Research

The purpose of this specialty course is to acquaint the open water diver with the fascinating topic of research diving. After the completion of this course, a diver will be better able to discover, explore, and appreciate the underwater environment by using research techniques and better preserve and protect the underwater environment.

What you can expect to learn

The SDI Research Diver Course takes an in-depth look at all of the following and more:

• Water environment, fresh and salt water
  • Ecology
  • Food chains
  • Habitat
  • Niche
  • Interactions with other forms
  • Basic oceanography
  • Coral reefs
  • Kelp
  • Bays and open coast
• The marine animals
  • Fishes
  • Mollusks
  • Invertebrates
  • Mammals
  • Dangerous animals
• Diving methodology
  • Collection of data
  • Detailed mapping techniques
  • Survey methodology
  • Marking and capturing
  • Research for sport
• Conservation

Some of the required skills you will have to demonstrate include:

• Plan dives
• Test and check all equipment
• Enter and descend
• Compass usage
• Familiarization with the area and ecology
• Area survey/research techniques
• Marine life identification
• Record data
• Log dives

Course Equipment Requirements

• Basic Scuba Equipment
• Slate
• Measuring device
• One metre / yard square grid

Course Prerequisites

• SDI Open Water Scuba Diver, or equivalent
• Minimum age 18, 15 with parental consent