Several of Hawai'i's premier marine conservation organizations are jointly offering ocean awareness training on O'ahu.

The six-session course will provide multi-disciplinary knowledge of Hawai'i's marine environment for those volunteering or working in the field of marine education or tourism.

Participants will learn about the marine species that call Hawai'i home, and how to support local marine conservation and stewardship efforts. Topics will include: marine mammals of Hawai'i; coral reef biology and ecology; sea turtles; Hawaiian culture; oceanography; geology; Hawaiian reef organisms; water quality; and marine debris.

Field projects on reef surveys, sea turtle and monk seal interpretation, marine mammal management and other topics will be offered on Saturdays in November.

Monday and Tuesday meetings will be from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 10, 11, 17, 18 and 25 at the Sanctuary Conference Room, 6600 Kalaniana'ole Highway, third floor, Hawai'i Kai; and Nov. 24 at the Waikiki Aquarium Classroom.

A graduation ceremony will be held at 9 a.m. Dec. 6 at Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve.

The training is free for the public, but advance registration is required. Participants must attend each of the six sessions and take part in one field project to receive C.O.R.A.L. certification (Care of our Culture, Oceans, Reefs and Animal Life).

For details or to register: oceantraining@gmail.com or 397-2651, ext. 249.