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.

  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

2024 Training Classes for the General Public (new trainees only)

Our 2024 training classes are now closed. Please contact rcinfo@reefcheck.org to be added to our 2025 training notification list.

These trainings are for divers who meet the course prerequisites and have no prior Reef Check experience.

LocationOnline Training SessionsField SessionsNoteCostStatusBook Now
Washington 1Tuesdays 6:30p - 8:00p, April 16 - May 14May 17, 18 & 19Class sessions online. Pool session Tues, May 7th, Location: TBD. Three days of shore diving (6 dives total)$199Closed
Oregon 1Wednesdays March 6, 13, 20, April 3, 6:00p - 8:00pApril 5, 6, & 7Class sessions online; Pool session TBD, week of 4/1. One day of shore diving, two days of boat diving (6 dives total)$299Closed
Oregon 2Wednesdays March 6, 13, 20, April 3, 6:00p - 8:00pApril 12, 13, & 14Class sessions online; Pool session TBD, week of 4/1. One day of shore diving, two days of boat diving (6 dives total)$299Closed
Fort Bragg, CAWednesdays May 1 - May 29, 6:30p - 8:00pJune 1-2 & June 8-9Class sessions online; Pool session June 1 followed by three days of shore diving in Fort Bragg (6 dives total)$99Closed
Monterey, CATuesdays May 14 to June 4, 6:30p - 8:00pJune 9 & June 15-16Class sessions online. Pool session June 8, location TBD. One day of shore diving followed by two days aboard the Escapade out of Monterey (6 dives total)$399Closed
San Diego, CAWednesdays May 29, June 5, 12, 19, 6:30p - 8:00pJune 22-23Class sessions online; Pool Session 6/13; Location TBD. One day of shore diving followed by one day aboard the Humboldt out of Mission Bay$449Closed

2024 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.

LocationDateNoteStatusBook Now
WashingtonSaturday, May 4Shore Recert at Rosario (2 dives).Open
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Saturday, May 11Shore Recert at Rosario (2 dives)Open
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Sunday, May 26Shore Recert at Lincoln Park (2 dives)Open
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OregonSaturday, March 16Shore Recert Reedsport, OR (2 dives, Winchester Triangle)Open
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Friday, April 5Shore Recert Reedsport, OR (2 dives, Winchester Triangle)Open
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Wednesday, April 12Shore Recert Reedsport, OR (2 dives, Winchester Triangle)Open
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Fort Bragg, CASat/Sun, May 4-5Shore Recert in Fort Bragg (4 dives). Location TBDOpen
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Monterey, CASaturday, April 27Shore Recert in Monterey (2 dives). Location TBDOpen
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Sunday, April 28Shore Recert in Monterey (2 dives). Location TBDOpen
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Saturday, May 4Shore Recert in Monterey (2 dives). Location TBDOpen
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Saturday, May 18Shore Recert in Monterey (2 dives). Location TBDOpen
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Saturday, May 25Shore Recert in Monterey (2 dives). Location TBDOpen
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Channel Islands, CASaturday, April 27Raptor (3 dives) out of VenturaOpen
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Sunday, April 28Raptor (3 dives) out of VenturaOpen
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Los Angeles, CASaturday, June 8Shore Recert Casino Point (2-3 dives)Open
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Saturday, June 29Shore Recert, Cresent Bay Laguna Beach (2-3 dives)Open
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Sunday, June 30Shore Recert, Cresent Bay Laguna Beach (2-3 dives)Open
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San Diego, CASaturday, June 22Humbolt (3 dives) out of Mission Bay SportcenterOpen
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Sunday, June 23Humbolt (3 dives) out of Mission Bay SportcenterOpen
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2024 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
Scuba FusionSpring 2024Training for divers through Scuba Fusion$0OpenBook Now
Ensenada, MexicoMay 20-24, 2024Training for divers in partnership with Ecocimati$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.