Andaman hosts India’s first underwater certificate ceremony for scuba-trained forest staff

In a historic first‑ever underwater certificate ceremony in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the Department of Environment and Forests organised a unique scuba‑based valediction for frontline forest staff who successfully completed a week‑long open water scuba diving and reef monitoring programme, officials said on Saturday. Held on Friday beneath the sea off the shores of Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, the event saw Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief Wildlife Warden Sanjay Kumar Sinha join participants on a scuba dive to personally present certificates underwater to those who completed the hands‑on training. “This symbolic underwater celebration marks a pioneering step in experiential capacity building and underscores the administration’s emphasis on immersive learning for marine conservation ,” Sinha said.

The training, conducted under the Biosphere Management Programme of the National Coastal Mission, Government of India , focused on boosting the ability of frontline staff in underwater surveillance, coral reef assessment and marine biodiversity protection in one of India’s most ecologically significant marine environments. Popular for its clear waters and rich coral diversity, the Andaman waters around Swaraj Dweep, Shaheed Dweep and Wandoor form world‑class dive sites that support varied marine life, making practical exposure especially valuable.

Senior officers, including Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Dr S Dinesh Kannan and Chief Conservator of Forests (Territorial) Dr A Anil Kumar, attended the valedictory function held at the park’s Interpretation Centre at Wandoor as guests of honour and highlighted the importance of such initiatives in strengthening conservation outcomes.

Sinha emphasised the need for scientific reef monitoring and advanced skill development to protect the islands’ fragile marine ecosystems. He noted that hands-on programmes equip personnel with practical diving expertise and the ability to assess threats such as coral bleaching and human-induced pressures. The week-long training included scuba diving, underwater navigation, coral reef identification, and reef monitoring techniques , giving participants direct experience in assessing reef health and documenting marine biodiversity .

Fourteen frontline staff attended the course, which opened with an address by Deputy Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Joju P. Alappatt and concluded with a vote of thanks from Mohammed Hussain, forester and dive instructor. Officials said the immersive approach strengthens technical competence while fostering a deeper commitment to conserving the Andaman and Nicobar Islands’ unique marine ecosystems.