This module is intended to include home study of Chapters 1 and 2 in the Handbook, which provides the academic background.  The classroom session introduces the students to the fundamentals of Artificial Reef Research and provides an orientation to the Jacksonville Reef Research Team.

Classroom Objectives

At the completion of the Introduction module classroom session, the students should be able to:

• Explain the need for volunteer divers in artificial reef research
• Define what is an "artificial reef"
• List the 4 basic protocols used by the research team at different times in the history of an artificial reef
• List 5 endeavors in which non-diving activities are required
• Diagram the infrastructure of the Reef Research Team
• Describe the 3 primary leadership functions during research diving operations
• Discuss typical local research diving procedures
• Describe diving safety requirements and procedures
• List 8 questions to be considered when planning a data collection dive
• Fill out a research dive log