Where Marine Passion Becomes Certified Professionalism
WIO-COMPAS — the Western Indian Ocean Certification of Marine Protected Area Professionals — is more than a programme. It’s a regional movement to recognize, elevate, and connect the passionate professionals who protect one of the most biodiverse marine regions in the world.
Founded in 2008 by WIOMSA and the Coastal Resources Center at the University of Rhode Island (CRC/URI), WIO-COMPAS is the first and only certification initiative of its kind globally — designed by and for marine professionals in the Western Indian Ocean (WIO).
Who We Serve
About WIO-COMPAS
Why We Exist
Every day, thousands of dedicated individuals safeguard marine ecosystems, engage with communities, enforce protection laws, and build conservation strategies. But until WIO-COMPAS, their deep experience and real-world impact lacked formal recognition.
We changed that.
What We Do
We offer a multi-level certification system that assesses what professionals can actually do — not just what they know. Through a rigorous yet empowering process, candidates are certified based on competence, ethical conduct, and practical contributions to marine protection.
We Assess:
Aproaches to Professional Certifications
Doctors
MPA Professionals
University or Training Courses
Academic grounding in marine science and
conservation
Employment with an MPA
Apply and growskills under real-world conditions
WIO-COMPAS Certification
Assessment based on ethic: job experience, and performance
Certification Journey
MPA Professionals vs Doctors
