The Backbone of Marine Professionalism
WIO COMPAS Certification Journey
Building competent MPA professionals to strengthen effective marine conservation across the Western Indian Ocean and beyond.
MPA PROS
Where Passion Meets Professionalism
WIO-COMPAS is not just a certification programme—it’s a movement. A bold initiative by WIOMSA and the University of Rhode Island, WIO-COMPAS transforms seasoned marine practitioners into recognized conservation leaders. Our globally unique programme benchmarks performance in real-world marine management—not by what you know, but what you do.
Whether you’re a ranger on patrol, a site manager shaping MPA strategy, or a policy shaper driving regional frameworks—WIO-COMPAS has a path for you.
Core Competence Areas
Our trusted partners on the journey to excellence
Socio-Economic Context
WIO-COMPAS, competence isn’t a goal—it’s a promise.
Our competence standards do more than certify individuals—they elevate the profession, inform MPA staffing decisions, strengthen donor confidence, and ensure that coastal communities are served by qualified, ethical, and capable leaders.
Certification isn’t awarded based on theory—it’s based on evidence of real-life performance.
Each certification level—Level 1 (Field), Level 2 (Site Management), and Level 3 (Strategy & Policy)—has its own tailored set of standards.
Competence by Certification Level
- Level 1: 41 competences
- Level 2: 69 competences
- Level 3: 56 competences
How We Assess Competence
- Portfolios (evidence from the field)
- Case Studies
- Interviews
- Presentations
- Quizzes or Written Assessments
- Insights and Reporting
CERTIFICATION PATHWAYS
WIO-COMPAS Approach
To recognize demonstrated competence
What a candidate already knows and does
Based on real-world experience and evidence
Formal certification (MPA PRO status)
Independent assessment by trained assessors
See What Our Partners Say About Us.
