Training Schedule

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

1. Comfortable swimming in and around kelp, both at depth and on the surface.
2. Able to keep track of your buddy, your air, and your no-deco time while engaged in other tasks.
3. 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

2025 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.

2025 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.

2025 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.

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.