Want to participate in the largest volunteer event in the world, dive at a rarely-dove landmark, and leave the ocean a little better for us all? Well then, what are you doing this Saturday, September 15th?

It is International Coastal Clean-Up Day and Eco Dive Center has adopted the world famous Santa Monica Pier for the annual underwater clean-up. Everyone is welcome, divers and non-divers alike since Heal the Bay organizes a massive beach clean-up at the same site! Bring out the whole family or your non-diver friends. The dive site is located north of the Pier and parking is available in the big lot. We'll be waiting for you at Tower 1550, so parking in the 1550 lot is the easiest. (Access the lot from Pacific Coast Highway if you are coming from the North, or take Seaside Terrace down from Ocean Avenue/Colorado Blvd if you are coming from the South or East.)

Divers will meet at 7:45 AM to check-in and prep for the dive briefing. After the briefing, grab your buddy and do your dive. We'll want to see you bring back some interesting garbage. Divers in previous years have found fishing poles, spare tires, entire bicycles, and more bottles, cans, and plastic bags than you can imagine.

Here are a few rules :

1. Show up with your certification card and proof of dive accident insurance (eg. DAN).

2. Have all the dive gear you need including a collection bag. Eco Dive Center will offer a discount on rental for participants and free air fills before Friday but we won't have gear at the beach. (Supplies are limited and we can't take reservations, so come by and pick up some gear.)

3. Be prepared to collect your finds -- a simple mesh bag works great -- and document them. Heal the Bay wants to report how much garbage is found on the sand and under water. And plan to be around for a big group photo at 11:00 AM.

Call us at (310) 398-5759 to get on the list or email Brian at brian@ecodivecenter.com. We'll see you on Saturday!

• Coastal Clean-Up Day at Santa Monica Pier

• Wear your Dive Club Shirts, Clean up at the pier, and get a free prize! brian 16:16:57 09/14/07 (0)