The ancient group of marine predators, which first appeared in the fossil record 440 million years ago, are facing a critical juncture in their existence. Though they have been resilient to other mass extinctions, the current one is caused by decades of industrial overfishing along with the growing demands of the shark fin trade. It has put those shark and ray species accessible to fisheries at risk of extinction, with far-reaching consequences for ocean ecosystems.

Over the past two decades, sharks have become emblematic of the world's threatened wildlife, leading to heightened scientific, regulatory and public scrutiny. However, a recent study challenges the effectiveness of these protective measures, revealing that global shark mortality has not only persisted but increased, despite increased regulations and finning bans.

This certification aims to recognise dedicated SDI Instructors and provide new professionals with a clear milestone to strive for.

One key objective is to acknowledge the accomplishments of SDI Instructors while encouraging the growth of the next generation of diving professionals. This rating celebrates their achievements and is designed for active SDI instructors committed to producing skilled divers.