Fieldwork - Reef Survey - Preparation

This is part 2 of a number of posts about Fieldwork - Reef Surveying.
Read the other posts:
Fieldwork - Reef Survey - Where to snorkel
Fieldwork - Reef Survey - Student Activities

Pre-Fieldwork Activities

• If you work at a NSW public school you should refer to the School Sport Unit: Snorkelling page.
• Students (and teachers) will need to undertake a swimming assessment at a local pool to ensure they are competent swimmers. 
• Organise a qualified dive instructor to guide the class
• Detailed risk assessment - as well as the usual considerations, your risk assessment should include things specific to snorkelling such as:
  • Wet suits should be worn to avoid cuts and scratches;
  • A mask should be worn made of soft rubber, silicon and silitex so that no water leaks into the air space and must have nose pocket. The plate should be made of tempered glass. The length of the snorkel should not exceed 30cm, and should have a 2cm bore and a comfortable mouthpeice, 
  • Fins should fit comfortably and move easily. No weight belts to be worn
  • The instructor must have current appropriate accreditation - Certificate III or IV in snorkel guide/instructor as offered through the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF)
  • All students not directly involved in snorkelling activities must be supervised in an appropriate land-based program planned in advance.
  • Permission note to obtain must contain a clause authorizing medical aid if considered necessary.

Below: Photos taken at Clovelly - the sea floor (right), cuttlefish (left).

On the day of the fieldwork:

• A pre-snorkelling discussion of snorkelling skills and safety must take place
• Students and teachers should to carry a card detailing procedures to follow in an emergency
• A roll check must be completed each time students enter and leave the water
• Students without previous snorkelling experience must participate in a basic snorkelling course
• Marine life must not be disturbed
• A dive flag is mandatory for open water dive sites
• During snorkel sessions students must always be with a buddy.

Fieldwork activities that can be undertaken:

• Underwater photography and videoing
• Identifying species - variety, abundance, distribution
• Quadrat survey (you might like to read Investigating Marine Life)
• Data collection of biotic and abiotic features
• Observation of human impacts

Below: Photos take at Gordon's Bay - stingray (left), squid (right)

Safety precautions
Check the weather and tides to ensure the conditions are suitable. Keep an eye out for boats and other activities in the water. Exercise caution. 

If students go snorkelling in their own time (not organised by the school/a teacher), they should remember to always let their parents know where you are, swim with a buddy, and check the tide and weather conditions. Always be safe.