That’s why we’re proud to offer the PADI AWARE Dive Against Debris™ Specialty, a hands-on course that empowers divers to take action for the ocean.
As Krabi’s first PADI Eco Center and a Green Fins Member, we integrate conservation into everything we do — from daily dive briefings to professional training programs. The Dive Against Debris™ Specialty is one of the most rewarding ways to turn your love for diving into real, measurable impact.
What Is the PADI AWARE Dive Against Debris™ Specialty?
This specialty course, created by the PADI AWARE Foundation, is the world’s first and only underwater debris data-collection program created for divers.
It goes beyond a simple cleanup dive — you’ll learn how to plan, execute, and record debris removal dives that contribute to global ocean research. Every piece of trash you remove and report helps scientists, NGOs, and policymakers address marine pollution more effectively.
You’ll learn how to:
- Plan and organize debris survey dives safely and responsibly.
- Collect, sort, and categorize debris without damaging marine life or coral.
- Identify pollution sources and patterns.
- Submit your findings to the AWARE Global Database, contributing to one of the largest marine citizen science projects in the world.
Your dive will not only make the reef cleaner but also generate valuable data used by researchers to track pollution and drive positive change worldwide.
Why It Matters
Marine debris is one of the biggest threats to ocean health. Every minute, a truckload of plastic enters the sea. Fishing nets entangle turtles and sharks, bottles and wrappers drift over coral reefs, and microplastics enter the food chain — affecting everything from plankton to whales.
As divers, we have the privilege of witnessing the beauty of the underwater world firsthand — but we also see the damage. The Dive Against Debris™ program allows us to turn that awareness into action.
Each time you log debris data, you help create a clearer picture of what’s happening beneath the surface. These reports influence real policy decisions, including waste management strategies, fishing regulations, and marine park protections.
In other words: every dive counts.
How We Teach It at Fast Manta Diving Krabi
Our Dive Against Debris™ Specialty takes place at our adopted dive site, Koh Yawasam, a beautiful reef where we conduct regular cleanup and monitoring dives. This site is part of our long-term ocean stewardship program — every month, our instructors and guests contribute to the data collection.
1. Conservation Briefing and Workshop
Before heading into the water, our Marine Biologist Instructor leads a detailed briefing. You’ll learn about:
- The origins and impact of marine debris.
- Common materials found in Krabi waters.
- Safe removal techniques for plastics, metals, and fishing gear.
- Coral awareness and how to avoid damaging the reef.
This workshop helps you understand the bigger picture — not just what to remove, but why it matters.
2. Dive Planning and Survey Execution
Next, we plan the dive together, focusing on survey area selection, depth limits, and buddy roles. Using mesh bags and cutting tools provided by Fast Manta, you’ll learn to collect debris carefully and record environmental notes like visibility, current, and site condition.
We dive slowly and mindfully — staying neutrally buoyant to protect the reef while gathering every piece of data accurately.
3. Sorting, Identifying, and Recording
Back on board, we sort everything into categories (plastics, glass, fishing gear, metal, etc.). You’ll count, weigh, and record your findings using the PADI AWARE App, ensuring your data goes directly to the global database.
These numbers matter — the Dive Against Debris™ database has already recorded over 2 million pieces of debris from around the world, all collected by divers like you.
4. Reflection and Action
At the end of the day, we review what was found, discuss what it tells us about local waste sources, and brainstorm how to prevent pollution at its root.
It’s a powerful reminder that change starts underwater — and continues on land.
What You’ll Gain
Completing the Dive Against Debris™ Specialty gives you:
- A PADI certification card recognizing you as an eco-aware diver.
- Practical skills for conducting and leading cleanup dives anywhere in the world.
- A deeper understanding of marine conservation, pollution sources, and debris reporting.
- The satisfaction of seeing direct impact from your actions.
Many divers describe it as one of the most fulfilling experiences of their diving life — not just because of what they learn, but because of the sense of purpose it brings.
Who Can Join
The course is open to:
- Certified Open Water Divers (12 years and older)
- Junior Advanced or higher-level divers looking to add conservation experience
- Professional candidates (Divemaster, IDC, or Instructor) who want to integrate eco-training into their teaching
You can also add a Dive Against Debris dive to your:
- PADI Open Water Diver Course
- Advanced Open Water Diver Course
- PADI Divemaster Course, where it’s part of our integrated conservation activities
Dive Against Debris at Fast Manta: Our Commitment
At Fast Manta Diving Krabi, we don’t just teach ocean conservation — we live it.
Here’s how we’ve made it part of our daily operations:
🌱 Adopted Dive Site:
We’ve adopted Koh Yawasam as our long-term reef monitoring site, committing to regular cleanups and ecological data submissions.
♻️ Eco Equipment:
Every dive set includes a mesh bag and cutting tool so that our instructors and guests can remove debris safely during any dive — not only during the specialty.
🌊 Digital Reporting:
We use the PADI AWARE App to log all collected debris, ensuring that our data contributes to global marine conservation research.
🐢 Continuous Training:
Our instructors regularly refresh rescue, eco, and emergency skills. Everyone onboard — from crew to staff — knows their role in keeping our boats and dive sites safe and clean.
💙 Partnerships:
We collaborate with Green Fins, Shark Guardian, Coralyfe, and Nature Mind-ed, combining science, education, and local community involvement to build a sustainable diving future in Krabi.
Why Choose Fast Manta Diving Krabi
Fast Manta Diving Krabi isn’t just another dive center — we’re a team of professionals, marine biologists, and conservationists working to make every dive count.
- PADI 5-Star IDC Center: We train divers from beginners to instructors — always with focus on neutral buoyancy, safety, and environmental awareness.
- PADI Eco Center: Recognized for sustainable dive operations, zero single-use plastic, and reef-safe policies.
- Green Fins Member: We follow internationally approved eco-guidelines to protect coral reefs and marine life.
- Suunto Brand Ambassador: Using high-quality dive computers to track environmental data and improve diver safety.
When you train with us, you’re not just earning a certification — you’re joining a community that values action, respect, and ocean protection.
The Bigger Picture
The Dive Against Debris™ Specialty is part of a global movement that’s reshaping how divers see their role underwater. Instead of being passive observers, we become active protectors. Instead of just logging dives, we log impact.
At Fast Manta, we often say: “For us, conservation isn’t a separate activity — it’s how we dive, every single day.” By joining this course, you help strengthen that mission — one dive at a time.
Join Our Next Dive Against Debris™ Specialty in Ao Nang
Ready to turn your passion into purpose?
Join us for the PADI AWARE Dive Against Debris™ Specialty and become part of the movement to protect what you love.
Course Details:
📍 Location: Fast Manta Diving Krabi, Ao Nang, Krabi, Thailand
🗓️ Available: Year-round
👨🏫 Instructor: Marine Biologist / PADI Instructor
💰 Price: Contact us for package details
🌐 Learn more:
