PADI Marine Life Injuries Distinctive Specialty

I. Course Overview
This course represents entry-level training designed to educate the general diving public and interested non-
divers in the first aid techniques for a suspected hazardous marine life injury. In addition, this course will
introduce participants to the identification of potentially hazardous marine life and how to avoid hazardous
marine life injuries. This program also provides an excellent opportunity for experienced divers and
instructors to continue their education.

II. Course Objectives

By the end of this course the student will be able to:
1 Identify the four types of hazardous marine life injuries.
2 Name at least five venomous marine animals.
3 List five common warning signs of an envenomation.
4 Describe the appropriate first aid procedure for managing a bite from a marine animal
5 Name at least three marine animals that may bite a diver
6 List two common warning signs of marine animal bites
7 Describe the appropriate first aid procedure for managing a bite from a marine animal
8 Name at least three marine animals that may cause irritations to the diver.
9 List at least four common signs of irritations.
10 Describe the appropriate first aid procedure for managing aquatic life irritations.
11 Identify two common types of seafood poisoning.
12 Name at least three types of fish that can cause seafood poisoning.
13 List at least three common warning signs of seafood poisoning.
14 State the reason why evaluation by a medical professional is necessary when seafood poisoning is
suspected.
15 Describe the appropriate first aid procedures for managing suspected seafood poisoning.
16 Perform a scene safety assessment.
17 List the steps in performing a scene safety assessment.
18 Assess the Airway, Breathing and Circulation (ABCs) of an injured diver.
19 Demonstrate a caring attitude towards a diver who becomes ill or injured.
20 Establish and maintain the Airway and Breathing (perform Rescue Breathing) for an injured diver.
21 Describe the importance of the use of supplemental oxygen as a first aid measure for injured divers.
22 Demonstrate the techniques for controlling bleeding including direct pressure, elevation and the use of a
pressure dressing and pressure points.
23 Locate and demonstrate the use of pressure points to control external bleeding.
24 Apply dressings and bandages to manage wounds caused by hazardous marine life.
25 Demonstrate an ongoing assessment and manage shock.
26 Demonstrate the pressure immobilization technique.
27 List the components of an emergency Assistance Plan.
28 Describe at least five techniques or guidelines that minimize the risk of injury from marine animals.

III. Course Requirements

1. Minimum age: 10
2. Recommended course hours: 4
3. Recommended retraining period: 24 months
4. Training dives: None
5. Emergency First Response Primary and Secondary Care or current certification in CPR/First Aid from a
nationally recognized organization is strongly recommended.
6. Maximum Student-to Instructor Ratio: 12:1 during skill development sessions