To earn the title of Master Scuba Diver, you must complete a series of certifications. You begin with Open Water Diver, proceed to Advanced Open Water Diver, and then finish with Rescue Diver. You are expected to log a certain number of dives and complete five specialty courses to fulfill the requirements to be a Master Scuba Diver.
These specialty courses can be likened to mandatory elective classes in school, but you can choose which five you want to take. You could take a course on boat diving, cavern diving, underwater photography, dry suit diving, night diving, or wreck diving, to name a few.
PADI Manta Ray Diver Course
If you find yourself in the lush jungles of Kona, Hawaii, you should take the PADI Manta Ray Diver specialty course. The PADI Manta Ray Diver distinctive specialty course is based on research conducted by Keller Laros, affectionately known as Manta Man. Laros’ first manta ray dive was in 1985, with Jack’s Diving Locker in Kona, Hawaii.
In 1991, Laros moved to Kona and began working with Jack’s Diving Locker to facilitate night diving tours with the local population of rays. He noticed each ray bore a distinctive marking, which prompted him to begin cataloging the rays and recording his observations of the animals. In 2006, he introduced a new PADI specialty certification called Manta Ray Diver.
The course includes two dives, one at sunset and one at night, with a total course duration of about eight hours. In the class, divers will be educated about the local manta population, including their anatomy, feeding habits, reproduction, and how to differentiate each individual. Divers will also be instructed on observing and interacting with the rays concerning physical contact, behavior, and positioning for the best manta experience.
Details of a Course
You must provide your wetsuit, BCD, regulator, mask, fins, and snorkel. Rental equipment is made available for a charge per piece. The tour will provide tanks, lights, weights, and course materials. You should read the PADI Manta Ray Diver specialty course materials before arriving for the course. A certification will be issued Upon completing an exam and two dives.
On the Dive
An important note for this course is that manta ray sightings are not required. You can’t control the forces of nature, and although this is a manta ray hotspot, it may not be in the cards for you to see a manta on your dives.
The Manta Ray
Hawaii is a popular dive destination because of its incredible biodiversity. Keller Laros has contributed significantly to its propagation by co-founding the Manta Pacific Research Foundation. This non-profit is focused on studying and conserving Hawaii’s manta rays and marine ecology and educating the public.
The manta ray became a protected species under Hawaii state law in 2009, and penalties are assessed to anyone involved in killing or harming a manta or its habitat. A portion of the fees for the Manta Ray Diver specialty course is donated to the research and preservation of this majestic species. Help contribute to a worthy cause and acquire some new scuba skills with this excellent specialty course!
