SSI Manta and Ray Ecology Course Online
Do I need a scuba certification to sign up?
No! This course is open to everyone interested in skates, stingrays, eagle and mobula rays, and mantas! The Manta and Ray Ecology is two parts, a digital learning portion from SSI in course format and a supplementary recording of marine biologist guest speaker, Emily Wilson. The online class will be a guided learning opportunity to explore in more detail the ray species which reside in Hawaii’s waters. The online coursework is available as soon as you sign up.
What is in the Manta and Ray Ecology course?
In the SSI Manta and Ray Ecology course you will investigate their biology, role within an ecosystem, and nature of the different ray species. As a diver and ocean-goer, you will learn to identify rays, where you are most likely to encounter rays, as well as how to safely interact with them in the water.
Reef Mantas
You will fully explore the ray side of the elasmobranchs: skates, stingrays, eagle rays and mobulas, including mantas. Manta rays, after DNA analysis, were reclassified as Mobula rays in 2017. For instance, the former Manta alfredi, or Reef Manta, is now known to science as Mobula alfredi. However, the manta has had such a momentous effect on people through their unique social behaviors, that it’s difficult to not regard them in their own right. As such, there is a whole chapter dedicated to the curious lives of mantas in our SSI course. Not to mention, where to locate mating ‘trains’ and cleaning stations.
SSI offers a fully online Manta and Ray Ecology program, including in-depth digital learning and accredited certification. Marine biologist, Emily Wilson, will be hosting an online class about our Hawaiian ray residents, as well as her experiences with rays worldwide. Keep an eye out for links to our online ecology events, we post on our Facebook & Instagram pages. Although for your certification we do not require you to join our live sessions, we welcome you to come with budding ray enthusiasm!
Dive into the Manta and Ray Ecology course to gain an overview of their life history characteristics and discover what your role is in ray conservation. Knowledge is power, you will learn how to use your voice and be a manta and ray advocate.
How do I sign up for Manta and Ray Ecology 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 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, you will receive free access to SSI Blue Oceans, try freediving, snorkeling and 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 are keen to join our online class, 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 Manta and Ray Ecology Certification Card!
If you are not a diver, we want you! We want you to indulge in the fascinating lives of rays as explored in the online course. If you are a diver, you can ask about our dive charters to (hopefully!) see Hawaii’s manta and ray species.
Does the Manta and Ray Ecology 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 Manta and Ray Ecology course 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 Sea Turtle Ecology, Shark Ecology, Marine Ecology, Coral Identification, and Fish Identification courses.
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! ↓↓↓