a leading marine biologist. With just one female space left, interested divers are encouraged to book quickly.
For more information and reservations, click here.
Oyster Diving
📧 info@oysterdiving.com
📞 +44 (0)1273 384971
🌍 www.oysterdiving.com
News
Fiji’s Premier Dive Resort Kicks Off 2025 in Style: A Commitment to Excellence in Marine Safety and Training
As 2025 dawns, Fiji’s premier dive destination, Volivoli Beach Resort, is kicking off the year with a bang. In an exciting and meaningful display of commitment to both staff development and marine safety, twenty-four (24) of the resort’s crew and interns, including members from the security and mechanical teams, have successfully completed the prestigious Marine Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) Boat Master and Restricted Master Engineer Class 6 (RME6) Captain course. This rigorous, hands-on training program marked an essential milestone in their professional journey and highlights Volivoli Beach Resort’s dedication to ongoing education and excellence in the diving and watersports sector.
An In-Depth, Hands-On Experience
The training, a blend of classroom theory and practical workshops, ensured that participants were kept engaged and challenged at every turn. Topics covered during the course were both comprehensive and crucial for any maritime professional. These included key areas such as duty of the master, safety equipment usage, voyage planning, weather forecasting, and emergency procedures. Students also learned the practical skills of boat handling—berthing, unberthing, anchoring procedures, and much more.
Perhaps one of the most valuable aspects of the course was the hands-on experience provided through multiple practical exams that were conducted both on land and at sea. This ensured that each participant could apply theoretical knowledge in real-world conditions, further reinforcing the importance of safety, professionalism, and teamwork in the marine environment.
A Proud Achievement
Volivoli Beach Resort’s Sales and Marketing Manager, Simon Doughty, spoke with pride about the resort’s continuous effort to invest in its people and the local community. “Following the ethos of continual improvement, ongoing education, and investment in the local community, we are proud to be recognized not only as Fiji’s most qualified and experienced dive and watersports operator, but also as one of the world’s premier dive operations,” Simon shared.
The training initiative exemplifies the resort’s dedication to professional excellence. By empowering its team with the skills and certifications needed to operate safely and effectively, Volivoli Beach Resort ensures that every guest has a world-class experience in the healthy vibrant waters surrounding Fiji.
A Show of Local Support
The course’s completion was marked by an official graduation and presentation ceremony, where the attendees were honored by the presence of Tu Ko Navitilevu Ratu Emori Bolobolo. His attendance underscored the importance of investing in local communities and the significant impact that such initiatives have on both the resort and the nation of Fiji as a whole.
“Vinaka vakalevu” (a heartfelt thank you) was extended to the Marine Safety Authority of Fiji for their guidance and expertise throughout the course. This collaboration not only enhanced the knowledge of the participants but also fostered a deeper relationship between the resort and Fiji’s maritime safety authorities.
As one of the leading dive resorts in Fiji, Volivoli Beach Resort continues to set the bar high when it comes to safety, service, and community development. The completion of the MSAF Boat Master and RME6 course is just one of many steps Volivoli Beach Resort has taken to ensure that its team remains at the forefront of the diving and watersports industry, providing guests with an experience that is both safe and unforgettable.
In an industry where expertise is paramount, Volivoli Beach Resort is proving time and again that it’s not just about offering world-class diving experiences—it’s about continuously investing in people, training, and safety to ensure that the waters remain as pristine and safe as they are beautiful.
Looking Ahead
As the resort looks to the future, it remains committed to upholding its reputation as one of the most qualified dive operations globally. With a strong focus on local development, marine conservation, and industry-leading standards, 2025 is poised to be another year of success, growth, and remarkable achievements for Volivoli Beach Resort and its incredible team.
For those looking to dive into an unforgettable adventure while knowing that safety, professionalism, and environmental stewardship are top priorities, Volivoli Beach Resort promises an experience like no other—one that is founded on skill, education, and the spirit of community.
About Volivoli Beach Resort:
Volivoli Beach Resort is Fiji’s Premier Dive Resort, located in the stunning Suncoast region right on the Bligh Water, Fiji’s # 1 Dive Region. Known for its expert dive guides, breathtaking underwater landscapes, and commitment to sustainability, Volivoli Beach Resort offers both novice and experienced divers unparalleled access to some of the world’s most vibrant marine ecosystems.
Drop their team a line at any time at res@volivoli.com – or check them out at www.volivoli.com – it may just be your best decision in 2025!
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