"Marine Mammal Support Diver"

Southern Indiana Scuba had some of there divers receive the FIRST certification of "Marine Mammal Support Diver". This is a specialty offered by PADI and SSI in cooperation with the Marine Mammal Conservancy. This specialty teaches the diver and the non-diver alike how to help with marine mammal rescue.

Press Release about the program:

Key Largo, FL January 12, 2004- The Marine Mammal Conservancy (MMC), an all-volunteer dolphin and whale rescue organization in Key Largo, FL has been recognized by P.A.D.I. (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) and S.S.I. (Scuba Schools International) with a new specialty course to assist the MMC rescue team in marine mammal strandings. This is the first recognized dive specialty certification in the world for Marine Mammal Rescue.

The course begins with a classroom session followed by a water training to practice the techniques learned. The following day consist of two boat dives and further training to complete the course. To obtain this specialty please contact Quiescence Diving Services 305-451-2440. For non divers a Marine Mammal Assist Certification is also available.

The Marine Mammal Conservancy is a nonprofit, all-volunteer organization serving marine mammals since 1995. MMC relies 100% on monetary donation, corporate sponsorships and grants for all their efforts. MMC operates in Key Largo, Florida with the Marine Mammal Rescue Foundation as the first line of response for rehabilitation in the Keys and South Florida Area.

Below is some photos of our divers in there class and confined water training.

The crew learning about the marine mammals in the classroom

	Practicing knot tying for use in making the sling for the animal.

Everyone had a good time and learned a lot about proper handling of the animals.

Thanks to the Marine Mammal Conservancy (MMC), and Quiescence Diving Services for their time and effort to teach us and work with us on this great program.