QUEST (Quantitative Underwater Ecological Survey Techniques) is a two-week course aimed at training students for marine resource management surveys and near-shore habitat conservation. QUEST is offered every summer for credit through UH Hilo.
Charting a Course to QUEST
For students interested in participating in QUEST, the following requirements must be met:
1. Recreational SCUBA certification (NAUI, PADI, YMCA, etc.)
2. University of Hawaiʻi Scientific Diver Authorization.
Follow the steps provided by the Diving Safety Office:
- Fill out Scientific Diver application
- Schedule a diving physical and have them send results to the UH Diving Safety Program
- Schedule a swim test, pool checkout dive, and ocean checkout dive with Assistant Diving Safety Officer (Liv Wheeler) at (808) 956-6617 or email liv4@hawaii.edu
- First Aid/CPR/O2, Rescue Training, plus twelve (12) logged dives
3. QUEST ID Classes
Prospective QUEST students are required to pass a species ID test before applying to the field school. Study materials for the species ID test can be found on the Quest Species Identification page.
- Take Limu, Fish, and Invertebrate Identification classes
- Score 80% or better (spelling included)
- Resources include:
- QUEST website: Includes Powerpoint presentations with target species.
- Books: John Hoover (Hawaiʻi’s Fishes, Hawaiʻi’s Sea Creatures); John E. Randall (Shore Fishes of Hawaiʻi); and Huisman, Abbott and Smith (Hawaiʻi Reef Plants).
- Online photos: By Keoki and Yuko Stender (Marine Life Photography).
4. Apply to QUEST by early February.