SSI Sea Turtle Ecology Course Online

Do I need a scuba certification to sign up?

No!  This course is open to everyone interested in turtles. The Sea Turtle Ecology Course is two parts, an online 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 sea turtle species which reside in Hawaii’s waters. Your online learning is available as soon as you sign up.

What’s in the Sea Turtle Ecology course?

In the SSI Sea Turtle Ecology course you will investigate the history of these marine reptiles, both natural and anthropogenic threats to their survival, reproduction and nesting behavior, and how they cope with the many challenges they face. You will explore all seven extant sea turtle species: the Green, Hawksbill, Loggerhead, Olive ridley, Kemp’s ridley, Leatherback, and Flatback turtles. You will learn how to identify each one and where you are most likely to encounter them in our oceans.

SSI offers a fully online Sea Turtle course, including in-depth digital learning and SSI certification. Emily Wilson is the former manager at Reef Seen Divers’ Resort in Indonesia, including the Turtle Project (Proyek Penyu). Emily is excited to share her experience with community managed turtle conservation, changing perceptions on endangered species with fishermen, and the pros and cons of turtle hatcheries. Keep an eye out for our online ecology events which we post on our Facebook & Instagram pages.  Although the live session is not required for the certification, we welcome you to come with budding turtle enthusiasm!

Dive into the Sea Turtle Ecology course to gain an overview of their life history characteristics, likewise discover what your role is in turtle protection. Knowledge is power, you can learn how to be an sea turtle advocate.

How do I sign up for Sea Turtle 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, 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 online class, 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 Sea Turtle Ecology Certification Card!

If you are not a diver, we want you! Join us and indulge in the fascinating lives of sea turtles as explored in the online course. If you are a diver, you can email to ask about our dive charters to see Hawaii’s turtle (honu) species at our local reefs.

Does the Sea Turtle 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 Sea Turtle Ecology course counts as one of those specialties to earn your FREE Master Diver Rating. Obtaining the Master Diver rating enters you to win a  trip for 2 on a liveaboard.  These drawings are held in January for everyone that made Master Diver the previous year. Here is a link to the 2021 prizes.

When is the next ecology course?

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 Fish Identification courses. As well as, a LIVE Zoom class every month.

Want to take ALL 6?! We have a special ecology bundle package on offer. 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 ecology class schedule! ↓↓↓