Sri Vijaya Puram: In a first-of-its-kind initiative in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the Department of Environment and Forests organised an underwater certificate distribution ceremony for frontline staff who completed a week-long scuba diving and reef monitoring programme, officials said on Saturday.

The ceremony, held beneath the sea on Friday, saw Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief Wildlife Warden Sanjay Kumar Sinha join participants on a dive and hand over course completion certificates underwater.

Describing it as a pioneering step in experiential training, Sinha said the initiative reflects the administration's focus on immersive learning for marine conservation.

The programme, conducted under the Biosphere Management Programme of the National Coastal Mission, aimed at strengthening capacities in underwater surveillance, coral reef monitoring and marine biodiversity conservation.

A valedictory function was later held at the Marine National Park Interpretation Centre at Wandoor.

Fourteen frontline staff underwent training that included scuba diving, underwater navigation, coral reef identification and monitoring techniques, gaining practical experience in assessing reef health and documenting marine biodiversity, officials said.