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’re looking for. When you join the 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.

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 EcoDiver, you can help track the health of our reefs by participating in monitoring surveys and conservation worldwide.

Until now, EDA has trained more than 130 divers with the Reef Check methodology. By dividing the divers into 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 Khorfakkan. 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 marine species of fish, invertebrates and will be trained to identify different kinds of substrates, such as corals and sponges.
  • The last day consists of three classroom exams, and one underwater exam.

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 has to arrange their own dive gear.

QUALIFICATION

To join the Reef Check training, the following is required:

  • 15+ years old
  • Open Water diver (minimum)
  • Good buoyancy
  • At least 25 logged dives, including 2 dives in the past 12 months

UPCOMING COURSES:

  • 2-3 virtual evening classroom sessions during weekdays (6pm-9pm)
  • 1 day over a weekend, including 2 dives and exam in Fujairah with Divers Down.

WHAT CAN YOU DO NEXT?

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 underwater!

TAKE THE REEF CHECK CERTIFICATION COURSE

  • Reef Check Certification Course for EDA Members: AED1,000
  • To renew or obtain EDA Membership, go to: www.emiratesdiving.com/membership-form/

DIVER COSTS TO PAY SEPARATELY

  • Equipment Rental: AED40

QUARTERLY REEF CHECK SURVEYS

  • For certified Reef Check divers: AED240 (there is an additional AED40 for equipment rental if needed)
    • AED150 for first dive (survey)
    • AED90 for second dive (fun dive with clean-up)

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

For more information, please visit www.reefcheck.org