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
Courses planned for 2009:
Surveyor course 15/16th March
Fish Identification 21st March
Observer 4th April
Observer Refresher 25th April
Please get in touch if you would like additional Observer courses to be run or if you have a suggestion for a specialist course.
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.