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Reef Check EcoDiver

EcoDivers are the volunteers who help Reef Check to deliver its citizen science program and collect data necessary for coral reef management and conservation.

This course is designed to teach you everything you need to know to conduct full-scale Reef Check surveys and collect high-quality data for our global database. In this program, you will learn about marine conservation issues, the role of citizen science, as well as how to identify key indicator fish, invertebrates, and substrates selected by Reef Check for assessing coral reef health. Upon completion of this course, you will join the Reef Check monitoring team and assist in underwater surveys around the world. This 2-3 day course includes both classroom and fieldwork.

Requirements:

  • 15+ years old
  • Open Water Diver
  • 25 logged dives, including 2 dives in the past 12 months

Materials:

  • Reef Check EcoDiver E-Kit (available in the Sea Store; may be provided by the trainer as part of the course)

To Gain Certification:

  • Pass Skills Assessment: including buoyancy, swimming, safety
  • Complete EcoDiver Course
  • Pass a written ID test – 90% to pass
  • Participate in a field practice and test

EcoDivers are certified for the region in which they were trained. If you would like to transfer to a new region (e.g., Pacific to Caribbean), you will need to purchase the e-kit for the new region and pass an ID test of indicators for the new region.

Check off the Training Facility option at Coordinators and Teams to find a certified Reef Check training facility at your next diving destination!

Reef Check EcoDiver Trainer

Reef Check Trainers train EcoDivers and also provide support & logistical assistance, lead surveys, and mentor volunteers.

The course for EcoDiver Trainers will focus on skills for teaching, engaging, and mentoring EcoDivers. Trainers should have a passion for teaching and mentoring others, a passion for ocean conservation and citizen science, and should engage and make continued contributions to the Reef Check network.

Prerequisites:

  • 18+ years old and 75 logged dives
  • Rescue Diver certification or equivalent
  • Certified EcoDiver
  • Participated in at least 10 surveys
  • Completed a minimum of 3 fish, 3 invert and 3 substrate transects
  • Completed 2 of each of the survey types (fish, invert, substrate) within the last year for which Reef Check Headquarters have accepted data

Materials:

  • Reef Check EcoDiver Trainers E-Kit

To Gain Certification:

  • Pass a written ID test
  • Pass a written test covering background to Reef Check, methods, indicators, skills, dive management, marine biology basics, etc.
  • Assist in two EcoDiver training courses
  • Demonstrate competency of the EcoDiver Trainer manual & in conducting an EcoDiver course
  • Participate in at least 20 surveys

EcoDiver Course Director

Course Directors train Reef Check Trainers and are usually professional Reef Checkers; they are responsible for overseeing training programs and ensure that training standards are met. Training will focus on skills for mentorship and leadership. Course Directors should have a wish to take an active leadership role within the Reef Check community and the coral reef community at large.

Prerequisites:

  • 18+ years old and 150 logged dives
  • Rescue Diver certification or equivalent
  • Certified EcoDiver Trainer, actively teaching for 2 years
  • Completed at least 20 surveys, including a minimum of 8 fish, 8 invert and 8 substrate transects of which Reef Check Headquarters have accepted 3 of each within the last 12 months
  • Led 5 EcoDiver courses, two within the past year
  • Recommendation from Reef Check Coordinator, Reef Check Course Director, or, Reef Check Headquarters to become a Course Director

To Gain Certification:

  • Complete an interview with Reef Check Foundation and local Coordinator
  • Pass a written ID test
  • Pass a written test covering background to Reef Check, methods, indicators, skills, etc.
  • Assist in two EcoDiver Trainer training courses
  • Complete at least 40 surveys