Master Reef Guides are striving to be the world’s leading reef guides and interpreters sharing the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.

As reef ambassadors they impart up-to-date scientific and management information about the reef and explain what people can do to make a difference. Follow our Master Reef Guide Facebook and Instagram social media channels for updates and announcements.

Selection criteria for nomination

Recognised High Standard Tourism Operators in the Great Barrier Reef can nominate suitable staff to become Master Reef Guides.

• Nominees must:
• Work for a Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority recognised High Standard Tourism Operator and/or be identified as a Great Barrier Reef tourism interpretation specialist. 
• Be nominated and endorsed by the High Standard Tourism Operator the nominee works for.  
• Be over 21 years of age. Be able to demonstrate contemporary and accurate knowledge of the Great Barrier Reef – its cultural, biological, ecological, geological, and historical values and the management in place to protect it. 
• Have worked for a minimum of 12 months with a High Standard Tourism Operator on the Great Barrier Reef, or able to demonstrate equivalent experience.  
• Have completed the Reef Discovery Course – all modules in the 'Deep Dive' Master Reef Guides version. Interested staff should request access to the Reef Discovery Course via email reefdiscoverycourse@gbrmpa.gov.au and supply their name, email address and state in the email that they are seeking access to the Master Reef Guide training portal.   
• Have completed and passed the online Eye on the Reef Training Program for Tourism Weekly and Reef Health Impact Surveys.  
• Be professional in appearance and credible in knowledge sharing. 
• Have experience delivering interpretation and guiding on the Great Barrier Reef. 
• Be committed to working in the Great Barrier Reef tourism industry as a Master Reef Guide for a minimum of 2 years. 
• Be committed to attending ongoing training including the induction field-school (five days) and at least one masterclass a year.  

What you will need before you submit the nomination:

• Ensure your nominated reef guide can meet all the selection criteria. 
• Ensure your nominated reef guide has completed the Reef Discovery Course – all modules of the Master Reef Guide version.  
• Ensure your nominated reef guide has completed the online Eye on the Reef Training for Tourism Weekly and Reef Health Impact Surveys. 
• Ensure your nominated reef guide has created a 2-minute video piece to camera. This must be of them presenting or guiding on a particular species or behaviour of interest from the Great Barrier Reef for example, Octopus colour, Coral warfare, Goatfish etc.   

Two-minute video criteria: 

• Maximum 2 minutes in duration.  
• Must be uploaded to YouTube ensuring privacy settings are set to only those with link. If you need help with this, please email masterreefguides@gbrmpa.gov.au. 
• Must be on them presenting or guiding on a particular species or behaviour of interest from the Great Barrier Reef for example, Octopus colour, Coral warfare, Goatfish etc. 
• Can be filmed anywhere. 
• Special effects welcome but not mandatory and must not take away from applicant’s delivery. Click on this link to complete the nomination form. 
   

Please note:  

• Due to demand the selection panel may apply further considerations to cohort selection: 
• A. One nominee per tourism operator, per cohort at selection panels discretion. 
• B. Worked for a minimum of 12 months in the Great Barrier Reef tourism industry, or able to demonstrate equivalent relevant experience.  
• C. Experience delivering interpretative and education experiences on the Great Barrier Reef. 
• D. Company, region, and demographic spread along the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.