Global Vision International (GVI) is cementing their reputation for being leaders in scuba diving programming and marine conservation. Coming on the heels of winning the Divers Alert Network (DAN) Member’s Choice Award for exemplary safety practices, GVI is thrilled to announce the long awaited launch of the GVI Dive Academy in partnership with PADI, which will provide high quality, professional level dive training with a unique marine conservation focus. To celebrate the new Dive Academy, GVI and PADI have also joined forces with PrizeAid and Project Aware to give aspiring Dive Masters the chance of winning a free place on their flagship PADI Instructor Course in Mexico worth nearly USD$14,000.

The new GVI Dive Academy, which allows dive students to contribute to important marine conservation projects and gain their PADI Dive Open Water Scuba Instructor, as well as Master Scuba Diver Trainer qualifications, is the first of its kind and is fully endorsed by the Professional Association of Dive Instructors (PADI). The Academy offers two core products: a 24-week Dive Master program, which focuses on marine conservation and trains participants to become Dive Masters and a 30-week course which allows participants to gain both the PADI Instructor and their Master Scuba Diver Trainer qualifications. The programs are a unique blend of high quality professional training and a hands-on, practical marine conservation experience. For nearly a decade, GVI’s conservation team in Mexico has been providing invaluable data to a range of local partner organizations with an aim to preserve the Mesoamerican barrier reef system.

GVI’s Chief Executive, Steve Gwenin, commented on how proud he is to see GVI’s work in marine conservation and dive training recognized by one of the industry’s most highly regarded associations. “While there are companies around the world offering professional diving courses, PADI has recognized our efforts in educating divers about the underwater eco-system and the importance of diving in an environmentally conscious way,” Steve said.   He continued, “The GVI Dive Academy’s unique marine conservation focus and the high standards of our training mean its graduates will be highly sought-after in the dive industry as the ideal staff for responsible dive operators.”

To celebrate the new GVI Dive Academy, GVI has partnered with PADI Project Aware to run a competition offering entrants the chance of winning a free place on GVI’s flagship 30-week PADI Instructor course in Mexico. Everyone who enters however receives 10% off GVI’s marine programs and discounted PADI e-learning courses. Entrants will also be supporting Project Aware, a growing movement of scuba divers protecting the ocean planet.  Interested participants can enter the contest here.

To find out more about GVI Dive Academy visit http://www.gviusa.com/dive-academy/ and for more information on volunteering abroad and to keep in touch with exciting news and developments, check out www.gviusa.com and become a fans on Facebook.

About GVI:

Global Vision International (GVI) is a multi-award winning social enterprise that runs conservation and community development programs around the world. With programs spanning Africa, Asia, the Americas, Europe and Australasia, running the gamut of social, cultural and environmental responsibility, GVI is one of the most well respected and prominent international “volun-tourism” organizations today.   Social and adventure-minded travelers ranging from high school students to retirees participate in immersive experiences providing insights into unique communities (and themselves) that cannot be achieved during a “regular” vacation.  Whether helping rehabilitate elephants in Thailand, obtaining PADI dive certification in Fiji while studying marine life, working to conserve the sea turtle population in Mexico, aiding disadvantaged children in India or teaching English to Buddhist monks in Laos, GVI empowers people to take action through education, cross cultural communication and life changing experiences while filling critical voids in the fields of environmental research, conservation, education and community development. Trips are available from between one week and six months ranging in price from $1200.00 to $8000.00 USD depending on the particular program and focus.  Founded in 1997, GVI has organized more than 20,000 volunteers resulting in more than $30 million worth of direct financial support to life-enhancing – even life-saving – projects worldwide. (www.gviusa.com)

About Divers Alert Network: The Divers Alert Network (DAN) is the diving industry’s largest association dedicated to scuba diving safety. Serving scuba divers for more than 30 years, DAN provides emergency assistance, medical information resources, educational opportunities and more.

About PADI: PADI is the world’s leading scuba diver training organisation with more than 6200 PADI Dive Centres and Resorts, and more than 136,000 individual PADI Professionals who have issued more than 23 million certifications around the world.

 

 

Maralyn D. Hill, M.Ed.,  The Epicurean Explorer

Executive Editor, LuxeBeatMag.com

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