SSI Fish Identification Course Online
Do I need a scuba certification to sign up?
No! This course is open to everyone interested in identifying the vast variety of fishes in our oceans – from gobies to whale sharks! The Fish Identification is two parts, an online 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 Hawaii’s unique, endemic fish life. Your digital learning is available as soon as you sign up.
What is in the Fish Identification course?
In the SSI Fish Identification online course you will learn about the classification of fish (taxonomy) from teleosts to cartilaginous fishes, how to recognise fish by studying their body shape, patterns, and behavior, and explore the fish families in the Caribbean, Indo-Pacific and Red Seas.
Weird and wonderful frog fish!
Fish identification is like completing a puzzle. We look for distinct markings, positions of key body parts, where the fish resides, and their characteristic behaviors. When we piece this information together, it can help us narrow down the species to at least family level. Once your understanding of fish anatomy and ecology is well developed, this ID process can take just a few seconds!
We offer a fully online Fish 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. We have marine biologist, Emily Wilson, to present about fish communities, including resident eel, ray and shark populations in Hawaii. Although our events are not required for your certification, we welcome you to come with budding fish enthusiasm!
Dive into the Fish Identification course to gain the ability to identify your favourite fish life and discover what your role is in changing fish populations worldwide. Knowledge is power, you can learn how to be an ocean advocate.
How do I sign up for Fish Identification Online?
Click on the image below ↓↓↓ and start setting up your free SSI online diver profile – if you don’t already have one.
Reef Triggerfish aka Humuhumunukunukuāpua’a
With your account at the ready, please call our dive shop, email 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. We then issue you with your digital Fish Identification Certification Card!
If you are not a diver, we want you! You are still more than welcome to indulge in the exploration of fish families presented in the online program. If you are a diver, you can email to ask about our dive charters to see Hawaii’s tropical fish life underwater!
Does the Fish 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 Fish 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, Coral Identification, and Sea Turtle Ecology 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!