If you are interested in knowing more about our marine environment, collecting data from our local reefs and getting more out of your dives, this may be what you are looking for. When you join a Reef Check EcoDiver training, you will learn about our local ecosystems and you will be able to participate in our regular survey dives which will help us to understand the threats our corals are facing by providing important data.
By joining our Reef Check monitoring team, you can help monitor and track the world’s reefs. Reefs, both tropical and temperate, are in a state of crisis, today they look vastly different from what they did 30 years ago. Big fish are scarce, and some marine creatures have disappeared completely. Over 45% of the world’s reefs are severely threatened by human activities including overfishing, pollution and global warming. By becoming a certified Reef Check diver, you can help track the health of our reefs by participating in monitoring surveys and conservation worldwide.
Until now, EDA has trained more than 100 divers with Reef Check methodology. By dividing the divers in different Reef Check teams, we are able to collect data at different sites in the UAE, with particular focus in the Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in Dibba and Al Aqah, as well as in Abu Dhabi. By collecting data on a regular basis, EDA will be able to monitor the status of coral reefs in the UAE, which will help us understand the principal threats that our marine environment is facing at the moment, and the actions that need to be implemented in order to re-establish a healthy ecosystem in the area.
The training takes place over 4 sessions/days:
There are three classroom sessions to cover. You will become familiar with many of Indo-Pacific’s marine species of fish, invertebrates and will be trained to identify different kinds of substrate, such as corals and sponges.
One day consists of one underwater exam, and three classroom exams.
Training materials (manual, field guide flash cards, Reef Check ID certification) are included in the training price. For the underwater exam, only tanks will be provided, each student has to arrange for their own dive gear.
To join the Reef Check training, the following is required:
15+ years old
Open Water diver (minimum)
At least 25 logged dives, including 2 dives in the past 12 months
2-3 virtual evening classroom sessions during weekdays (6pm-9pm)
1 day over a weekend, including dive and exam in Fujairah with Divers Down.
If you were previously trained in Reef Check and would like a refresher to join one of our upcoming surveys, please reach out to us. We can arrange a virtual or in-person session to get you back into the water and ready to go. We look forward to seeing you over, and under water!
Reef Check Certification Course for Valid EDA Members: AED900
To renew or obtain EDA membership, go to: www.emiratesdiving.com/membership-form/
Equipment Rental: AED40
Added Fun Dive: AED90
For certified Reef Check divers: AED100
If you would like to join our upcoming sessions, please email us at reefcheck@emiratesdiving.com
For more information, please visit www.reefcheck.org