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Instruction/Training
Florida Aquatic & Marine can provide custom training in many areas. If you need something not listed here contact us directly with you specific request.
Divers Alert Network --- all programs through instructor level.
NAUI -- All SCUBA programs through instructor level. Technical course to include only NITROX.
Artificial Reef Monitoring -- Introduction to the skills necessary to perform as a volunteer team member monitoring local artificial reefs. Training includes but is not limited to: mapping, fish surveys, underwater video and underwater photographer. Full course outline below.
Artificial Reef Monitoring Specialty
Training Course
Artificial Reef Research Diver
Course Outline
This class is intended to train advanced SCUBA divers in the methods for underwater data collection, primarily on artificial reefs. The class introduces the divers to tool use, data collection and information gathering underwater, for the purpose of participating in the artificial reef research projects. The ultimate goal is to develop a local core group of volunteer divers who are willing to help insure the long term health of existing and future artificial reefs.
1. Introduction to Reef Research Diving -
Topics Include:
A. Research team organizational structure
B. Standards applied to SCUBA diving
C. Dive management
D. Research diver tools & equipment
E. Photography equipment
2. Artificial Reef Design and Development
Topics Include:
A. Choice of materials
B. Site selection and survey
C. Physical data collection methods
D. Construction and anchoring techniques
3. Underwater Mapping
Topics Include:
A. Equipment and tools
B. Mapping techniques
C. Data collection, documentation and archives
D. Map and chart production
4. Vertebrate Identification and Census
Topics Include:
A. Fish Identification
B. Population census techniques
C. Sample collection, preparation and archiving
D. Data collection and processing
5. Invertebrate Identification and Sampling
Topics Include:
A. Succession theories
B. Sample collection, preservation & archiving
C. Species identification
D. Photographic Documentation
6. Research Team Leadership Project Planning
Topics Include:
A. Project prioritizing and selection
B. Data collection, processing and archiving
C. Leadership training
D. Public relations
7.Mission Oriented Boat Diving
Topics Include:
A. Differences in Recreational diving and work diving
B. Large Boats
C. Small Boats
D. Live Boat exercises
E. Rescue Review
F. Offshore Safety Plan
DIVE EXERCISES
Dive #1 - SCUBA -Check out and task loading, compass orientation dives.
Dive #2 – Navigational skills dive
Dive #3 - Mapping / Bottom Survey Dive
Dive #4 - Fish Census - Roving diver relative abundance method.
FINAL PROJECT
A 'two dive’ final project is optional. This dive project is to be planned and carried out in coordination with the Florida Aquatic & Marine, REEFS and the students. Dates, times, purpose, and project locations are to be determined by the students and FAMI.
FINAL WRITTEN EXAM
Final Written Exam - 50 questions, 10 per module, about 1 hour plus review time.
GENERAL COURSE INFORMATION
Lectures are intended to be about 2.5 hours in length. Videos, slides and other visual aids are used for the various lectures. The textbook that was used is the “Artificial Reef Research Diver’s Handbook” by Joe Halusky, TP-63, Florida Sea Grant College Program, October 1991, currently this text is out of print and hand outs will be used during lectures. A NAUI “Reef Research Diver” or PADI “Research Diver” certification card will be issued upon successful completion of the course. This will include a final written exam and all 4 required dives.
There will be 4 supervised scuba dives associated with this class to become divers with REEFS members, and the NAUI/PADI certification as listed above. Dives can be combined for two dives per day, for a total of 2 days and these will be scheduled during the week end class. FAMI training personnel will set up dives. Students will be required to provide all personal scuba gear and proof of DAN membership and insurance. Instructors will provide research gear and tools for use.
Tuition will be $200.00 per student (paid to FAMI). The lectures, handbook, all materials, and the certification cards are provided as part of the tuition. Additionally, all students will be able to obtain copies of the video shot during the class by providing two blank video tapes or paying a $5 handling fee. Members of the Tyndal Dive Flight and the Panama City Dive Club will receive 25% off the cost of the course and those with their own boat transportation for the open water work will receive another $25 discount but must join the R/V REEFS 1 on site for all training dives. Bill Horn, NAUI # 17511 will be the lead instructor. Bill will be assisted during the course by Danny Grizzard and possibly other instructors. This course is not affiliated with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. For more information contact Florida Aquatic & Marine at (850)872-8016