Marine Ecology

BLUE OCEANS

This program introduces you to many of the global challenges that our ocean faces today.
Each section will focus on a particular problem, like ocean plastics for instance.
We will describe how the problem developed, why it is an important issue, what people like you are doing to reduce the problem’s impact on the ocean!

Each section also includes stories that highlight the work of scientists, conservationists, SSI Training Centres, and other individuals or organisations making positive changes on a daily basis.
As you read these stories, think about how you can apply their lessons to your everyday life or, how you can encourage your community to take action.

This manual should not be the final step in your marine conservation education. It is simply a tool that should help increase your awareness of the issues, but awareness isn’t enough.
We need to take actions to improve, protect, and preserve the marine environment for both this generation and the generations to come.

As you read through the pages in this program, take notes, record your thoughts and feelings. Track any question you may have to your instructor, or the people you work with.
Hopefully you can create a dialogue with others that creates positive change for the ocean.

Program Objectives

The Blue Oceans program provides you with an overview of issues related to climate change, the impact of human activity, plus other marine conservation concerns.

Blue Oceans uses modern scientific research and practical examples of real-world people and organisations that will encourage you to take action today, make positive changes in your life that will benefit the ocean, the environment and everything else around us.

There are no completion requirements for this program.
All we ask is you participate with us in environmentally-friendly activities- like beach clean-ups, dive site cleanups and recycling drives. 

This program is structured a little bit differently from other Training programs you may have taken before. 

It still includes the digital learning, but there are no review questions, final exams, or completion requirements.
You can use each academic session, or pick and choose the topics that are most relevant to your location.

Our goal as Instructors for this training program, should be to educate you on the problems facing our ocean today, in a positive manner.
Sometimes people may feel pessimistic, they may believe that the problems are too large for one person to make a difference-

"This is so far from the truth"

You have already expressed an interest in ocean conservation by registering for the digital learning, this is your chance to become responsible tourists, or everyday ocean advocates.

Even though the information in this program might seem scary, the program is intended to be a fun and challenging learning experience. It presents modern scientific research and real-world case studies, designed to train you to make intelligent, informed decisions. 

Plus, this information will be updated as new information comes forward- at no cost to you!

Download the SSI app and the Blue Oceans course is available free of charge...

This program teaches the skills and concepts required to recognize and identify common 

Coral Identification – Dive Deeper into the Reef!

Planning a diving or snorkelling holiday? The SSI Coral Identification Specialty is your ticket to truly seeing the reef, not just swimming past it.

Corals are the living architects of our oceans – and once you know how to identify them, every dive becomes richer and more rewarding. This course teaches you how to recognise the different coral families, understand their role in the marine ecosystem, and spot the subtle differences that separate one species from another.

By learning coral identification, you’ll:
✅ Recognise and name the corals you encounter on your dives and snorkelling trips
✅ Appreciate the intricate relationships between corals, fish, and other reef life
✅ Understand threats to coral reefs and how to minimise your impact
✅ Become a more environmentally aware and safety-conscious diver or snorkeller

From brain corals to branching staghorns, you’ll discover the beauty and diversity of these incredible organisms – and gain the skills to share your knowledge and passion with others.

Whether you’re diving in the tropics, exploring your local reef, or travelling to remote destinations, the SSI Coral Identification Specialty will enhance your adventures and deepen your connection to the ocean.

Protect what you love – learn to see the reef through a whole new lens!

📅 Book your Coral ID course today and make your next holiday dive truly unforgettable.

💡 Pro Tip: Combine all three specialties for the ultimate marine life knowledge package. Perfect for divers and snorkellers preparing for a big holiday or anyone wanting to become a more environmentally aware ocean explorer.

Fish Identification – See More Than Just “Fish”!

Heading off on a diving or snorkelling holiday? The Fish Identification Specialty will transform your underwater adventures from simply spotting marine life… to truly knowing what you’re seeing.

This course teaches you how to identify the major fish families and species, recognise their behaviours, and understand how they fit into the reef ecosystem. From curious clownfish to elegant angelfish, you’ll learn the tell-tale features that set each one apart.

By completing this course, you’ll:
✅ Recognise and name fish families and species you encounter on dives and snorkelling trips
✅ Understand how fish interact with each other and their environment
✅ Gain insights into marine conservation and how to protect fragile ecosystems
✅ Become a safer, more environmentally aware diver or snorkeller

Whether you’re gliding over tropical reefs, exploring temperate waters, or preparing for a bucket-list destination, fish identification skills will make every underwater experience more rewarding.

It’s not just “a fish” anymore!
It’s a parrotfish, a wrasse, or a sweetlip… and you’ll know the difference!

📅 Book your Fish ID course today and make your next dive holiday unforgettable.

  Ecological Diving – Marine Awareness for Every Adventure

Every dive and snorkelling trip leaves an impact – the question is, will it be a positive one? The Ecological Diving / Marine Ecology Awareness Specialty gives you the knowledge and skills to ensure your time underwater benefits the environment rather than harms it.

You’ll discover how fragile marine ecosystems work, the challenges they face, and the role divers and snorkellers can play in protecting them. From buoyancy control that avoids damaging corals to understanding responsible wildlife interaction, this course will make you a safer, more mindful ocean explorer.

You will:
✅ Learn how marine ecosystems function and why they matter
✅ Understand human impacts and how to minimise them
✅ Master safe, eco-friendly diving and snorkelling techniques
✅ Become an ambassador for marine conservation wherever you go

Whether you’re heading off on a tropical holiday, exploring your local coastline, or joining a conservation project, this course will deepen your connection to the ocean and give you the confidence to dive with purpose.

The ocean gives us so much – it’s time we give something back.
📅 Book your Ecological Diving / Marine Awareness course today and make every dive count.

Shark Ecology – Meet the Ocean’s Most Misunderstood Residents

Sharks are vital to healthy oceans – yet they’re often feared and misunderstood. The SSI Shark Ecology Specialty will teach you the truth about these magnificent animals, their biology, and their critical role as apex predators.

You will:
✅ Identify common shark species and their habitats
✅ Understand shark behaviour and safety guidelines
✅ Separate myth from fact and replace fear with respect
✅ Learn how to help protect these vital creatures

Sharks aren’t monsters – they’re magnificent, and they need our protection.

📅 Book your Shark Ecology course today and see the ocean’s top predators in a whole new light.

💡 Pro Tip: Combine all four specialties for the ultimate marine life knowledge package. Perfect for divers and snorkellers preparing for a big holiday or anyone wanting to become a more environmentally aware ocean explorer.