Over the past few weeks I have been really shocked with the amount of rubbish that I have seen in the ocean when I have been diving.

I have decided to do something about it.

I searched the internet for schemes, projects or prgrammes which I might be able to obtain advice or guidlines for rubbish removal as a diver.  

Obviously I read about the PADI PROJECT AWARE Foundation where there is lots of encouragement to organise 'one off' events, which is great news when dealing with marine debris. 

You can find further information about Project Aware's support for volunteers who want to organise a clean up HERE. 

I also found lots of charity's doing their bit in different parts of the community, but it seems clear that there is not a systematic approach to get divers and the global diving community to simply remove little bits of rubbish whenever each and every diver goes underwater.

Maybe this is just another bee in my bonnet!  Who the devil knows?

I just think that picking up the odd cola can, drinks can ring pull, cigerette butt or plastic store bag to throw away after the dive is really simple for most PADI Open Water equivelent or more qualified divers to participate in. 

Although some individual divers do have a go routinly and some individuals or groups organise brillient events where tonnes of rubbish is removed from under the water in a bay or shoreline; I believe individual divers should be more pro-active in their chosen sport to clean up the environment and look upon it as an every day responsibility.

I will keep you informed of my progress as and when I do something.