“What was that fish?” is a common question heard after a dive. If you want to be the scuba diver with the answers, instead of the one asking the questions, then take the AWARE – Fish Identification Specialty course.
You will find you enjoy your dives, even more, when you recognize the creatures that you see. The fun part about this course is you can use the skills you learn on every scuba diving vacation because once you learn the main fish families and characteristics it will help you decipher the species you see all over the world.
For example, a butterfly fish in the Caribbean has a similar shape to a butterfly fish in Southeast Asia, but their colors and markings may be wildly different. If you know what fish family it belongs to, it becomes much easier to look up the local name or at least be able to intelligently ask the local scuba instructor what you saw. That works better than asking about a “yellow thingy with a funny tail fin.”
During two dives you gain hands-on (okay, eyes-on) experience in looking for and identifying the fascinating fish, you see underwater. You will learn:
To take this course, you must be:
You use all the basic scuba gear including a dive computer, a dive slate and other specialty gear.
REEF Fish ID Starter Kit. You will use it as a guidebook to improve your diving skills and prepare for new experiences and adventures.
*Students must provide their own personal items including mask, fins, snorkel, booties, gloves, regulator, BCD, and tanks. We have rentals available for the regulator, BCD, dive computer, wetsuit, and tanks.
*Boat dives are required for an additional fee. Your experience level will determine which trips you need to complete the course. If you book this course On-line you will be contacted by our staff to determine and reserve the appropriate trip(s).
For more information or to schedule an AWARE Fish ID class, please contact Olympus Dive Center at (252)726-9432.