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Reef Check Kelp Forest Monitoring Training Course details:
The Reef Check Kelp Forest Monitoring Training course is designed to provide participants with the skills and experience to complete the Reef Check Kelp Forest Monitoring survey protocol accurately. In addition to direct survey methods, the training will address safe diving practices, techniques of research diving, sampling design and theory, general marine ecology including species identification and interactions, and the importance of monitoring to meet marine management needs. Trainings include a combination of online in-person training, recorded lectures and at-home work, and in-person ocean field sessions. Following completion of the training, all participants will have the skills necessary to complete the training examination allowing them to collect data and will be eligible to obtain a Reef Check Kelp Forest Monitoring Specialty Certification (NAUI).
Course prerequisites:
- Rescue diver certification
- Minimum of 30 logged lifetime dives
- Minimum of 15 logged dives in the environment your training takes place in
- Minimum of 6 dives within the last year
- Minimum age of 16 on the first day of class
Training and research materials will be provided, which include the Reef Check Kelp Forest Monitoring student guide, indicator organism ID cards, dive slate, and underwater datasheets. Participants must provide all their dive gear, including weights and tanks. In addition to standard dive gear, you will need a flashlight, cutting device, and clips to attach your slate to your BC.
Recommended Dive Skills
- Comfortable swimming in and around kelp, both at depth and on the surface.
- Able to keep track of your buddy, your air, and your no-deco time while engaged in other tasks.
- Able to dive in a horizontal position within a foot off the bottom while maintaining proper buoyancy.
Click here for a detailed training course outline
What should I expect? A trainee’s perspective
2026 Training Classes for the General Public (new trainees only)
These trainings are for divers who meet the course prerequisites and have no prior Reef Check experience.
| Location | Online Training Sessions | Field Sessions | Note | Cost | Status | Book Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Port Orford, Oregon for kelp forest monitoring | February 25, March 4, 11, 18 & April 1, 6pm - 8pm | April 6, 7 & 8 | Class sessions online; Pool session 3/31. Three days of boat diving (6 dives total) | $299 | Closed | |
| Oregon Restoration 1 to assist with kelp forest restoration | April 21, 28, & May 13; 6pm - 8pm | May 15 - 17, Port Orford | Class sessions online; Pool session 5/12/26. Three days of boat diving (6 dives total). You will participate in kelp forest restoration activities on your boat dives. | $299 | Open | Book Now |
| Oregon Restoration 2 to assist with kelp forest restoration | April 21, 28, & May 13; 6pm - 8pm | May 29 - 31, Port Orford | Class sessions online; Pool session 5/12/26. Three days of boat diving (6 dives total). You will participate in kelp forest restoration activities on your boat dives. | $299 | Open | Book Now |
| Fort Bragg, CA | Wednesdays 6:30p - 8:00p, May 6 - May 27 | May 30-31 & June 6-7 | Class sessions online; Pool session May 30 followed by three days of shore diving in Fort Bragg (6 dives total). Location: CV Starr Center pool. Van Damme State Park and Caspar Beach. | $199 | Open | Book Now |
| Monterey, CA | Tuesdays 6:30p - 8:00p, May 5 to May 26 | May 30 & 31 + June 6 & 7 | Class sessions online. Pool session and Aquarium day on May 30. One day of shore diving (May 31) followed by shore day and one day aboard the Escapade out of Monterey on the 6th & 7th (6 dives total) | $449 | Waitlisted | |
| Southern California | Thursdays 6:30p - 8:00p; May 21, 28, June 4, 11 | June 13-14 & June 20-21 | Class sessions online. Pool session 6/13. One day of shore diving on 6/14, followed by two days of boat diving on 6/20 and 6/21 (6 dives total). | $449 | Waitlisted | |
| Ensenada, Baja California | Jueves 6 - 8 pm; Julio 9, 16, 23, 30 | Agosto 1, 8, 9 | Sesiones teóricas en línea todos los jueves. La evaluación en campo se realizará en tres días, con un total de 6 buceos: práctica de habilidades el 01/08/26 y evaluación de protocolos los días 08/08/26 y 09/08/26. | $1,300 MXN | Open | Apply Now |
2026 Recertifications for Certified Reef Check Kelp Forest Monitoring Divers
Each year, prior to participating in surveys, certified Reef Check Kelp Forest Monitoring divers need to go through a recertification course to learn about any updates to the protocol and to recalibrate their survey skills. Click the Book Now link to log into the Reef Check Volunteer Tool to register for your recert.
| Location | Date | Note | Status | Book Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | Saturday, May 9 | Shore Recert at Rosario (2 dives). | Open | Book Now |
| Sunday, May 17 | Shore Recert at Rosario (2 dives) | Open | Book Now | |
| Saturday, May 23 | Shore Recert at North Beach (2 dives) | Open | Book Now | |
| Oregon | Friday, April 3 | Shore Recert Reedsport, OR (2 dives, Winchester Triangle) | Open | Book Now |
| Friday, April 10 | Port Orford, OR (2 dives) | Open | Book Now | |
| Fort Bragg, CA | Sat/Sun, June 20-21 | Shore Recert in Fort Bragg (4 dives). Location TBD | Open | Book Now |
| Monterey, CA | Sunday, April 26 | Shore Recert in Monterey (2 dives). Location TBD | Open | Book Now |
| Saturday, May 2 | Shore Recert in Monterey (2 dives). Location TBD | Open | Book Now | |
| Sunday, May 3 | Shore Recert in Monterey (2 dives). Location TBD | Open | Book Now | |
| Saturday, May 9 | Shore Recert in Monterey (2 dives). Location TBD | Open | Book Now | |
| Friday, May 22 | Shore Recert in Monterey (2 dives). Location TBD | Open | Book Now | |
| Morro Bay, CA | Sunday, April 19 | Shore Recert in Morro Bay (2 dives). Location TBD | Open | Book Now |
| Channel Islands, CA | Saturday, April 25 | Raptor (3 dives) out of Ventura | Open | |
| Sunday, April 26 | Raptor (3 dives) out of Ventura | Open | ||
| Los Angeles, CA | Sunday, June 7 | Shore Recert, Casino Point (2-3 dives) | Open | |
| Saturday, June 13 | Shore Recert, Laguna Beach (2-3 dives) | Open | ||
| San Diego, CA | Humbolt (3 dives) out of Mission Bay Sportcenter | Open | ||
| Humbolt (3 dives) out of Mission Bay Sportcenter | Open |
2026 Institutional Partner Trainings
These trainings are closed to the general public and require enrollment or membership in the specified course or partner facility with prior approval from a Reef Check regional manager.
| Location | Date | Note |
|---|---|---|
| DFA Pro Course & WA/OR Partner/Instructor Retreat | May 5 - 8 | Partner & Instructor Annual Recert at Shannon Point |
| CSUMB | for CSUMB students enrolled in AAUS diver course only | |
| UC Santa Barbara | April 25 & 26 | for UCSB students enrolled in AAUS diver course only |
| Aquarium of the Pacific | May 2 & 3 |
General Public trainings:
100% of training course fee is due at the time of booking.
REFUNDS GIVEN IF CANCELLATION OCCURS MORE THAN 30 DAYS PRIOR TO CLASS DATE, MINUS $10 PROCESSING FEE. NO REFUNDS WILL BE GIVEN IF CANCELLATION OCCURS WITHIN 30 DAYS OF CLASS DATE.
Recertifications:
100% of recertification cost due at time of booking.
CANCELLATION PRIOR TO 30 DAYS OF CLASS RECEIVES FULL REFUND.
Does my Reef Check Certification expire?
Yes. As part of our Quality Control/Quality Assurance procedures, your eligibility to submit data to our database expires within one year of your most recent training or recertification training.
