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Este artículo contiene 14 páginas, 7 figuras., Reef Life Survey (RLS) provides a new model for ecological monitoring through training experienced recreational divers in underwater visual census methods to the level of skilled scientists. Detail produced is similar to that of programs with professional scientific teams, at low cost to allow global coverage. RLS differs from most other citizen science initiatives in its emphasis on rigorous training and data quality rather than open participation, selectively involving the most skilled and committed members. Volunteers participate primarily because they appreciate the close relationship with scientists, other divers, and managers, and see their efforts directly contributing to improved environmental outcomes. RLS works closely with Australian management agencies, scheduling annual events at core monitoring sites associated with 10 inshore marine protected areas Australiawide. Surveys of 12 offshore Australian Marine Parks (AMPs) are realized through 2–4 week voyages in a sailing catamaran crewed by volunteers. Across the AMP network, RLS surveys have quantified densities of fishes, mobile invertebrates, macroalgae and corals at 350 shallow coral reef sites (180 sites surveyed on two or more occasions), providing an understanding of (i) population changes amongst threatened species including sea snakes, (ii) responses of fish and invertebrate populations following fisheries closures, (iii) ecosystem-wide impacts of marine heat-waves, and (iv) the extent that AMPs spanning the network comprehensively encompass national coral reef biodiversity. This scientist/volunteer/manager collaboration could be greatly expanded globally (presently 3537 sites in 53 countries)., Reef Life Survey Foundation has been sustained through grants from the Ian Potter Foundation and Minderoo Foundation, reporting contracts from Parks Australia, and administrative and analytical support from the University of Tasmania. The RLS program was established through a grant to GJE through the former Commonwealth Environment Research Facilities Program. Analyses were supported by the Australian Research Council and the Marine Biodiversity Hub, a collaborative partnership supported through the Australian Government’s National Environmental Science Program. Additional advice and assistance have been provided by the Department for Environment and Water (South Australia), Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment (Tasmania), Department of Primary Industries (New South Wales), Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (Western Australia), and Parks Victoria. Data management and distribution is supported through the Integrated Marine Observing System.