Corals are living animals that grow, feed, and eventually die, leaving behind skeletal structures that form the foundation of the ocean’s reef ecosystems.
This programme provides an in-depth exploration of these fascinating organisms, examining their biology, interactions, common misconceptions, and the conservation efforts to protect them.
Take the SSI Coral Identification course and learn to identify and classify coral species.
During the dives, you will practice recognising and categorising various coral types, including hard corals such as brain and staghorn coral and also soft corals
Your instructor will guide you in spotting and identifying coral families, pointing out distinguishing features such as growth patterns, textures, and their symbiotic relationships with marine life. You’ll also focus on perfecting your buoyancy control to ensure you can observe the reefs without causing any disturbance.
By the end of your course, you’ll have gained confidence in identifying corals and developed a deeper appreciation for the vital role they play.
CORAL IDENTIFICATION SCHEDULE
Day 1 - Coral Identification Specialty
AM – Meet up with your instructor and go through theory, expand your knowledge of coral around Koh Tao and prepare your dive equipment.
PM – Head out on the dive boat and begin your two dives, using slates and other tools to observe and assess coral colonies by shapes, colours, and other features to help identify them. Upon your return, complete the paperwork and celebrate your achievement!
PREREQUISITES
Before beginning the SSI Coral Identification Specialty Course, we need you to be a SSI Open Water Diver (or equivalent). A higher rating of Advanced Adventurer would be even better!
Why? With marine conservation, we are conducting most of our scuba diving in very close proximity to the coral reefs. We need our students to be certified divers and of an advanced enough level, that they can control their position very comfortably underwater.
If you do not have the SSI Open Water Diver certification yet, you can take it and the SSI Advanced Adventurer Diver Course to boost your underwater skills.
GET INVOLVED !
Sign up below to book your spot on the SSI Coral Identification Specialty and become a Coral Specialist
Once completed, you are ready for our Marine Conservation Courses or Marine Conservation Internships, where you will get involved in a multitude of our projects and take part in our citizen science programs – you will learn so much about the marine ecosystem and why we need to protect it.
It is time to Join The Tribe.
Coral Identification Specialty
* 1 Day and 2 dives
* SSI Coral Identification Specialty Certification.
* Learn with small groups of 4 or less.
* All digital online materials are included.
* All scuba diving equipment included.
* Dive insurance included.
* No hidden extra costs.
฿5,000.00
GET MORE INFO !
If you have questions about any of our projects, citizen science, research, volunteering, internships or training…
Please get in touch with us!