Eight enthusiatic Reef Check candidates took part with EDA's Reef Check Trainer and Marine Biologist Rita Bento. The Participants received their EcoDiver ccertification at the end of the course and can now join in the Reef Check surveys for the Indo-Pacific marine species.

Candidates learned about the Indo-Pacific's marine species of fish, invertebrates and were trained to identify different kinds of substrate as corals and sponges. Rita then took the group of intrepid divers to confined water and practised techniques to enhance the reef check surveys. The final day consisted of in-open water species identification testing followed by a comprehensive test of powerpoint ID test again of fish, invertebrate and subtrate species of the Indo-Pacific environment.

Congratulations to all the successful candidates and we look forward to having you join EDA's Reef Check surveys in Dibba and Al Aqah area.

Comments from some of the participants:

"what a great training for all the divers!" - Philippe Lecomte, PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor

"Great and informative training conducted by Rita Bento, EDA. I think all scuba instructors should have Reef Check training to better understand the local marine environment and make a difference". - Kathleen Russell, PADI Master Instructor

If you like are already a Reef Check volunteer with Indo-Pacific Species and would like to join the Reef Check surveys, please contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

For more information about Reef Check Foundation, please click on this link: REEF CHECK FOUNDATION.