Inspiring the Next Generation of Young Divers. Empowering the Next Generation of Young Divers with the Necessary Skills & Knowledge to Explore the Underwater World Safely.
NAUI Worldwide, a leader in dive education and safety, proudly announces the launch of its Young Aquatic Explorers (YAE) Program. This program is a set of 5 courses (explorations) designed to introduce children as young as 8 years old to the thrilling world of snorkeling and confined water diving. This new initiative offers young divers an exciting and structured experience that creates a pathway to a NAUI Junior Open Water Diver Certification. Upon receiving recognition for the YAE Program, these new explorers will have the foundational skills needed to complete the required academics, a skills review, and 4 open water dives to officially receive their NAUI Junior Open Water Diver.
The Young Aquatic Explorers program gives dive professionals and instructors the tools to offer high-quality, youth-focused diving courses/programs, bringing together skill development and environmental awareness. Guided by NAUI’s experienced instructors and backed by the “Loved One” concept, this program creates a direct pathway for children as young as 8 to scuba diving that is tailored to them and their level of comprehension and safety guidelines.
Empowering Young Explorers with Skills and Confidence
At NAUI, we are dedicated to empowering divers with top-quality training to make them safe and responsible divers. With the launch of the Young Aquatic Explorers program, we aim to create a new way for the younger generation to start their journey to become a responsible diver who is confident in their abilities and passion. This program sets the foundation for a lifetime of underwater exploration, training, and environmental stewardship.
A Unique and Immersive Experience – 5 Explorations
The Young Aquatic Explorers program features Five (5) Explorations, each providing immersive experiences that introduce young divers to various aspects of diving and different marine creatures:
Exploration 1: Equipment
Young Explorers learn how to use essential SCUBA equipment, the basics of underwater communication, and diving safety principles. With a focus on fun and comprehension, young explorers develop the skills and confidence to breathe and move underwater. The activity also introduces “Amphi,” the Clownfish, and discusses what make clownfish important to aquatic environments.
Exploration 2: Dive Safety
Building on foundational skills, this course enhances safety knowledge, hands-on dive skills, and environmental awareness. Young divers refine pre-dive checks, learn critical safety rules, and gain the confidence needed to dive safely and responsibly. The activity also introduces “Tursi,” the Bottlenose Dolphin, and provides interesting facts about them and their environment.
Exploration 3: Diving Science
This exploration dives deep into the science behind diving. Participants learn about buoyancy, dive principles, and how scientific concepts like pressure impact the dive experience. Exploring the lives of “Ere” the sea turtle, students continue to refine their in-water skills.
Exploration 4: Environmental Changes
Focusing on the physical changes that occur underwater, young explorers learn how to adapt to the aquatic world while understanding the significance of marine creatures such as seahorses like the “Hippo & Cammi.” This exploration refines diving skills and builds adaptability for varied underwater environments.
Exploration 5: Skin Diving
Introducing the basics of skin diving, participants explore beneath the surface without SCUBA gear. Learning about “Lutri,” the sea otter, buddy diving strategies, and advanced in-water skills, this exploration emphasizes freedom, adaptability, and the joy of exploring the ocean up close.
A Global Commitment to Education and Conservation
The Young Aquatic Explorers program aligns with NAUI’s brand promise: to empower divers with top-quality training, foster a global community of responsible divers, and promote underwater exploration, education, and enjoyment for all ages.
Preview the Course Today!
Ready to start training the next generation? The E-Learning Course is now available for preview by NAUI Members by logging into your Core Account at https://core.naui.org/index. A step-by-step guide can be found by clicking the link below on how to navigate NAUI Core.
How to Preview YAE Course
Instructors must complete the instructor workshop online to be authorized to teach the YAE program, with no in-person requirements. (Please allow up to 2 business days for authorization to be processed upon completion of the course)
To do so, Instructors may purchase the instructor NES in the NAUI store and activate with 15000 NAUI Training Department as the Instructor.
About NAUI Worldwide
NAUI (National Association of Underwater Instructors) Worldwide is a globally recognized leader in SCUBA diving education and conservation. For decades, NAUI has provided high-quality, safety-focused training for divers of all ages, fostering a passion for underwater exploration and stewardship of the aquatic world.
For more information about the Young Aquatic Explorers program and other NAUI initiatives, please visit naui.org.
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