Marine Ecology Programs

Become a SSI Marine Ecology Specialty diver!

If you are a budding underwater naturalist or just want to learn more about the oceans, join our Ecology specialty programs! They are the perfect way to enhance your dive experience by learning about different marine life, how ocean ecosystems function and how to dive safely with sharks, rays and more. Whatever your passion, we have a specialty for you! Any snorkeler aged 10 and upwards can join these SSI Marine Ecology courses, open water sessions are optional, and they can all be completed online – making them perfect for all to enjoy. Start today and learn more about our amazing oceans and animals!

To gain a thorough understanding of the oceans, join the SSI Marine Ecology specialty. You will learn about the exciting science of Marine Ecology and how ocean ecosystems interact.  We recommend you start with this one!  In the SSI Shark Ecology specialty, you will learn how to dive safely with sharks and discover why these charismatic animals are often misunderstood. It is perfect for shark fans!  Delve into the fascinating world of sea turtles with the SSI Sea Turtle Ecology specialty or improve your identification skills with our Coral and Fish Identification specialties. Go further and learn about some of our favorite critters – Marine Mammals and Mantas/Rays.

As the father of Scuba Jacques-Yves Cousteau stated, “we only protect what we love, we only love what we understand, and we only understand what we are taught.”  We fully believe what he said here at Dive BVI and that’s why we want to provide quality education to divers and non-divers alike.  We want to replace fear with facts, and show everyone just how important it is to protect our beautiful oceans.  You’ll be a much better diver when you have a good understanding of just how intricately our ecosystems are linked together.

Marine Ecology Programs we offer:

 

In the SSI Shark Ecology program, you will learn how to interpret shark behaviors, why they are often misunderstood and how to dive with sharks. This is a perfect course for shark fans and for divers who are nervous about sharks but want to overcome their fear. Upon completion of this program, you will earn your SSI Shark Ecology Specialty certification and no doubt become an avid shark diver.

 

 

 

 

The world’s oceans are home to thousands of fish species, and you will encounter plenty of these fascinating creatures on your dives! In this course, you will be taught all the skills and concepts you need to identify common families of Caribbean, Indo-Pacific and Red Sea reef fish. Upon completion, you will earn your SSI Fish Identification specialty certification.

 

 

 

 

Sea turtles are some of the most wonderful animals to dive with. You will want to dive with them even more after completing the SSI Sea Turtle Ecology Specialty program! This specialty program provides the skills and concepts you need to recognize and identify common sea turtle species. It teaches you about the fascinating history of sea turtles, their role in marine ecosystems and threats to their survival. Upon completion, you will earn the SSI Sea Turtle Ecology Specialty certification.

 

 

 

 

In the SSI Marine Ecology specialty program, you will learn how ocean organisms interact with each other and their environments. You will be taught how energy flows through communities and the links between different ocean ecosystems. With your newfound knowledge, you will appreciate the marine life you dive with even more! Start online today and earn your SSI Marine Ecology Specialty certification.

 

 

 

This program is a wonderful introduction to the fascinating world of corals. Coral reefs are the building blocks of many ocean ecosystems. This program teaches you the skills and concepts required to recognize and identify common families of coral species.   This course will teach you about coral biology, why corals are so important, and the threats facing them today. You will earn the SSI Coral Identification Specialty certification after completing this program.

 

 

 

Are you fascinated by marine life and want to learn more about the majestic creatures that call the ocean home?  You will be taught how rays contribute to healthy ocean ecosystems and why these precious animals need our protection. This program teaches you about the amazing variety of rays you can find in our oceans, how to recognize ray species by their unique physical characteristics and behaviors, and the vital role rays play in our ocean’s ecosystems. You will learn how to safely interact with rays, and why living animals are worth more to our industry.

 

 

Do you have a passion to save the ocean and the marine animals that call it their home? Does the thought of diving with whales fascinate you? Do you want to learn more about the ecology, biology, and conservation of marine mammals?  Delve into the world of marine mammals and discover the intricacies of their behavior, habitat, and conservation efforts. It’s a great way to enhance your dives and you’ll earn the SSI Marine Mammal Ecology Specialty certification.

 

 

Bundle and Save – Take 4 courses and we’ll give you the 5th one at 1/2 price!

These courses are $100 each and include the SSI Digital Materials and time with one of our professional instructors to make sure you fully understand what you’ve studied.  We can offer these in group settings, privately or even via Zoom if you’d like.  Let us know and we’ll get it set up for you!

Responsible Diver Code:

We’re all responsible for protecting our oceans and aquatic resources.  With the SSI Responsible Diver Code, we want to make everyone aware of the environmental problems from the start.  We want them to think critically, and take positive action whenever they travel and dive.

ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS

  • Commit to personally protect the environment
  • Prevent others from causing damage through positive action and motivation
  • Support useful projects and organizations dedicated to marine protection
  • If possible, collect garbage on your dives – but only if doing so does not cause more damage to the environment
  • If possible, cut hanging ropes and collect floating nets and plastics
  • Inform your buddy or the crew on the surface if you were not able to remove the net
  • Never eat shark fins, whale meat, turtle eggs, etc.
  • Report immediately violations of the ban on the use of marine animals as souvenirs

AVOID GARBAGE

  • Never throw inorganic waste into the sea – Plastics decompose incredibly slowly
  • Minimize the production of garbage: Use reusable coffee mugs and lunch boxes, glass or metal bottles and shopping bags
  • Do not bring unnecessary packaging to the resort
  • Dispose of your waste in as eco-friendly a manner as possible
  • If you smoke, dispose of cigarette butts in the proper receptacle, not on the ground or in the water

DEALING WITH THE UNDERWATER WORLD

  • Only use a swim-through if you can do so without touching anything
  • Don’t swim or snorkel too close to the reef
  • Don’t touch or break corals
  • Use labeled entrances/exits for the water
  • Don’t disturb the sand, since it reduces visibility and smothers corals
  • Don’t hunt or bother animals
  • Don’t touch animals unless properly trained
  • Don’t feed animals
  • Don’t take souvenirs from the sea – broken coral pieces or empty snail shells still serve as useful habitat
  • Only place a reef hook where it will not damage or disturb the reef
  • Do not disturb animals or habitat to improve your photo opportunity

RESPONSIBLE USE OF RESOURCES

  • Shower only as long as required to get clean, especially in areas with minimal ability to store/purify water
  • Wash your equipment in the provided container, and only when necessary – often it’s enough to clean equipment thoroughly at the end of the dive trip
  • Turn off the lights when you aren’t using them
  • Use alternative transportation or walk instead of driving
  • Avoid unnecessary waste – food plans and shopping lists help save you money, and prevent purchasing unnecessary food that may go to waste

Want to learn more about diving?  Click here to see our other Dive Course options!

Enhance Your Dive Experience with SSI’s Marine Ecology Specialty Programs!

Explore the diversity of marine life with SSI’s Marine Ecology Specialty Programs! Enhance your underwater experiences by learning more about ocean ecosystems, marine life, and proper interaction techniques with sharks, turtles and mantas and more!  We practice this daily on our Dive Trips and Snorkel Tours.  Come join us and learn more about our BVI ecosystems.

Choose from a variety of Specialties that suit your interests. Everybody is welcome to join and snorkelers from 10 years can attend the optional open water sessions. These courses are conveniently designed to take via self study and are available online, so start exploring the world´s oceans today!  Contact us today for more information.

Download the MySSI App for free and start your Dive Education Journey today!

CONTACT US