Originally formed in 1989 as an environmental initiative by the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI), Project AWARE existed to increase environmental awareness through diver education. In 1992, with tremendous support from the dive community, Project AWARE Foundation was registered as an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit organization in the U.S. To engage divers and activists around  the world in conservation, Project AWARE became an established UK charity in 1999 and received formal nonprofit status in Australia in 2002.

Today, Project AWARE is a non-profit organization and a global force of divers working to protect the ocean planet in more than 175 countries and territories. The organization achieves its mission through direct conservation activities with divers and the dive industry, by actively working to develop and support conservation policies and legislation, and by engaging with science to solve ocean problems.

Project AWARE Foundation, located in Rancho Santa Margarita, California, is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit environmental organization dedicated to conserving underwater environments through education advocacy and action. In partnership with divers and water enthusiasts they are committed to protecting marine environments in 175 countries and territories of the world.