Become a Seasearch volunteer

• Do you dive or snorkel in Britain and Ireland?
• Are you looking for a new challenge in your diving?
• Do you want to help protect the best of British and Irish marine life?
• Do you wish you knew more about what you are seeing underwater?

If this sounds like you, then dive in and take part in Seasearch

Getting started...

Why should I become a Seasearch volunteer?

Seasearch is fun – and it's important. It is a great way to meet like-minded people who are interested in marine wildlife and getting out and snorkelling and diving in the seas around the UK. Many of our volunteers are keen underwater photographers and the surveys are a fantastic way to improve your knowledge of marine species.

Data gathered by our volunteers has already made a big difference to how much we know about our coastal habitats and marine species. The more information we have, the better able we are to identify specific sites of conservation concern.

"I have been diving for 21 years and this is going to transform my diving." Seasearch volunteer 

Read how one volunteer in Cornwall got involved as a snorkeller and how your data is used in our Blog section.

How does Seasearch work?

Seasearch is a national project set up by the Marine Conservation Society, but is co-ordinated by local co-ordinators, wildlife trusts and organisations around Britain and Ireland. Volunteers help us gather information about the health of our ocean by filling in our survey forms after they dive, snorkel or even take a walk on the beach.

As a scuba diver, if you're qualified, you can take part on recreational dives with your buddy, club dives or on Seasearch organised dives and expeditions. Any dive can be a Seasearch dive!

And as a snorkeller or free diver, you can fill out a form any time you are out and about in the water at the coast.

How to get involved in  Seasearch

A good place to start is by contacting the Seasearch coordinator for your area. A list can be found on the About page. Drop them a line to find out what’s involved and what training you will need – we’re a friendly bunch and always looking for new volunteers.

Once you are qualified, you can either collect records during your own dives or snorkels.  Or you can join one of the trips organised by Seasearch. Seasearch trips are organised by local coordinators or our partners and are are listed on the Organised Surveys page.

What training do I need?

You don't have to be a marine expert because we'll teach you everything you need to know. You just need to be interested in the marine environment and keen to learn more.

If you're new to the project and new to marine recording, you'll need to take our Seasearch Observer course. After this, you'll be able to complete the Seasearch Observation Form and take part in Seasearch surveys, either on your own, with your club or on trips organised by Seasearch partners.

We also run a series of training courses and special interest workshops for more experienced volunteers.

Do I need to be a qualified diver?

To take part in Seasearch organised dives, there is a minimum qualification requirement of BSAC/ScotSAC Sports Diver, PADI Advanced Open Water Diver, SAA Club Diver or CMAS 2 Star equivalent.  

You also need to have done at least 20 dives, of which 10 should have been in temperate sea water.

Seasearch is not a diver training organisation and we insist that you do not dive beyond your previous level of experience on our dives. For some dives, greater experience levels may be required, depending on the likely conditions.

If you aren't qualified as a scuba diver, you get involved doing Seasearch surveys any time as a snorkeller or free diver.  We recommend people follow safe practice whenever they are out in on the water.

What sort of surveys will I be doing?

After completing a dive or snorkel, volunteers record what they saw on one of our Seasearch forms.

Observation Forms are the simplest and can be completed any time after being out in the water. You'll be asked for information about the habitat and seabed cover types you saw, as well as the main marine species. It takes about 15-30 minutes to complete.

Survey Forms involve a more detailed level of recording and require higher-level Surveyor training.

We also have three specific surveys about sea fans, crawfish and sea caves. Find out more on our Record section.

Other questions...?

Q. Do I need to have insurance?

A. To join an organised Seasearch dive trip, you will need to have a diving medical certificate or a Sports Diver medical self-declaration and you must have 3rd party diving insurance. 

BSAC members have 3rd party diving insurance as part of their membership.  See information about joining the BSAC Marine Conservation Divers Branch.

Our liability insurance restricts organised Seasearch surveys to 30m depth, carried out as NDL dives and with a buddy pair. 

Q. Do I need to be part of a club to take part?

A. No - as long as you've completed our Seasearch Observer course you can fill in the forms independently.

Q. How much does training cost?

A. Courses cost around £80-£100.  The cost of an Observer Course includes a copy of The Diver's Guide to Marine Life of Britain and Ireland which is also available to buy from our online shop.  (Discounts on course might be offered with a big enough group through your local dive club or organisation. Please email to discuss.) 

Q. How much does it cost to take part in a Seasearch survey?

A. Taking part in the survey is free!

The only cost is how much it costs to either dive or snorkel (ie equipment hire, boat hire, etc) which volunteers need to cover themselves.

Q. Does Seasearch run diver training courses?

A. No - Seasearch is not a training organisation and we don't offer dive training or kit hire.  We also insist that you do not dive beyond your previous level of experience on our organised dives.

Q. Can I do Seasearch surveys if I'm not a qualified diver - e.g. by snorkelling in shallow water?

A. Yes, you can do snorkel surveys provided you have completed the Seasearch training.

Q. Is the Observer training course a minimum requirement for all volunteers? Are there any exceptions, e.g. if I'm a marine biologist?

A. Yes, all volunteers must have completed the Observer course as a minimum requirement so volunteers understand our standard marine recording methodology.