Created in 2021, the "Dive for Cascais" project organizes eight annual underwater cleanups in Cascais Bay, which take place between the end of April and the beginning of October.
These actions rely on the collaboration of the local fishing community, responsible for transporting the divers to the intervention areas, and on the fundamental support of volunteers who participate in different areas:
- Divers – collect submerged debris for about 1 hour;
- Stand-Up Paddleboards – transport trash and equipment to land and secure the perimeter;
- The team on land rescues marine life trapped in the debris, separates, weighs, and counts the collected trash.
The results of each cleanup are recorded on the international platform PADI Project Aware , contributing to the global mapping of marine pollution.
Diving Bags
The project also aims to involve young people from the municipality in protecting the oceans, offering them the opportunity to join our team of volunteers through diving scholarships .
The initiative supports participation in the SSI Open Water Diver course with an 80% reimbursement . The scholarships are intended for young people aged 4 and over, residents of the municipality of Cascais, who commit to participating in at least five underwater cleanups.
Application requirements
To apply, simply fill out the form and submit the following documents through it:
- A completed and signed oath of honor;
- Completed and signed medical questionnaire;
- Copy of CPF (front and back) or passport;
- Proof of residence in the municipality of Cascais;
- Motivational Video – A creative video, with a maximum duration of 3 minutes, in which you should explain your motivation for applying for one of our scholarships and demonstrate why you are the ideal candidate.
For more information and conditions, please consult the diving bag regulations .
How to participate in the cleanups
The underwater cleanups of the Mergulha por Cascais project are open to the entire community. Anyone can participate as a volunteer, regardless of their experience level, as long as they meet the specific requirements of each role.
Approximately 10 days before each event, registration forms for the different volunteer opportunities are posted on the Movimento Claro social media channels.
- Divers
- Stand-Up Paddle (SUP)
- Ground support team
Spaces are limited, so we recommend registering as soon as the forms become available.
Participation as a diver
Anyone with a valid diving certification can participate in underwater cleanups.
Having your own equipment is not mandatory. If you don't have diving gear, you can rent it for free as part of the initiative. However, participants with their own equipment generally have an easier time securing a spot, due to the associated logistical needs.
Waiting list
If the spots are already filled and you are unable to register via the form, you can send us an email expressing your interest. The contacts received will be added to a waiting list and considered whenever there are cancellations.
