Rolling Out the First Reef Check EcoDiver Training For EDA Members

FEATURE RANIA SHAWKI MOSTAFA

ABOUT REEF CHECK

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.

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. 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

The training takes place over 4 sessions/days:

• There are three classroom sessions to cover. You will become familiar with many of the Indo-Pacific’s marine species of fish, invertebrates and will be trained to identify different kinds of substrates, such as corals and sponges.

• One day consists of one underwater exam, and three classroom exams.

INCLUDED

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 will have to arrange for their own dive gear.

QUALIFICATION

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

TRAINING SCHEDULE:

• 3-4 virtual classroom sessions on weekdays (6:30pm-9pm latest) and a theory test.

• 1/2 day practice dive and practical exam either in Dubai, or Fujairah.

HAVE YOU DONE REEF CHECK BEFORE?

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.

TAKE THE REEF CHECK CERTIFICATION COURSE

Reef Check Certification Course for Valid EDA Members: AED800

(To renew or obtain EDA membership, go to: www.emiratesdiving.com/membership-form)

Diver Costs to Pay Separately

Equipment Rental: AED40 Added Fun Dive: AED90

Monthly Reef Check Surveys

For certified Reef Check Divers: AED100

If you would like to join our upcoming sessions, please email Rania at: reefcheck@emiratesdiving.com

For more information, please visit:

www.reefcheck.org www.emiratesdiving.com/events/reefcheck