SDI Underwater Naturalist Diver

The SDI Underwater Naturalist Diver Course at OCD Divers teaches you how to observe and understand the underwater world with a scientific, environmentally aware mindset. Instead of simply identifying marine life, this course helps you recognize relationships between organisms, how ecosystems function, and how divers can interact responsibly with aquatic environments. Training focuses on careful observation, buoyancy control, and learning to interpret what you see beneath the surface.

What You’ll Learn

This course builds your knowledge of aquatic life and teaches you how to observe the underwater environment without disturbing it:

• Aquatic ecosystems: How underwater environments differ from land-based ecosystems and how organisms interact within them.
• Classification basics: How scientists group aquatic organisms and why these groupings matter for understanding behavior and habitat.
• Major aquatic life groups: Key characteristics of common invertebrates, vertebrates, plants, and algae.
• Myths and misconceptions: Understanding what makes an organism hazardous and how to interpret animal behavior objectively.
• Responsible interactions: How to observe aquatic life without causing stress or damage, including proper buoyancy and movement techniques.
• Human impact: How divers can reduce their environmental footprint and support conservation efforts.
• Observation techniques: How to record behaviors, identify patterns, and use slates effectively underwater.

Program Overview

The Underwater Naturalist Diver Course includes two open water dives where you will apply your knowledge through real-world observation. You will practice identifying organisms, noting behaviors, comparing habitats, and using environmentally friendly dive techniques. Each dive includes a full briefing, debriefing, and logged observations.

Prerequisites: SDI Open Water Scuba Diver or SDI Junior Open Water Diver, or equivalent.

Minimum age: 10 years old.

Equipment needed: A complete scuba kit appropriate for the dive environment. An underwater slate and pencil are required for recording observations.

Where Training Takes Place

Training may be conducted at local Texas lakes or during OCD Divers dive trips, depending on the season and conditions. Each location offers unique opportunities to observe aquatic life, compare habitats, and practice naturalist techniques.

Required Gear

Divers must have a complete scuba kit including mask, snorkel, fins, boots, BCD, regulator set, gauges or computer, exposure protection appropriate for conditions, surface signaling devices, and a cutting tool. An underwater slate and pencil are required for all participants.

Gear packages and rental options are available. Visit our continuing education gear options here: Continuing Education Diver Add On Options

What Comes Next

After completing the Underwater Naturalist Diver Course, divers often continue with specialties such as Reef Fish Identification, Digital Underwater Photography, or Night and Limited Visibility Diver. This specialty also counts toward the SDI Master Scuba Diver pathway.