Seasearch Observer and Nudibranch ID in Norfolk

[Divemouse]

Hi All,

Below are the links for the pages describing the Seasearch Observer course
and Nudibranch ID and Photography course we are going to run in East Anglia
in June. Please feel free to pass them on to friends, fellow club members
and anyone else you think might be interested!

Our general East Anglian Seasearch page is at:
Any dive can be a Seasearch dive
The Observer course details are here:
Seasearch Observer course
And the Nudibranch course details are here:
Nudibranch course

These pages, particularly the agenda for each day, are a work in progress
and may change as more information comes in. Important details, such as
location, price and tutor will remain the same.

For those who can't be bothered to click on the links, or have no idea what
I'm on about, there's a quick outline of both courses below:

Nudibranch Course

Tutor: Jim Anderson (Nudibranch) and Rob Spray (Photography)
Jim's website of Scottish Nudibranches is a great ID resource

Date: 14th and 15th June 2008

Time: Saturday 9:30 - 4:30, Sunday 9:00 - 3:30

Location: North Norfolk
Theory - Sheringham Youth Hostel
Diving - Weybourne and Cley, weather permitting

Outline: This course will introduce the biology and lifecycle of native
nudibranch species which Seasearch volunteers may encounter in their dives
around the UK. Understanding their life styles will aid location and
recognition of nudibranch habitats and typical UK species. The workshop
mixes theory and practical sessions, following presentations with optional
dives to reinforce information.

The photography portion of the course is a flexible sub-component which will
be included as time allows and will run in more detail if the optional
diving is affected or reduced by weather or visibility.

Cost:
£70 each including course materials and refreshments
Parking at dive sites at attendees own cost
A deposit of £35 is required to secure a place

Observer course

Tutors: Chris Woods, Dawn Watson and Rob Spray

Date: 7th (Course) and 8th (Diving) June 2008

Time: Saturday 9:30 - 4:30, Sunday TBA

Location: North Norfolk
Theory - Sheringham Youth Hostel
Diving - Weybourne and Cley, weather permitting

Outline: This course will introduce the Seasearch project and the techniques
volunteers should use to record marine life on the their own dives. There is
coverage of habitiats and species they may encounter in their dives around
the UK. The course is theory based with with optional dives to reinforce
information and complete the supervised portion of the qualification.

To complete the Seasearch Observer qualification you need to make 5 dives
and return Observer forms from them. The first 2 are made where a Seasearch
tutor can assess your forms on the spot, the next 3 can be independant but
are passed via a tutor to check accuracy. So you could be ready to
contribute to the project after just a couple of weekends diving.

Seasearch Observer is recognised as an SDC by the SAA and in the process of
acceptance as a SDC by the BSAC.

Min 10 - Max 20 students

Cost:
£35-45 each depending on attendance (including course materials and
refreshments)
Parking at dive sites at attendees own cost

[ratcliffe]

PM Sent re Observer course...

[Loctite]

Nudibranch in Norfolk?? Really!!??

Man I'm either really this pissed or this is an Aprils fools.

Note to self, read this in morning. Might be of interest

[Divemouse]

See UK Diving/Selection for Secret Seas NWT exhibition for our best examples from last summer, there are up to 5 species around on the shallow wrecks.

[Fish]

PM sent re Observer course

[Justin Owen]

We (CSAC) did an observer course on Sunday with Seasearch North Wales - can recommend it, very informative and adds another dimension to your diving.

I'm interested in the marine life and have loads of the usual books - but still learnt more in that one day than I had in the past 3 years!

[triplefin]

Just booked onto both these courses anyone else going?

[Fish]

Me too. just posted my form for the observer course.

Waiting to hear from Divemouse that there are definitely spaces left so that I can book my accomodation.

[ratcliffe]

I've filled in the form, and am sending my cheque for the deposit off tomorrow Jane... I'll see you there. I am going to book some camping I think, as it might be a little cheaper for me.
Are you doing both days, the course and the dives ?

[triplefin]

Yep - doing both courses. Been meaning to do the Obsever one for some time and the nudibranch one is a bonus as well. Might help me spot the little barstewards. I have v poor eyesight underwater and I find it very frustrating as I rarely spot them so I hope it might help.
I'll be camping as well so I'll let you know where I'm likely to be.