Andaman creates history with first-ever underwater certificate ceremony in scuba diving

Sri Vijaya Puram: In a first-of-its-kind initiative in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the department of environment and forests organised an underwater certificate distribution ceremony for frontline staff who completed a week-long open water scuba diving course-cum-reef monitoring programme here, officials said on Saturday.

The unique ceremony, held beneath the sea on Friday, saw the principal chief conservator of forests (PCCF) and chief wildlife warden, Sanjay Kumar Sinha, join participants on a scuba dive and hand over course completion certificates underwater.

"This symbolic gesture marked a pioneering step in experiential training and highlighted the administration's emphasis on immersive learning for marine conservation," Sinha said.

The programme, conducted under the Biosphere Management Programme of the National Coastal Mission, Government of India, aimed at strengthening the capacity of frontline forest staff in underwater surveillance, coral reef monitoring and marine biodiversity conservation.

The valedictory function was later held at the Interpretation Centre of the Marine National Park at Wandoor, where Sinha attended as the chief guest.

Senior officers, including chief conservator of forests (Wildlife) Dr S Dinesh Kannan and chief conservator of forests (Territorial) A Anil Kumar, were present as guests of honour.

Sinha underscored the need for scientific reef monitoring and enhanced skill development among field staff to ensure effective conservation of the fragile marine ecosystems of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

He said such hands-on initiatives are essential to equip personnel with the expertise required to respond to emerging environmental challenges.

He emphasised that capacity-building programmes under the National Coastal Mission play a pivotal role in developing a skilled and responsive workforce capable of protecting the region's rich marine biodiversity.

"Such initiatives reinforce the department's commitment to sustainable marine resource management," he said.

Fourteen frontline staff members participated in the intensive week-long training, which included practical sessions on scuba diving, underwater navigation, coral reef identification and monitoring techniques.

Participants gained first-hand experience in assessing reef health, documenting marine biodiversity and understanding threats such as coral bleaching and human-induced pressures.