SSI Marine Invertebrate Ecology eLearning

SSI Marine Invertebrate Ecology — eLearning & Certification Credit Only

Immerse yourself in the hidden and fascinating world of marine invertebrates with the SSI Marine Invertebrate Ecology programme. This online course covers their evolution, biology, ecological roles, and conservation, allowing you to earn your SSI Marine Invertebrate Ecology specialty certification (academic credit only).

What you’ll learn online

• Evolution and diversity of marine invertebrates (from simple to complex forms) :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
• Major invertebrate groups: sponges, jellyfish, sea stars, nudibranchs, squids, crustaceans, worms, and more :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
• Morphology, physiology, and adaptations for different environments :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
• Ecological functions: roles in food webs, nutrient cycling, reef health, and habitat formation :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
• Human impacts: threats to invertebrate populations and ecosystems, and conservation strategies :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
• Methods for underwater observation, documentation, and identification protocols :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Optional practical training (booked separately)

While the digital course gives you the full theory, you may choose to enhance your learning with **in-water observation dives or guided identification dives**. In these practical sessions, you could:

• Explore reefs and microhabitats to spot invertebrate species in situ
• Use slates, underwater photography, or sketching to record observations
• Practice identification techniques using morphological traits, behavior, coloration, and habitat
• Apply non-invasive observation protocols, and contribute to citizen science or monitoring projects

These dives or observation sessions are not included in the eLearning product. You’ll need to book them separately with Dorset Diving Services or with any SSI Dive Centre that offers the Marine Invertebrate Ecology specialty.

Important notes & prerequisites

• Some dive centres may require you to hold a recreational scuba certification (e.g. SSI Open Water Diver or equivalent) before participating in in-water sessions — check with your chosen centre.
• Always confirm with the dive centre you plan to use that they offer the SSI Marine Invertebrate Ecology programme and can facilitate the required dives or observation sessions before you commit.
• You may need to complete a medical questionnaire or obtain physician clearance depending on local regulations.

Free registration

To begin, you can register for a free SSI account and affiliate with our dive centre here:
Register with Dorset Diving Services.

What’s next?

After completing Marine Invertebrate Ecology, you might deepen your marine knowledge by doing additional specialties such as Marine Ecology, Coral Identification, Nudibranch Ecology, or Fish Identification, further enriching your underwater experience and ecological understanding.