AWARE FISH ID SPECIALTY COURSE
do you think that it is time to learn more about the marine fish you come across on your dives?
You may have been asked (or asked yourself) many times one of the most common questions in scuba diving: “What was that fish?” Wouldn’t it be great to be the person that has the answer to it, no matter where you dive? Then the Fish ID Specialty Course is the perfect choice for you.
In this Specialty course you will learn to look at specific characteristics to identify fish family species & families. So a parrotfish on Koh Tao may look different than a parrotfish in Australia, but you’re still able to identify it.
Also, you will be introduced to Fish survey techniques and activities by AWARE as well as our local community to conserve and protect the marine fish populations.
This course links in well with other activities such as AWARE Coral Watch or the Underwater Naturalist Specialty Course.
Learn in a small group of max. 4 students per Instructor at your own pace, how to make your dives more meaningful!
YOUR AWARE FISH ID SPECIALTY COURSE
Learning how to identify individual fish families looking at their characteristics helps you to know what surrounds you underwater
The AWARE Fish ID Specialty Course can be done in just one day. If you prefer to spread it out or combine it with other programs, just let us know. These are the general course parts:
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Part 1: Theory
After an introduction between you and your Instructor you will complete the necessary paperwork.
The theoretical part of your AWARE Fish ID Specialty Course is covered by some self-study with your personal copy of the manual and 2 Knowledge Reviews. You will get plenty of time to self-study and memorize the common fish family classifications.
Together with your instructor you will then look at characteristics like shape, fins, behaviour of those fish families and an introduction to the common local ones on Koh Tao.
Also, you will have a look at the fish identification slate you are going to use on your Open Water dives and how to easily group the depictured fish on them into families.
Part 2: Open Water Dives
After lunch it is time for us to get on one of our custom built dive boats and head out for one or two dives (depending on your chosen option).
On these dives you will practice how to use buoyancy control and a slow approach to get close to fish without disturbing them and their natural behaviour. You will then use your Fish Slate to identify them and note your observations on a blank slate you have with you as well.
Your instructor will point out fish to you and you will be tasked to use hand signals or your slates to give a positive identification of species or family.
After your dives, we will add the information about your identified fish in your dive log book and you will be a certified AWARE Fish ID Specialist!
KNOW YOUR FISH!
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AWARE FIsh ID specialty course – the schedule
To give you an idea of what your fish id specialty course will look like,
here’s an example schedule:
FULL DAY
AWARE FISH ID SPECIALTY COURSE
Day 1 - Full Day
Introduction & Paperwork
Theory (self-study)
Identification practice
– Lunch –
1/2 Open Water Dives
The AWARE Fish ID Specialty course links into other courses well. So if you have done the Adventure Dive already, why not add a Buoyancy or Naturalist Dive to it or simply add a Fun Dive with AWARE Coral Watch.
The schedule is not set in stone and it can be split up over two half days as well. If your travel plans require a different schedule we can accommodate for that.
If you require more information about alternative options just contact us.
COURSE PREREQUISITES: AWARE Fish ID Specialty Course
These are the requirements for the Fish ID Specialty Course
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Minimum Age
The minimum age to enroll in the AWARE Fish ID Specialty Course is 10 years.
Minimum Certification Level
Medical Statement
Insurance
To comply with our dive insurance requirements, you will need to have proof (logbook etc.) of a dive within the last 6 months otherwise you will need to take part in our Crystal Dive Scuba Review before taking part in the course to receive our insurance cover.
AWARE Fish ID – What’s included?
Our AWARE Fish ID Course package includes:
- AWARE Fish ID Specialty Course (max. 4 students per Instructor)
- Personal set of scuba equipment throughout your stay
- FREE use of Dive Computer
- Personal Specialty Manual & Certification
- Crystal Dive Logbook & T-Shirt
- Multilingual personal Instructor
- Boat trips & refreshments for your dives
- Dive Insurance for your dives with us (30 days)
- Discounted Accommodation throughout your course (1 night)
- 10 % Discount on additional diver level courses & dive equipment purchases with us
DISCOUNTED Accommodation
For your course & diving days!
Book Now
The AWARE Fish ID Specialty course at Crystal Dive will give you valuable knowledge about the underwater world around Koh Tao and anywhere in the world.
In the AWARE Fish ID Specialty course you will learn how to identify the characteristics of local fish families and species, enabling you to use it anywhere in the world.
Enjoy your dives even more as you can recognize and identify fish families whenever you go diving!
฿3,500 – ฿5,000
2-Dive-Option: This is your choice if you haven’t already done a Fish ID Adventure dive as part of your Advanced Open Water. Here you will get the full introduction into identification and classification of fish families & species.
1-Dive-Option: This option is available for you if you already completed a Fish ID Adventure dive as part of your Advanced Open Water Course. This will allow you to fit in another specialty dive the same day or just enjoy a fun dive to use skills you have learned.
Fish ID Specialty Course
2-Dive-Option: This is your choice if you haven’t already done a Fish ID Adventure dive as part of your Advanced Open Water. Here you will get the full introduction into identification and classification of fish families & species.
1-Dive-Option: This option is available for you if you already completed a Fish ID Adventure dive as part of your Advanced Open Water Course. This will allow you to fit in another specialty dive the same day or just enjoy a fun dive to use skills you have learned.
YOUR DIVES ON VIDEO OR PICTURES
During your two dives our in-house underwater film company, Crystal Images, will accompany you to capture your experience on film and then edit the footage into a 10 minute movie which we show at the bar that evening. The video is available to purchase by all course students after viewing so you can share your memories with family and friends.
Alternatively, our Underwater Videography team is available to provide you with personal and lasting memories of your experience and offer unique underwater video and photo services for your course. You can choose from a 10 minute land and underwater based video or 10-15 high resolution photographs.
These options are available for your scuba diving course and can be booked by following the link below and choosing the ‘video & photo’ option to pay a deposit, in addition to your course booking. Please ask us about group bookings and additional options on other courses.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I start my Fish ID Specialty Course every day?
In general, yes. We start our courses any given day. To secure your desired start date, we recommend booking your Fish ID Specialty Course online HERE. This will guarantee your placement in a small group of maximum 4 students per Instructor.
Is it possible to change the schedule for the Fish ID Specialty Course?
Our schedules are flexible and we will do everything to adjust it to your travel plans. Please contact us to arrange for a schedule that suits you within the limits of the Fish ID Specialty Course performance requirements.
What are the rates for accommodation in my Fish ID Specialty Course?
For your Fish ID Specialty Course we offer accommodation in a private AC room (choice of Double or Twin) at a discounted rate for the standard course duration of 1 night. There are also upgrade options available for the adjacent Koh Tao Regal or Beach Club Resort. More information here or just contact us directly.
What are the minimum requirements to start my Fish ID Specialty Course?
The minimum requirements for you to enroll in the Fish ID Specialty Course are listed here: COURSE PREREQUISITES. If you still have questions about specific requirements or an equivalent certification, please contact us directly.
How many students will be together with me in my Fish ID Specialty Course?
We pride ourselves to teach our Fish ID Specialty Course personal in groups of max. 4 students per Instructor. If you still prefer a smaller group or a private course please contact us directly. On the other hand, if you travel in a bigger group, please let us know and we will arrange for multiple Instructors to teach you together.
Can I take a Go Pro on my dives for the Fish ID Specialty?
You can take your own camera on any of the dives. A better option may be to arrange for our In-House Video & Photo company Crystal Images to either take professional photos or a broadcast quality video of you on two of your dives on the Enriched Air Specialty. Please contact us or check out your options here.
Will I see different dive sites during my Open Water Dives in the Fish ID Specialty Course?
We have 3 custom built dive boats and choose the dive sites based on your course requirements, comfort level and weather conditions. Generally, we change dive sites on a daily basis, so you will dive at the best spots available for your Fish ID Specialty Course. More about our boats here.
What other courses can I take if I have some more time after my Fish ID Specialty Course?
Other Questions?
Please check out our general FAQ-Page which will answer most of your questions about Koh Tao, diving, weather conditions and everything else. Anything that cannot be answered there, please just contact us and we get right back to you!
