Seasearch Training
To participate in Seasearch divers need to attend a training course to familiarise themselves with the survey methods and some basic species identification. After attending this course divers can either join in organised Seasearch dives or organise dives of their own within their club or organisation.
The basic training course is the Observer course. This one day course introduces Seasearch and teaches how to fill in the Observer recording form. No previous marine life identification or survey experience is needed. Once divers are happy with this level of recording they can progress to filling in a more detailed "Surveyor" form by attending the two day Surveyor course. More information on Seasearch recording can be found on the main Seasearch website. Seasearch also run training courses in marine life identification and other relevant specialist courses.
Training in Northern Ireland
The next Observer course is on the 8/9th March 2008 in Portaferry. We may also be running an Observer course on the north coast (Portrush/Ballycastle). If you are interested please contact Claire for more information. A two day Seagrass specialist course will be run in Portaferry on 31st May/1st June, this will cover seagrass ecology, related species id, and techniques that we will be using in our surveys during the rest of the year.
Seasearch is co-ordinated by the Marine Conservation Society on behalf of the Seasearch Steering Group which comprises the Marine Conservation Society, Wildlife Trusts, Joint Nature Conservation Committee, English Nature, Countryside Council for Wales, Scottish Natural Heritage, Environment and Heritage Service Northern Ireland, Environment Agency, Marine Biological Association, Nautical Archaeological Society, British Sub-Aqua Club, Sub Aqua Association, Professional Association of Diving Instructors, Scottish Sub Aqua Club and independent marine life experts.