BRANCH Coral Restoration Specialty Course

Come and take a PADI or SSI certified BRANCH Coral Restoration Specialty Course with us. We’ll cover coral biology and nursery know-how paired with open water dives where we explore the coral reef ecosystem as a whole, immediately bringing your new knowledge into action at one of our nursery sites.

Ready to become a certified reef-saver?

Prerequisites for participants

Almost anyone fit to dive can take our coral restoration course. Learn what it takes to care for coral before planting them out, becoming a reef hero. This course involves two presentations and two dives.

Love coral

One main prerequisite is that you like coral and are interested in how you can support their growth.

Have a diving certificate

Course participants need to have an Open Water diving certificate.

Be over 10 years old

To become coral restoration certified you have to be at least 10 years old. There is no age limit as long as you are fit to dive and curious to learn.

Part 1: Learn the theory, Rock in practice

1. Coral Reef Ecosystems

Learn what corals are, how they feed, reproduce and why they are severely threatened. Learn about their home, their harmony in nature and ways we can help coral to (re)grow and thrive again.

2. Nursery Setup

Now that you know everything about coral, you will learn how to construct, maintain, monitor and outplant corals from. Time for diving!

Part 2: Dive into coral restoration - Twice

During the first dive, you will put theory into practice. You will experience and see the coral ecosystem and meet some of its inhabitants. You will identify coral species and learn how to distinguish a healthy from a sick colony.

On the second dive you will identify a suitable area for a potential nursery and learn how to grow corals. While cleaning the nursery you will learn care and situational awareness in the nursery and assist in monitoring.

Congratulations! You have acquired your BRANCH Coral Restoration Specialty Diver Certificate

You are now an expert in coral population enhancement and know how to support corals through coral gardening. You are now an advocate of coral and invited to raise awareness on the importance of healthy coral ecosystems wherever you go.

“The coral restoration course was great. I learned so much and actually helped plant coral! I also learned about the whole underwater coral reef ecosystems. I didn’t know it was all connected and intertwined.”

Jeroen van Leeuwen | Guest and Tourist

“Even as a local, I was amazed by how professional and welcoming the BRANCH team was. BRANCH has showed me an (under)water part of the island I wasn’t aware of before and I want to help protect now.”

Chava Jansen | Local