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 that 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.

  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

2023 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.

Our 2023 training classes are now closed. Please contact rcinfo@reefcheck.org to be added to our 2024 training notification list. The 2024 schedule is expected to be available in January.

LocationOnline Training SessionsField SessionsNoteCostStatusBook Now
Seattle, WA (North Sound)

[Washington 1]
Tuesdays 6:30p - 8:00p, April 11 to May 9May 12 to 14Class sessions online. Pool session Wed, May 3rd, Location: Juanita Aquatic Center. 5/2 class moved to 5/3 for pool session. Three days of shore diving (6 dives total)$199Closed
Seattle, WA (South/Central Sound)

[Washington 2]
Wednesdays 6:30p - 8:00, May 10 to June 7June 9 to 11Class sessions online. Pool session Sun, June 4th, 8-11am, Location: Tukwila Pool, 5/31 class moved to 6/4 for pool session, Three days of shore diving (6 dives total)$199Closed
Oregon 1March 8, 15, 22, April 5, 6:00pm - 8:00pmApril 7, 8 & 9Class sessions online; Pool session TBD, week of 4/3. One day of shore diving, two days of boat diving (6 dives total)$299Closed
Oregon 2March 8, 15, 22, April 5, 6:00pm - 8:00pmMay 5, 6 & 7Class sessions online; Pool session TBD, week of 4/3. One day of shore diving, two days of boat diving (6 dives total)$299Closed
Fort BraggWednesdays 6:30p - 8:00p, May 3 - May 31June 3-4 & June 10-11Class sessions online; Pool session June 3 followed by three days of shore diving in Fort Bragg (8 dives total)$99Closed
MontereyTuesdays 6:30p - 8:00p, May 2 to May 23June 2 to June 4Class sessions online. Pool session May 27th at the Pallutto Swim Center in Seaside, CA. One day of shore diving followed by two days aboard the Escapade out of Monterey (6 dives total)$349Closed
Los Angeles 1May 1 ,4, 8, 11: 6:30p - 8:00pMay 13-14Class sessions online; Pool Session TBD, Location TBD. Bottom Scratcher (6 dives) out of San Pedro$449Closed
Los Angeles 2June 12, 15, 19, 22: 6:30p - 8:00pJune 24-25Class sessions online; Pool Session TBD Location TBD. Bottom Scratcher (6 dives) out of San Pedro$449Closed
San DiegoJuly 3, 6, 10, 13: 6:30p - 8:00pJuly 22-23Class sessions online; Pool Session TBD; Location TBD. Humboldt (6 dives) out of Mission Bay$399Closed

2023 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.

LocationDateNoteCostStatusBook Now
WashingtonSaturday, April 29Shore Recert in North Sound (2 dives).$39 Closed
Saturday, May 20Shore Recert in Central/South Sound (2 dives)$39 Closed
OregonSaturday, March 11Shore Recert Reedsport, OR (2 dives, Winchester Triangle)$39 Closed
Friday, April 7Shore Recert Reedsport, OR (2 dives, Winchester Triangle)$39 Closed
Friday, May 5Shore Recert Reedsport, OR (2 dives, Winchester Triangle)$39 Closed
Fort BraggSat/Sun, May 6-7Shore Recert in Fort Bragg (4 dives). Location TBD$39 Closed
MontereySaturday, March 25Shore Recert in Monterey (2 dives). Location TBD$39 Closed
Sunday, March 26Shore Recert in Monterey (2 dives). Location TBD$39Closed
Saturday, April 15Shore Recert in Monterey (2 dives). Location TBD$39 Closed
Sunday, April 16Shore Recert in Monterey (2 dives). Location TBD$39Closed
Saturday, April 29Shore Recert in Monterey (2 dives). Location TBD$39Closed
Sunday, April 30Shore Recert in Monterey (2 dives). Location TBD$39Closed
Saturday, May 6Shore Recert in Monterey (2 dives). Location TBD$39 Closed
Sunday, May 7Shore Recert in Monterey (2 dives). Location TBD$99 Closed
Saturday, June 10Shore Recert in Monterey (2 dives). Location TBD$99 Closed
Sunday, June 11Shore Recert in Monterey (2 dives). Location TBD$99 Closed
Los AngelesSunday, April 2Bottom Scratcher to Catalina (3 dives) out of San Pedro$149Closed
Saturday, May 6Bottom Scratcher to Catalina (3 dives) out of San Pedro$149Closed
San DiegoSunday, May 7Humbolt (3 dives) out of Mission Bay Sportcenter$99Closed

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.

LocationDateNoteCostStatusBook Now
California Academy of SciencesSpring 2023Training for CAS divers only$0Closed
Moss Landing Marine LabsSummer 2023Training for MLML students registered in AAUS course only$0Closed

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.