SSI Coral Identification Course Online
Do I need a scuba certification to sign up?
No! This course is open to everyone interested in identifying the bountiful of beautiful corals. The Coral Identification Course is two parts, a digital learning portion from SSI in course format and a supplementary presentation and live Q&A with marine biologist guest speaker, Emily Wilson. The online class expands on the course material to cover the coral diversity in Hawaii’s waters. Your digital learning is available as soon as you sign up.
What is in the Coral Identification course?
In the SSI Coral Identification course you will learn all about corals, from polyps, to corallite, and colonies. You will explore the different classifications of corals (taxa), the biodiversity of corals in the tropical seas of most significant reef areas, as well as the important role of that coral reefs play in the wider ecosystems.
Just like a step-by-step puzzle, we have steps that we take to identify corals. Starting with their growth form (morphology) and how the corallites grow and form as an entire colony. Similarly, you will analyze how the appearance and arrangement of corallites which create distinct patterns.
Massive coral form
We offer a fully online Coral Identification SSI specialty, including in-depth digital learning and an accredited certification. Keep an eye out for our online ecology events which we post on our Facebook & Instagram pages. On our Coral ID live Zoom event, we have Emily Wilson, marine biologist and freedive instructor, to talk more about our Hawaiian coral colonies and reef relationships. Emily has worked with NGOs whose conservation targets coral reef restoration in the Philippines and Indonesia. Although the live sessions are not required for your certification, we welcome you to come with budding coral enthusiasm!
Dive into the Coral Identification course to gain the ability to ID your favorite corals and discover what your role is in changing reef ecosystems worldwide. Knowledge is power, you can learn how to be an ocean advocate.
How do I sign up for Coral ID Online?
Click on the image below ↓↓↓ and start setting up your free SSI online diver profile – if you don’t already have one.
With your account at the ready, please call our dive shop, email or or sign up live on the online course calendar at the bottom of the page. We then issue you the digital learning to your personal SSI account. As a bonus, on your account you will receive free access to SSI Blue Oceans program, try freediving, snorkeling and try scuba digital materials.
Participation in our online course plus your certification is $125 ($100 for Club Members). This includes our online Zoom presentation and live Q&A session with Emily. If you do not wish to take the full course but want to join in on our Zoom class about Hawaii’s coral reefs, you can sign up for just $10.
For your certification, you need to complete the knowledge reviews and final exam. You will then be issued with a digital Coral Identification Certification Card!
If you are not a diver, we want you! You are still more than welcome to indulge in the exploration of coral colonies presented in the online program. If you are a diver, you can email to ask about our dive charters to see Hawaii’s tropical coral reefs underwater!
Does the Coral Identification Specialty count toward my FREE Master Diver Rating?
Why yes, yes it does! A Master Diver is one that has 50
dives logged, 4 specialty courses (like this one) and the Stress and Rescue Course. The Coral ID Program counts as one of those specialties to earn your FREE Master Diver Rating. Once attaining the Master Diver rating, you will automatically be entered into a sweepstakes to win a dive travel trip for 2 on a liveaboard. These drawings are held in January for everyone that made Master Diver the previous year.
When is the next ecology class?
We offer all 6 SSI ecology courses, fully online for you to complete at your own pace and place of comfort. For instance, we have Manta & Ray Ecology, Shark Ecology, Marine Ecology, Sea Turtle Ecology, and Fish Identification courses available. As well as, a LIVE Zoom class every month.
Want to take ALL 6?! We have a special ecology bundle package for you to take advantage of. Each course for $75, including cert and online class. Call us to book for the best price possible on SSI ecology courses!
Check out our online ecology class schedule! ↓↓↓