Reef Check Dive into Science Program

In October 2021, Reef Check initiated its first Dive into Science training course in collaboration with Native Like Water, a Southern California non-profit organization committed to reintegration of indigenous teens and adults into ocean recreation and conservation. Training was conducted over six days, with all eight participants graduating with an Open Water SCUBA certification and garnering two dives towards their Advanced Open Water certification (including diving on a shipwreck and a night dive during a full moon). Additionally, they were introduced to marine species identification, Reef Check protocols, and scientific diving. These are their experiences.