Research diving — where curiosity meets the ocean
The purpose of this specialty course is to acquaint the open water diver with the fascinating topic of research diving. After completion, you will be better able to discover, explore, and appreciate the underwater environment by using research techniques — and better preserve and protect it for future generations.
Learning and combining specialties such as the SDI Shore Diver and SDI Research Diver can improve not only your diving, but also offer some very rare and unique chances of discovering something entirely new.
Lost anchors and cannons from a 400-year-old wreck
One of our instructors, Ryan Hunnisett, was interviewed by the BBC in 2018 having discovered lost anchors and cannons belonging to the wreck of 'The President' — which hadn't been seen for over 400 years. Before becoming a Diving Instructor, Ryan was a Marine Biologist for many years.
Research techniques from ecology to methodology
- Water environment — fresh & salt water
- Ecology: food chains, habitat, niche
- Interactions with other forms
- Basic oceanography
- Coral reefs, kelp, bays & open coast
- Marine animals — fish, mollusks, invertebrates
- Marine mammals
- Dangerous animals
- Diving methodology
- Collection of data
- Detailed mapping techniques
- Survey methodology
- Marking and capturing
- Research for sport
- Conservation practices
What you will demonstrate in the water
- 1Plan dives, test and check all equipment
- 2Enter, descend and use compass effectively
- 3Familiarise yourself with the area and ecology
- 4Conduct area survey and research techniques
- 5Identify and record marine life
- 6Record data and log all dives
What's in it for you?
- Dive independently without direct instructor supervision (within training limits)
- Counts towards a single specialty rating for the SDI Advanced Diver Development Program
- Ideal foundation for a career in marine biology or conservation