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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 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.
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
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.
| Location | Online Training Sessions | Field Sessions | Note | Cost | Status | Book Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle, WA (North Sound) [Washington 1] | Tuesdays 6:30p - 8:00p, April 11 to May 9 | May 12 to 14 | Class 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) | $199 | Closed | |
| Seattle, WA (South/Central Sound) [Washington 2] | Wednesdays 6:30p - 8:00, May 10 to June 7 | June 9 to 11 | Class 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) | $199 | Closed | |
| Oregon 1 | March 8, 15, 22, April 5, 6:00pm - 8:00pm | April 7, 8 & 9 | Class sessions online; Pool session TBD, week of 4/3. One day of shore diving, two days of boat diving (6 dives total) | $299 | Closed | |
| Oregon 2 | March 8, 15, 22, April 5, 6:00pm - 8:00pm | May 5, 6 & 7 | Class sessions online; Pool session TBD, week of 4/3. One day of shore diving, two days of boat diving (6 dives total) | $299 | Closed | |
| Fort Bragg | Wednesdays 6:30p - 8:00p, May 3 - May 31 | June 3-4 & June 10-11 | Class sessions online; Pool session June 3 followed by three days of shore diving in Fort Bragg (8 dives total) | $99 | Closed | |
| Monterey | Tuesdays 6:30p - 8:00p, May 2 to May 23 | June 2 to June 4 | Class 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) | $349 | Closed | |
| Los Angeles 1 | May 1 ,4, 8, 11: 6:30p - 8:00p | May 13-14 | Class sessions online; Pool Session TBD, Location TBD. Bottom Scratcher (6 dives) out of San Pedro | $449 | Closed | |
| Los Angeles 2 | June 12, 15, 19, 22: 6:30p - 8:00p | June 24-25 | Class sessions online; Pool Session TBD Location TBD. Bottom Scratcher (6 dives) out of San Pedro | $449 | Closed | |
| San Diego | July 3, 6, 10, 13: 6:30p - 8:00p | July 22-23 | Class sessions online; Pool Session TBD; Location TBD. Humboldt (6 dives) out of Mission Bay | $399 | Closed |
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.
| Location | Date | Note | Cost | Status | Book Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | Saturday, April 29 | Shore Recert in North Sound (2 dives). | $39 | Closed | |
| Saturday, May 20 | Shore Recert in Central/South Sound (2 dives) | $39 | Closed | ||
| Oregon | Saturday, March 11 | Shore Recert Reedsport, OR (2 dives, Winchester Triangle) | $39 | Closed | |
| Friday, April 7 | Shore Recert Reedsport, OR (2 dives, Winchester Triangle) | $39 | Closed | ||
| Friday, May 5 | Shore Recert Reedsport, OR (2 dives, Winchester Triangle) | $39 | Closed | ||
| Fort Bragg | Sat/Sun, May 6-7 | Shore Recert in Fort Bragg (4 dives). Location TBD | $39 | Closed | |
| Monterey | Saturday, March 25 | Shore Recert in Monterey (2 dives). Location TBD | $39 | Closed | |
| Sunday, March 26 | Shore Recert in Monterey (2 dives). Location TBD | $39 | Closed | ||
| Saturday, April 15 | Shore Recert in Monterey (2 dives). Location TBD | $39 | Closed | ||
| Sunday, April 16 | Shore Recert in Monterey (2 dives). Location TBD | $39 | Closed | ||
| Saturday, April 29 | Shore Recert in Monterey (2 dives). Location TBD | $39 | Closed | ||
| Sunday, April 30 | Shore Recert in Monterey (2 dives). Location TBD | $39 | Closed | ||
| Saturday, May 6 | Shore Recert in Monterey (2 dives). Location TBD | $39 | Closed | ||
| Sunday, May 7 | Shore Recert in Monterey (2 dives). Location TBD | $99 | Closed | ||
| Saturday, June 10 | Shore Recert in Monterey (2 dives). Location TBD | $99 | Closed | ||
| Sunday, June 11 | Shore Recert in Monterey (2 dives). Location TBD | $99 | Closed | ||
| Los Angeles | Sunday, April 2 | Bottom Scratcher to Catalina (3 dives) out of San Pedro | $149 | Closed | |
| Saturday, May 6 | Bottom Scratcher to Catalina (3 dives) out of San Pedro | $149 | Closed | ||
| San Diego | Sunday, May 7 | Humbolt (3 dives) out of Mission Bay Sportcenter | $99 | Closed |
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 | Cost | Status | Book Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| California Academy of Sciences | Spring 2023 | Training for CAS divers only | $0 | Closed | |
| Moss Landing Marine Labs | Summer 2023 | Training for MLML students registered in AAUS course only | $0 | Closed |
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.
