April 2, 2013
2013 Scientific Dive Course – Friday Harbor Labs, Univ of WA
Posted as a courtesy only. Please do not contact at me about this opportunity—Dida
The University of Washington (UW) Friday Harbor Laboratories (FHL) will conduct its annual short intensive scientific dive course from August 12 through August 25th, 2013. This course is open to scientists and students at any level of study who meet the requirements for AAUS certification: a minimum of 20 logged dives and medical clearance. Application deadline is April 15, 2013. For more information, please see the FHL website. or contact the FHL Dive Officer Pema Kitaeff directly at pema @uw. edu (no spaces) or 206-543-0876.
Posted by Dida at 11:51 AM
November 19, 2012
Learning To Be a Scientific Diver
by Maria Kyong
When I signed up for a the two-week AAUS summer intensive science diver course I have to admit I wasn’t sure what to expect. I wondered if it would be like living out one’s childhood fantasy of being a marine biologist for a day or like that nightmare where you’re back into school totally unprepared and in over your head.
Having absolutely no background in the sciences (marine or otherwise) and only being a recreational diver for about 4 years I was surprised to find I was able to take the course. I came across the course through BluePlanetDivers.org at a point in my diving "career" where I wanted the time I spent diving to contribute to something and wanted to learn more about the things I so loved to see underwater. So, stars were aligned and I learned about the course and was able to sign up just weeks before it started.
The course was run by Diana Steller and Scott Gabara of Moss Landing Marine Labs in conjunction with CSU Monterey and consisted primarily of students (undergrad and postgrad) that were studying and working in various areas of marine biology, ecology, and the like. It was a small group, less than a dozen participants of varying age and experience in diving and science. We had a week of lab sessions in the pool, classroom, a few dives at Breakwater, and lots of figuring out gear, supplies, and logistics for the following week "in the field." The following week we loaded up a van and truck including 2 dozen steel tanks, air compressor, dive gear, camping gear, food, training material, and 12 eager bodies and were off to Big Creek in Big Sur for 6 days of diving, camping, and learning to be science divers!
Here is where reality hit... we stood inside the gates looking at the long rocky path down to the beach and wondering how we were going to set up air compressors, fill tanks, and transport gear, a Zodiac, kayaks, etc., over rocks and poison oak for the next 6 days then make the mile trek up to our campsite to set up camp. Much like the rest of the week things that seemed impossible at the start just seemed to work out. Any dismay about the work ahead of us was quickly dismissed by the awe of this incredible site.
The next 6 days were a blur... waking up at 6 try to get coffee and food prepped for a full day at the beach, getting dive teams, learning to navigate the site while learning protocols for Reef Check (some were learning algae for the first time, some were still learning to dive, operate an air compressor or fill tanks, learning how to launch an Zodiac or kayak from a very rocky entry...) managing equipment issues, minor injuries etc. We left camp at 8 in the morning, walking a mile to the dive site each day and returned to camp 10 hours later with just enough energy left to try to put on an evening meal and a fire. If we were able to sit around the camp fire for a bit before making it back to our tents to crash we got to check in and talk about the amazing moments, calamities, and "other" experiences of the day. Before you knew it we were talking about our last day at Big Creek... where did the week go?
Like I said, it was a blur. Driving back to Monterey on Sunday afternoon fighting sleep I couldn’t take it all in. Weeks later I’m sorting through notes on Reef Check protocol, algae identification, and pictures of the week and making plans to do my next practice survey.
Posted by Dida at 11:43 AM
June 29, 2012
CSU/MLML Research Diving Course
Posted as a courtesy only. Please do not contact me about this course—Dida
Summer AAUS certification course offered August 06-18, 2012. Course includes AAUS and Reef Check California training and certification and six field days in Big Sur. For more details email here.
Posted by Dida at 10:56 AM
New Book: Introduction to Scientific Diving
Kurkomelis, K. Introduction to Scientific Diving. 2012. New York.
From the author:This book has been designed to introduce the underwater scientist, biologist, oceanographer, underwater archaeologists and marine technologist to scientific diving. There are several steps and levels in becoming a scientific diver. I have designed a course module and sequential steps to assist scientific organizations and universities in their training requirement. The goal of this book is to standardize training courses. Safety is of the utmost importance of scientific diving. Standards, once adopted, must be adhered to. For copies contact Sea Hunt Divers.
Posted by Dida at 10:45 AM
May 30, 2012
Maritime Archaeology Field School in Bermuda
Posted as a courtesy only. Please do not contact me about this class.-Dida
Saint Mary's College of California and the University of Rhode Island will be offering a joint Field School in Maritime Archaeology in Bermuda July 16 to August 08, 2012. Training leading to AAUS qualification as a Scientific Diver-in-Training will be provided in advance of departure for Bermuda. Direct questions here or here.
.
Posted by Dida at 6:42 PM
March 9, 2012
Reef Check California Training!
Training announcement from an organization that is close to my heart! But please do not contact me for info. Contact Megan instead (see end of this entry). —Dida
It’s fun! It’s educational! Make your dives count! The Reef Check Foundation invites experienced divers to become trained in our California rocky reef monitoring program. Since 2006, Reef Check’s California (RCCA) Program has trained over 800 experienced recreational SCUBA divers to scientifically monitor California’s rocky reef ecosystem at over 70 sites from Humboldt to San Diego. Reef Check divers participate in surveys ranging along the entire coast of California, and more recently down into Baja, Mexico.
Reef Check California has announced the 2012 Training Dates which can be found here. Each training is held on two consecutive weekends with classroom and pool training the first weekend followed by six training and testing dives in the ocean the second weekend. The cost of the course is $200-$275 (depending on the location) which covers all fees and includes your own personal underwater survey slate and transect tape, the RCCA Training Manual, and species identification flash cards! Getting involved is a wonderful way to learn more about the ecosystems we love and to make our dives and observations count!
Data is publicly available and is actively being use for the monitoring of California’s marine protected areas and by the California Department of Fish and Game to help assess population levels for nearshore fish and shellfish species. Taking action and becoming a trained Reef Check Diver allows you join a group of dedicated divers from all walks of life including commercial and recreational fishermen, university students and scientists who want healthier California rocky reef ecosystems and support science-based decision making.
Scheduled Trainings in Northern and Central California:
Fort Bragg: April 21-22 & 28-29
San Luis Obispo: May 5-6 & 19-20
Monterey: June 9-10 & 23-24
Santa Rosa: July 7-8 & 14-15
Contact Megan or call 831-345-0893 with any questions. Visit the website for more information.
Posted by Dida at 2:28 PM
February 29, 2012
Scientific Diving Course in Albania
Posted as a courtesy only-Dida
The Albanian Center for Marine Research (ACMR) is offering a scientific diving course for the 2012 field season. This course complies with the 100+hour AAUS Standards for Scientific Diving. Students will gain diverse diving experience, participate in ongoing underwater research, and learn diving theory and methods in classroom sessions taught by experts in the field. Deadline to apply is March15, 2012. Visit our website for more information.
Posted by Dida at 9:45 AM
January 4, 2012
FREE Fishinars from REEF
Hello and Happy New Year's! I hope you will join me in resolving to dive more, keep finessing my skills, and collect more valuable data.
~~~~~~~~~~~
REEF, a global non-profit dedicated to ocean conservation, is conducing a series of free online fish ID classes beginning Jan. 8. Click here to register for them.
These classes will not only enhance you recreational diving experience, but are also useful for your participation in "citizen scientist" efforts such as REEF or Reef Check. Hope to see you at one!
~Dida
Posted by Dida at 10:34 AM
June 19, 2011
June 21: FREE Webinars on California Rockfish and Perch!
From our friends at REEF--more free goodness!-Dida
Do many California rockfish look the same to you? Do you find perch to be pesky when it comes to IDing them? Learn how to put names to their faces in these short, fun, and best of all, FREE Fishinars (like a bebinar, only fishier).
Tuesday night (Jun 21st) - Rockfish at 7pm, Perch at 8pm
Although the courses are free, you must pre-register for each session you'd
like to attend.
More info and links to registration can be found here:
Posted by Dida at 11:21 AM
November 30, 2010
AAUS/OWUSS Research Host Site Opportunity
Posted as a courtesy only. Please do not contact me with questions about this opportunity-Dida
AAUS has collaborated with Our World-Underwater Scholarship Society (OWUSS) to create a scientific diving internship program. This initiative will provide undergraduates with the experience and opportunities appropriate for a future in science, diving for research, or scientific diving-related fields. Applicants must be students from colleges and universities with an interest in science and diving. Interns will be trained to participate in research conducted at host facilities. AAUS/OWUSS will provide funding for travel to/from host facility, basic living expenses and other internship-related expenses. AAUS organizational members interested in the possibility of hosting a AAUS/OWUSS scientific diving intern should contact AAUS head office at aaus@disl.org. Students can apply for the internship here. The submission deadline for the 2011 competition is January 31st.
Posted by Dida at 9:18 AM
June 10, 2010
Special Deal on Reef Check Calif. Training
RCCA is a great group that trains volunteer divers to collect valid scientific data. Join them at a discount rate! And as usual, please don't contact me about this opportunity, but instead see email at end.-Dida
It’s fun! It’s educational! It makes a difference! The Reef Check Foundation invites experienced divers to become trained in our California rocky reef monitoring program. Since 2005, Reef Check’s California (RCCA) Program has trained over 500 experienced recreational SCUBA divers to scientifically monitor California’s rocky reef ecosystem at 64 sites from Humboldt to San Diego. Reef Check divers participate in surveys ranging along the entire coast of California, and more recently down into Baja, Mexico.
There are two open spots in Reef Check’s last Monterey training for 2010, which begins this weekend. They are offering these spots at half price ($100). If you are interested in taking part sign up here. Reef Check’s training is two weekends long with classroom and pool training the first weekend followed by six training and testing dives in the ocean the second weekend. Course fees include your own personal underwater survey equipment, the RCCA Training Manual, and species identification flash cards!
To date, data has been used by the California Department of Fish and Game to help assess population levels for nearshore fish and shellfish species and by stakeholder groups involved in the Marine Life Protection Act Initiative Process. Taking action and becoming a trained Reef Check Diver allows you join a group of dedicated divers from all walks of life including commercial and recreational fishermen, university students and conservationists who want healthier California rocky reef ecosystems and support science-based decision making.
Dates and locations for Monterey training:
June 12-13- Classroom training at Moss Landing Marine Laboratories
June 26-27- Field training aboard the Monterey Express
Email Megan with any questions.
Posted by Dida at 9:36 PM
May 3, 2010
Free CA Marine Life ID Classes Offered by REEF
From Janna Nichols of REEF
Tired of not knowing who’s who on your underwater adventures? REEF (Reef Environmental Education Foundation) is again offering free marine life ID classes this year in California. REEF Instructor and Outreach Coordinator Janna Nichols will be teaching these fun and informative classes at several locations. Find one near you and join the fun!
Learn how to identify many common California fish, invertebrates and algae, and how to do REEF surveys and become part of this worldwide citizen science program. This class will change the way you dive.
California Fish ID:
•Saturday, June 5th, 10am-2pm, Long Marine Lab, Santa Cruz
•Wednesday, June 23rd, 6-9pm, Ocean Institute, Dana Point
•Thursday, June 24th, 6-9pm, Aquarium of the Pacific, Long Beach
California Invertebrate/Algae ID:
• Friday June 25th, 6-9pm, Aquarium of the Pacific, Long Beach
Practice Survey Dives, experienced or new surveyors all welcome!
• Friday, May 14th, Sundiver Express. Special for REEF: $95
• Sat, June 26th, Sundiver. Special for REEF: 3 tanks $100
Sign up and pay for dives by calling Sundiver at: 562-594-6968
Register for one, or any combination of events, online
Classes are informative, fun and free, but registration is required
Sponsored by REEF with support from Aquarium of the Pacific, UCSC Long Marine Lab, The Ocean Institute and Sundiver.
Click here to register
The REEF program has been active in California since 1997 and has accumulated over 6,500 California marine life surveys in the Volunteer Survey Project. There are currently over 137,000 surveys in the REEF database worldwide. The database is online and accessible to anyone.
Posted by Dida at 7:52 PM
September 11, 2009
Upcoming Free REEF Classes in Southern California
For you SoCal citizen-scientist divers, free fish ID classes-Dida
The Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF) is excited to announce a series of REEF Fish and Invertebrate ID Classes to be held in Orange County and Los Angeles on the 23th-25th of September! The courses are free of charge and open to all. A REEF survey dive will be held on September 26th at Malaga Cove in Palos Verdes.
Classes are free but you must pre-register here . You can sign up for one or all classes. Everyone is welcome to attend the shore dive on Saturday, regardless of going to a class.
Instructor: Janna Nichols, REEF Instructor and Dr. Christy Pattengill-Semmens, REEF Director of Science
Identification of Southern California Fishes -- Wednesday September 23rd, 6:30-9:00 PM, Newport Beach Tennis Club, 2601 Eastbluff Dr., Newport Beach, CA 92660, brought to you by OCdiving.com
Identification of Southern California Fishes -- Thursday September 24th, 6-8:30 PM, REI Manhattan Beach, 1800 Rosecrans Ave Suite E, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Identification of Common California Marine Invertebrates and Algae -- Friday September 25th, 6-8:30 PM, REI Manhattan Beach, 1800 Rosecrans Ave Suite E, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Southern California REEF Survey Dive and BBQ -- Saturday September 26th, 8:30am - 2:30pm, Malaga Cove. Bring one or two tanks. REEF representatives will be on hand with survey materials, guide books, and ID advice. Dive followed by BBQ –free food, and prizes!
Tired of not knowing what you're looking at on your underwater adventures? Are you an existing REEF surveyor looking to learn more. Or a diver who is just interested in learning more about what this program is all about? Learn how to identify many of our California Fish and Invertebrates in these fun, informative and FREE classes. Also learn how to do REEF surveys. These classes will change the way you dive!
We use common names and focus on how to ID each critter. Classes help divers learn how to become citizen scientists and monitor California marine life on their recreational dives. Data gathered goes into an online database that is used by students, researchers, scientists, and resource agencies.
Over 6,300 REEF surveys have been conducted at hundreds of sites in California since the program begin in 1997. To see a summary of that data, visit here. For more information about the REEF Volunteer Survey Project, clisck here.
We hope you will join us. And please share this information with your friends.
Sincerely,
The REEF Team
Posted by Dida at 10:59 AM
March 18, 2009
SCUBA and GIS Training in Italy
Posted as a courtesy. Please do not contact me.-Dida
Dear all,
The final early-bird registration deadline for the Dive GIS 2009 course is approaching. Enrol by March 31st and be entitled to a major fee reduction. The course organized by Mappamondo GIS in collaboration with Capo Rizzuto Marine Protected Area, represents a unique training initiative that offers the chance to learn Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing methodologies while becoming a certified SCUBA diver in the context of marine environment management and science.
Participants are introduced to the underwater world through PADI Open Water Diver and specialty courses, and to GIS through leading ESRI authorized classes. The skills gained are put into practice on a real case study concerning marine habitat mapping from remotely sensed images and finding associations among biotic and abiotic components using GIS. Marine fauna and flora, habitat and GIS data are collected in the field while SCUBA diving or snorkeling.
The course is at its 4th edition. It will be held from the 26th of July to the 4th of August in the Capo Rizzuto Marine Protected Area, Crotone - Italy.
Scholarship may become available at a later stage. Those already enrolled in the course will have priority on their assignment.
More information, previous editions photos and reviews and online
registration here.
Email
Posted by Dida at 7:03 AM
February 5, 2009
UAF Cold Water Diving Course
Please do not contact me about this course. I am posting this as a courtesy-DK
The University of Alaska Fairbanks is offering a cold water diving course May 11-15 2009 at the Kasitsna Bay Laboratory in Alaska. Introduction to Cold Water Diving will train certified scuba divers in drysuit use and maintenance. The course will stress drysuit safety and buoyancy skills and will include practical experience in a cold-water rescue. Students will be beach and small boat scuba diving. Students will graduate with a PADI Drysuit Certification.
Professor: Dr. Brenda Konar
Prerequisites: AAUS SCUBA certification (www.sfos.uaf.edu/dive/index.html)
Costs: $598 + tuition (In-state tuition for all students)
Click here to register.
Prospective students are encouraged to email.
Posted by Dida at 6:58 PM
March 20, 2008
Unique DIVE WITH A RESEARCHER Program Announced
The Central Caribbean Marine Institute (CCMI) has announced a limited number of openings in its unique DIVE WITH A RESEARCHER (DWAR) program. This innovative opportunity provides certified scuba dives with a chance to dive and gather data alongside a working scientist. According to Dr. Carrie Manfrino, President and Director of Resarch at CCMI,
"There is a certain fascination and mystery about aquatic research. Divers have long asked us questions about how we conduct our research, the type of training and techniques that we use and other diverse questions. We developed the DIVE WITH A RESEARCHER program to give divers a chance to experience the research process first-hand. The response has been overwhelming and we're looking forward to doing more in the coming months."
Dr. Manfrino outlined multiple opportunities for divers that include:
Function of Fluorescent Proteins in Corals presented May 3-9, 2008
Search for Invasive Species presented May 10-17, 2008
Searching for Lobsters presented August 2-8, 2008
Herbivorous Fish & Reef Resiliency August 9-15, 2008
CCMI research provides important insights into the regional and global decline of coral reefs and tropical habitats. In 2008, the projects continue to focus on coral reef disease and coral reef regeneration potential. Participants in the DIVE WITH A RESEARCHER program must be certified scuba divers and will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
For complete details on the program, visit the DWAR page here: CCMI Dive With a Researcher
Program. The CCMI website also contains additional important details.
Posted by Dida at 11:27 AM
January 11, 2008
Monterey Penisula College Offers Dual NAUI Master Diver and Reef Check CA Course
Please do not contact me regrading this course. Instead email Cyndi Dawson. But as a member of the first class of Reef Check CA divers, I can vouch for how great a program it is!--Dida
Hi all-
If you are interested in improving your dive skills, getting your NAUI Master Diver Certification, and becoming a certified Reef Check California dive this class if for you. (You can download a flyer @ reefcheck.org :: View topic - RCCA Course offered at Monterey Peninsula College). The class will give you an introduction to research diving techniques and safety guidelines. Completion can result in NAUI Master Diver Certification. The class will also include the Reef Check California Diving curriculum which teaches divers to collect scientifically robust data on California’s rocky reef that is provided to marine managers to better inform their decisions (Reef Check - Saving Reefs Worldwide).
This is a semester long course at Monterey Peninsula College beginning February 7th – June 5th.
MUST SIGN-UP BY February 4th.
Course Instructors:
Cecilia Shin - NAUI Course Director and head of Recreational Scuba Program at UCSC. She has been diving and teaching in the Monterey Bay Area for the past 14 years. cecil @ ucsc.edu (831)-345-9745
Cyndi Dawson, M.S. - NAUI Instructor since 1997, she has worked as a subtidal biologist for the past 7 years and currently is the Regional Manager for Reef Check California. cdawson @ reefcheck.org (831)-331-5189
HOW TO SIGN-UP:
Monterey Peninsula College Admission Application Introduction
Registration Steps:
1. Submit the web Application for Admission or the paper copy Application for Admission to the Admissions and Records Office.
2. Request to have all college and high school transcripts mailed to the Admissions and Records Office at MPC.
3. Register during registration dates using using WebReg (Web Registration), Mail-In (not available during summer session), or In-Person.
Note: Registration will not be accessible until an Application for Admission is submitted.
Hope to see you in class,
Cyndi
Posted by Dida at 1:07 PM
January 8, 2007
Santa Monica Baykeepers Training Feb 8, 2007
Just got news from a fellow Reef Check CA diver that the Santa Monica Baykeepers are doing a training on Thursday, Feb 8, at 7pm at Eco Dive Center. Brian says, "I've been volunteer diving with them for almost a year now, and there is no SoCal diving experience like it! Another way to do some giving back with your diving. It has made me a much better diver also! Free boat rides and air fills too! They go out to to Malibu or Palos Verdes about 3 times a week, weekends and weekdays."
They need new divers, so check out more about the program at their website or see the PDF flyer.
Posted by Dida at 4:40 PM
March 4, 2006
Reef Check California Update
I recently asked Craig Shuman, Director of the Reef Check California Program, to submit something to BPD about what's happening with this new program. I've participated in some of the "beta-testing" of the protocol, and have been impressed by how much thought has gone into developing a new program for recreational divers that will yield rich data for scientists. This program demands a lot more from its participants than some other recreational diver surveys, and it will be interesting to see how the program shapes up over the coming years. I truly wish Craig the best of luck with it, because he has clearly devoted a lot of time, thought, and heart to its success. Help support the rocky reefs of California by signing up for some training.
He recently sent me this note, along with a couple photos (copyright Nick Fash, Courtesy FASHPIX.com) from an Anacapa survey.
==================================
Our new California rocky reef monitoring program is out of the gates and off to a great start. Thanks to the help of our scientific review team and dedicated volunteers, the California survey methodology and species lists have been reviewed and field tested at several locations throughout the central coast. To date, we have been in the water with experts from the California Department of Fish and Game, Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Santa Monica Baykeeper, UCLA, UCSB, and UCSC. We have also conducted three orientations in Monterey to introduce local divers to the program. These activities have provided us with valuable feedback to help ensure our scientific and educational objectives are met.
There is still limited space available in the July San Luis Obispo and August, Monterey trainings. Visit our website today to download the protocol and sign up for a training before they fill up! See Reef Check California
Posted by Dida at 4:57 PM
| Comments (1)
November 22, 2005
Santa Marta (Colombia) Research Diver Course
The Fundación Bucea Colombia will be offering its Third Research Diver Specialty Course Dec 12-18th. To learn more about the program, visit the Fundación Bucea Colombia site.
Posted by Dida at 3:14 PM
September 5, 2005
Catalina Conservancy Divers: Research Diver Training
Catalina Conservancy Divers (CCD), an excellent non-partisan organization that works to maintain and survey Catalina Island's key species, is offering research diver training to all certified divers beginning Sept. 10 of this year. Advanced training is not necessary, though candidates are encouraged to be trained at Rescue Diver level.
Successful candidates will be qualified to dive with CCD on projects conducted through the Wrigley Institute of Environmental Studies.
Details regarding the scope of training can be found here.
Posted by Dida at 10:10 PM
