Ocean Quest was asked to prepare a PADI Bioherm Sponge Diver Distinctive Specialty course which would teach divers the uniqueness of the Sponge Bioherm Reefs as well teach the skills needed to to safely dive on them with causing any damage.

The PADI Bioherm Sponge Diver program is an introduction to diving sensitive marine environments such as Bioherm Sponge Reefs, to familiarize divers with the skills, knowledge, planning, organization, procedures, techniques, problems, hazards and enjoyment of diving Bioherm Sponge Reefs.  It’s intended to serve as a safe and supervised introduction to Bioherm Sponge diving.

The two goals of the Bioherm Sponge Diver Specialty program are to educate divers about the unique and delicate Bioherm Sponge Reefs located in British Columbia and to address the specific skills and diving practices in and around Bioherm Sponge Reefs and other sensitive marine environments.

Topics

• What is a Glass Sponge?
• What is the difference between a Sponge Garden and Sponge Bioherm?
• Where are Bioherms Located?
• Why do Glass Sponge Reefs need to be Protected?
• How do Divers Impact Bioherm Environments?
• What Skills and Experience Should Divers Possess to Dive on a Bioherm or other Sensitive Environments?
• What Considerations do Underwater Photographers/Videographers need when Diving Bioherms or other Sensitive Environments?
• How do you Execute a Bioherm Sponge Reef Dive?

Course Emphasis

Divers need to have a realistic assessment of their personal diving skills before diving sensitive environments such as Sponge Bioherms. This means deep diving experience, high skill level of buoyancy and trim, mastery of propulsion techniques, streamlined equipment configuration and constant awareness.

These skills take practice to master. If you do not possess these skills, go out and practice before diving around sensitive marine environments such as bioherm sponge reefs!

Training Dives

The Bioherm Sponge Diver Distinctive Specialty consists of 4 training dives that include skills specific to buoyancy control, proper trim, advanced propulsion techniques, surface marker buoy deployment and other skills required to dive in deeper waters and avoid damage to bioherm sponge reefs.

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Prerequisites

• Be 15 years of age or older
• Be certified as a PADI Advanced Open Water Diver or have a qualifying certification from another training organization
• Certified as a PADI Deep Diver or show proof of at least 10 dives below 100 ft / 30 m
• Have a minimum of 30 logged dives, of which 10 were made deeper than 60 ft / 18 m

Medical Statement

All students must complete a Medical Statement prior to any in water activities. Please consult Ocean Quest if you answer “yes” to any of the medical questions as you may need to see a physician prior to the course start date.

Click Here to Download Medical Statement

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Price Includes:

• Bioherm Training Outline
• 1 x Bioherm Theory Session
• 4 x Ocean Dives
• All basic scuba equipment (regulator, BCD, tanks and weights)

What’s Needed?

• Drysuit – Rentals available for $75.00 – includes Undergarments, Hood, Boots and Gloves
• Dive Computer – Rentals available for $30.00
• Compass – Rentals available for $15.00
• Dive Light – Rentals available for $20.00
• Fins – Rentals available for $30.00
• SMB & Finger Spool – Available for purchase at Ocean Quest
• All of the above rentals can be purchased as Add-Ons through our online Course Registration