Discover Reef Check

Become a marine biologist for an afternoon! This half day course allows you to see firsthand how marine biologists conduct coral reef research and try your hand at some of the sampling techniques used in monitoring coral reefs. Whether you are a snorkeler or a diver, if you have ever wondered what it is that marine biologists do while underwater, this is your chance to find out!

Prerequisites:  Can swim and use a swim mask, fins and snorkel

Materials: Reef Check EcoDiver Kit

Testing and Certification: No test, Certificate of Completion

Reef Check EcoDiver

Become certified to conduct your own Reef Check surveys and take an active role in conserving your favorite coral reefs.  This course is designed to teach you everything you need to know to conduct full scale Reef Check surveys.  In this program you will learn all about the globally standardized Reef Check methodology as well as how to identify key indicator fish, invertebrates and substrates selected by Reef Check for global monitoring and conservation of coral reefs!  This course will allow you to join the Reef Check monitoring team and assist in underwater surveys around the world.

Prerequisites: Participant is comfortable using mask, fins and snorkel or is a certified scuba diver. Age of 12 or above.
Materials: Reef Check EcoDiver Kit
Testing and Certification: PowerPoint ID test (80%) and field test (90% to pass) to obtain regional certification card. Certification card qualifies holder to participate in Reef Check surveys in the region and to submit their data to the global database.

Reef Check EcoDiver Trainer

This course teaches qualified Reef Check EcoDivers to become certified Reef Check EcoDiver Trainers.

Prerequisites: Is a certified Reef Check EcoDiver and has completed two surveys. Age of 18 or above.
Materials: EcoDiver and Reef Check Trainers Kit
Testing and Certification: Written test (80%) and field test (90% to pass) to obtain regional certification card. Certification card qualifies holder to participate in Reef Check surveys in the region and to submit their data to the global database and to train and certify Reef Check EcoDivers.

Reef Check EcoDiver Course Director

This course teaches qualified Reef Check EcoDiver Trainers to be certified Reef Check EcoDiver Course Directors.

Prerequisites: Is a certified Reef Check EcoDiver Trainer, has completed five surveys and has run three EcoDiver training courses. Age of 18 or above. Has a degree in marine biology or equivalent professional work experience.

Materials: Reef Check EcoDiver Trainer Kit

Testing and Certification: Written test (90%) to obtain regional certification card. Additional training is required to transfer to a new region e.g. Red Sea to Caribbean. Certification card qualifies holder to participate in Reef Check surveys in the region and to submit their data to the global database, as well as training EcoDiver Trainers and EcoDivers.

Photos by vinnyturner.co.uk