Last month the following seven members of the SCUBA Society completed the Seasearch Observer Course which comprised of a theory session hosted on campus on Saturday 16th November followed by two survey dives the next day on West Hoe Waterfront.

• Sally Kunzig
• Dan Evans
• Carlo Di Natale
• Greg Round
• Mason Boobyer
• Sophie Prendergast
• Georgie Bull

The SCUBA Society wanted to organise an observer training course to provide an opportunity for their members to develop their scientific diving skills. Becoming a Seasearch observer is the perfect way for divers to build up marine identification skills, underwater photography and surveying skills. Arguably the best part about the course is that it is open to recreational and commercial divers, which allows for greater participation across programmes and experience levels. 

Dan Evans said:

“I thought it was beneficial in adding a more practical, marine conservation element to our diving as it was really well related to our course. It gives you more initiative to go diving and discover different sites around Plymouth, and feels rewarding that you're adding to conservation data set."

"Seasearch is a project for volunteer scuba divers and snorkellers who have an interest in what they're seeing underwater, want to learn more and want to help protect the marine environment around the coasts of Britain and Ireland. The main aim is to map out the various types of sea bed found in the near-shore zone around the whole of Britain and Ireland. In addition, we are recording what lives in each area, establishing the richest sites for marine life, the sites where there are problems and the sites which need protection." Seasearch

Sally Kunzig said:

“I found the Seasearch Observer course really useful for solidifying my knowledge of local identification of species. It was run professionally and organised amazingly well by the SCUBA committee. The teacher, Chris Webb, was wonderful and engaging throughout the whole theory day, and excellent at developing our written survey skills after our dives the following day. It was brilliant also having Chris Wood on the scene for the diving, making sure our ID and biotopes were correct. Lovely people to work with and I can't wait to get some more survey dives under my (weight) belt!”

Mason Boobyer said:

“Before the course, I dived for fun but now I have a new perspective of what I see when I dive.”

Greg Round said:

“I loved the course. I personally thought it was really helpful as I’m an ocean ex/surveying student so my species ID isn’t the best but it improved it a lot.”

Carlo Di Natale said:

“I liked it a lot and really appreciated all your work for it to run smoothly. It was a nice opportunity to have the scuba society organize it.”

UPSU Scuba Society is for University of Plymouth students who have an interest in scuba diving - from the experienced diver to those completely new to the sport, everyone is welcome! The society are affiliated with a local dive centre - Aquanauts - and offer discounted diving on Tuesdays, Wednesdays (boat dives), and Thursdays as well as competitive discounts on all diving courses. Find out more on their society page and on social media. Facebook // Twitter // Instagram