Course Standards & Requirements
This e-Learning course is the prerequisite to start the Giant Clam Nurseries and Population Studies course. The academic portion of this course is reaffirmed with your instructor during a classroom time at your chosen training center. The practical elements of this course can be completed either by SCUBA, Freediving or Snorkelling.
This is online course can also be completed in isolation. Those who complete the online learning and pass the final exam will receive a e-certificate showing their participation and recognising the successful completion this academic element of this course . Those who complete the practical course are eligible for the full certification and printed or electronic certification card through Conservation Diver.
To receive the full certification, you must meet the following:
Prerequisites
- Be 12 years of age or older
- Be a competent swimmer if performing the course snorkelling
- Be certified as an Advanced diver under a leading diving organization (PADI, SSI, RAID, etc) or an Open Water diver who has satisfactorily completed a buoyancy appraisal with a professional diver
- Demonstrate proper diving ability at an advanced level and be proficient in buoyancy and self-awareness
Standards
- Understand the importance, ecology, and threats to giant clam populations locally and around the globe
- Be able to identify anatomical features of giant clams in order to perform species recognition
- Learn techniques to survey and monitor local giant clam populations
- Learn techniques involving the use and maintenance of in-sea giant clam nurseries
Requirements
- Complete this e-learning and the associated quizzes
- Attend 1 Giant Clam Lecture
- Take data on Giant Clam abundance/density, diversity, and size distribution on the dive
- Take data on giant clam growth and mortality at the in-sea nurseries or within a designated research area
- If applicable, perform general maintenance duties during a dive at the giant clam nurseries
- Enter records into the database
