Dive Bermuda has met standards set by PADI and National Geographic to become the Island's first National Geographic Dive Centre.

The 118-year-old non-profit scientific and educational publishing giant in conjunction with PADI, the world's largest professional diver training organisation, created the programme to promote adventure, discovery, exploration and aquatic conservation. The National Geographic Diver Programme aims to raise awareness and educate others about the marine environment through increased participation in the sport of diving. Individuals can either become certified scuba divers through the programme or, if already certified, increase their diving skills.

As a National Geographic Dive Centre, Dive Bermuda will teach divers how to take control underwater and expose themselves to an underwater environment. The insight and training gained during the programme broadens awareness and takes diving skills to a new level, the company said in a press release.

Divers learn to observe and explore like an underwater scientist so they can take in all of the interesting plant life and rock and coral formations in the unfamiliar underwater world.

They also gain the diving knowledge and practice to manoeuvre with poise along the reef's ecosystems.