As divers, we’ve all seen it.

A plastic bottle wedged in the reef. A fishing line wrapped around a bommie. A single-use food wrapper drifting by on a drift dive.

It’s frustrating…but you’re not powerless. As a diver, you’re uniquely positioned to make a difference. And Dive Against Debris is one way to turn that frustration into action, and give back to the ocean.

What is PADI AWARE Dive Against Debris?

Dive Against Debris (DAD) is a global citizen science initiative led by PADI AWARE Foundation. The goal is simple: reduce marine pollution by empowering divers everywhere to scoop up rubbish and log what they find.

When you join a DAD cleanup, you become part of a worldwide community of ocean heroes. The data collected helps track pollution trends, identity trouble areas, and push for better ocean protection. Consistency is what matters when it comes to data, so every DAD matters!

PADI AWARE Adopt the Blue: Our Commitment

Adopt the Blue is a programme under PADI AWARE Foundation that invites dive centres to regularly clean up and care for specific dive sites. Blue Corner Dive proudly adopted Karang Sari to take on that responsibility.

By adopting the site, we are not just doing a one-off clean. We are committing to removing and monitoring the trash consistently over time. It’s like becoming the reef’s long-term guardian.

Why Dive Against Debris Matters

It’s no secret that our oceans are full of trash. As of 2025, an estimated 250 million tons of plastic are floating around out there. As well as being a horrible eyesore, marine debris is a serious threat.

Plastic bags, fishing gear, and other rubbish can smother coral, entangle marine life, and damage entire ecosystems. Microplastics end up in fish, which means they eventually end up in us.

It might not be glamorous, but underwater cleanups make a real difference. Every piece of debris you remove is one less threat to a turtle, a manta, or the reef itself. These efforts help protect marine life, support reef recovery, and make the ocean a little safer for everyone who depends on it.

What Actually Happens on an AWARE Dive Against Debris?

Prepreparation

We gather the team and make sure we have everything we need such as: gloves, mesh bags, slates, and a solid plan. Before the dive, we brief the group on Dive Against Debris goals: what to collect, what to leave behind, and how to record useful data.

Dive Time

Mesh bags in hand, we head underwater to carefully remove debris found on the seabed or floating in the water column. We stay aware of our surroundings, avoid disturbing marine life, and take note of important details like surface conditions and GPS coordinates for data submission.

Sorting

Once back on land, we weigh the total debris collected. Then we sort it by material and category: plastic bottles, fishing line, aluminium cans, and more. Then we count each item before recording everything on the Dive Against Debris data card.

Submitting Data

All the data is uploaded to the Project AWARE app, where it contributes to a global database of marine debris. We also snap photos and videos during the dive to include in our report and to raise awareness about the impact of Dive Against Debris.

Want to Learn More?

If you’re keen to gain the knowledge and experience of how to run a DAD, the Dive Against Debris Specialty is a great next step.

This one-day course teaches you how to plan and lead your own underwater cleanups, collect debris safely, and submit data that contributes to global research. It’s a practical way to build your skills, protect the reef, and become part of a much bigger movement.

Whether you’re a newer diver or working toward pro-level training, this course is a meaningful way to level up your impact and gain new skills along the way. If you’re keen to do this course with us at Blue Corner Dive, get in touch for more info!

So, What Can You Do To Help?

Want to do your bit for the oceans? Here is how:

● Book a PADI AWARE Dive Against Debris dive with Blue Corner Dive during your visit.

● Take the Dive Against Debris Specialty: Learn how to independently plan and execute your own debris surveys.

● Share the word about why marine conservation matters.

● Cut back on single-use plastics and support businesses that care about the environment.

● Educate people about how they can help too!

Sign the Plastic Treaty Petition: Help push global action on marine debris by supporting PADI AWARE’s call for a strong Global Plastics Treaty. Divers and non-divers alike can sign here: padi.com/global-plastics-treaty

Whether you are a diver, snorkeler, or just love the ocean, you can make a difference.