SSI Invasive Species Management Course: What to Expect

The ocean needs defenders, and SSI’s Invasive Species Management course gives divers the knowledge, skills, and certification to become them. Offered through SSI (Scuba Schools International), one of the world’s largest and most respected dive certification agencies, this specialty course equips recreational divers with everything they need to safely and effectively participate in lionfish removal programs.

Roger J. Muller Jr. of LionfishDivers.com is a certified SSI instructor who has taught this course in Aruba and across the Atlantic region. Here’s a complete guide to what the course covers and how to get certified.

Who Is This Course For?

The SSI Invasive Species Management course is designed for certified divers who want to contribute actively to reef conservation. You’ll need a valid open water certification (SSI, PADI, or equivalent) to enroll. The course is appropriate for recreational divers of all experience levels from newly certified open water divers to experienced dive masters.

What the Course Covers

Invasive Species Biology

Students learn the biology, behavior, and ecological impact of lionfish in detail. You’ll understand how they reproduce, what they eat, why they’re so successful in Atlantic waters, and what scientific research tells us about their long-term impact on reef ecosystems.

Hunting Techniques

The course covers the full range of approved hunting methods: pole spear technique, shot placement for clean kills, working systematically across reef structure, and coordination in group hunting scenarios. Safety protocols are woven throughout.

Equipment Handling

You’ll get hands-on instruction with the Zookeeper containment system, pole spear use, and the proper handling of harvested fish from water entry to cooler. The emphasis is on minimizing the risk of accidental envenomation at every step.

Local Regulations and Permissions

Different Caribbean jurisdictions have different regulations around lionfish removal. The course prepares you to navigate these differences — understanding where you can hunt freely, where a permit is required, and how to work with local marine parks and conservation organizations.

Certification Requirements

To earn your SSI Invasive Species Management certification, you’ll need to complete the academic study (available online through SSI’s app), a confined water or in-person knowledge review session, and a minimum of two open water training dives where you demonstrate the required skills. Upon completion, you receive a permanent digital SSI certification valid worldwide.

Train with Roger J. Muller Jr.

Roger has taught this course in Aruba, where students had the extraordinary opportunity to apply their skills on actual Caribbean reef systems — not simulated environments.