Volunteer dive training is being offered to advanced level divers in two series of classes

Newport, Ore.—The Oregon Coast Aquarium is offering dive volunteer training in two separate series of classes this fall. The first part of the course will be four consecutive Saturdays; Feb 10th, 17th and 24th in Eugene at Eugene Skin Divers Supply (see www.eugeneskindivers.com) and the second portion of the training will be held at the Aquarium on March 3 and 4. Volunteer divers play an important role in maintaining the 1.3 million gallon Passages of the Deep and other exhibits, with divers doing everything from cleaning the acrylic to feeding Aquarium animals.

"Among the divers in the Pacific Northwest are a core group of highly qualified and experienced divers who make volunteering at the Oregon Coast Aquarium part of their lives," said Aquarium Dive Safety Officer Vallorie Hodges. "Their experience level, training requirements and commitment make them an elite group among divers." Hodges said diving in the Aquarium is a popular experience among Northwest divers offering a unique opportunity to watch marine life close up in the Aquarium habitats. "The Aquarium offers divers the chance to swim with several species of sharks, bat rays, Pacific halibut, skates, and a variety of invertebrates, birds and mammals. The work is rewarding and it is a clear water environment that can't be found in the waters along Oregon's coast," said Hodges.

During the course, divers will learn about the natural history of the Oregon coast, the diverse marine life at the Aquarium, and how to perform routine maintenance. Divers will develop skills for diving in the Aquarium exhibits, with an emphasis on buoyancy control, finning and full-face mask use. Once divers complete the training course, they can become a volunteer and receive benefits that include an Aquarium membership after 50 hours of service, 2 free passes for every 100 hours, a 20 percent discount in the gift shop and free admission to special programs at the Aquarium.

Divers must be at least 18 years old, be certified divers at an advanced level or higher, hold a current CPR and first aid certification. The dive-training course cost is $175.00. Volunteer divers are committed to diving and working to maintain Aquarium exhibits or other duties one day every three weeks for one year. For more information or to register for the training course, divers can call Vallorie Hodges at the Aquarium at (541) 867-3474 ext. 5302.

The Oregon Coast Aquarium is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit educational attraction dedicated to the highest quality aquatic and marine science programs for recreation and education so the public better understands, cherishes, and conserves the world's natural marine and coastal resources. #### Photo Caption: A volunteer diver cleans the acrylic in the Aquarium's Passages of the Deep Exhibit. Photography by Cindy Hanson, Oregon Coast Aquarium.

PSA Run through February 9 The Oregon Coast Aquarium is looking for experienced divers to join its volunteer dive staff. Volunteer divers play an important role in maintaining Passages of the Deep and other exhibits, with divers doing everything from cleaning the acrylic to feeding Aquarium animals. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and have current CPR and first aid certification. To register or find out more, call (541) 867-FISH, ext 5302.