Description

Join a local marine conservation project on Koh Tao, learning about coral reefs and taking part in reef check dives and other environmental projects.

By increasing awareness and involvement, this project hopes to decrease our impact on coral reefs and provide solutions to protecting and restoring the reefs around Koh Tao.

Depending on your current dive level (if any) you will start off by taking the PADI Open Water (4 days) and Advanced course (2 days), before taking part in the conservation work itself.

Each day varies considerably, but this gives you an idea of the daily schedule for the marine conservation activities:

09:30 Arrive at Dive School to prepare for the days activities
10:00 Lecture or Briefing
11:30 Depart by boat to dive research/restoration site
15:00 Return to Dive shop, wash Equipment
16:00 Debriefing and Data Entry
16:30 Finish (or optional help around office and data entry)

You will learn how to perform underwater reef surveys and help with data collection. This will give you to opportunity to gain knowledge about coral reefs and their inhabitants and you will learn how to identify different fish species and types of coral.

There will also be coral rehabilitation and nursery maintenance dives. Research dives are usually accompanied by a briefing or lecture so that you have a better understanding of the intricate eco systems that you are working with. There is an ongoing Bio-rock initiative which involves the insemination of coral on a man-made rock structure as well as a variety of other local projects you can get involved in ranging from buoy installation to turtle releases.

Highlights

* PADI certification to Advanced level
* Ecological Diver certification
* Contribute to a range of local marine conservation initiatives
* Live on a tropical island

Coral Reefs cover less than 2% of the ocean floor but support 25% of all marine life. They are the most biologically diverse ecosystems on earth, but also one of the most threatened. All over the world reefs are in decline, and with them the fate of over 2 million species and the economies that support millions of people.

By taking part in this project you will be making a major contribution to marine conservation on Koh Tao. As the island has become more popular the environment has come under increasing pressure, so there is a real need for action in order to protect the environment and maintain a balance between nature and the demands on it from diving and tourism, the fishing industry and the Thai community. This is a small project that is having a quick and direct impact on the island's environment.

Qualifications

You do not need any specific qualifications or experience to volunteer on this project.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

From GBP 595

Cost Includes:

• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

* A comprehensive information booklet and pre-departure support
* Travel advice and assistance
* Being met on arrival at Koh Tao
* PADI Open Water + PADI Advanced dive courses (unless you are already PADI Advanced or equivalent)
* PADI scuba review if you have a dive qualification but haven't dived recently
* Conservation training
* SSI Ecological Diver certification
* All conservation dives
* Use of all dive equipment
* Accommodation (own room) in a beachside resort
* Ongoing support, help and advice from our local team

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Conservation
• Environment
• Research
• Volunteering

Age Range

18+

This Program is open to

Worldwide, American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi and South African Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Apartment/Flat

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of 2-6

Application Process Involves

• Written Application

Personal Overseas Development (PoD)'s Mission Statement

PoD is a leading non-profit organization arranging ethical, inspiring and supported volunteering opportunities around the world. Established in 2001, our aim is to support ongoing projects with our partners in Belize, Cambodia, Nepal, Peru, South Africa, Tanzania, Thailand and Vietnam by providing passionate and committed volunteers. We work with long term projects that we know personally and where there is genuine benefit to local communities. A placement with PoD will not only develop volunteer's skills and confidence, get them out of their comfort zone and exploring incredible parts of the world but also the ability make a genuine difference. We currently offer gap year, career break, working holiday, volunteer projects and school expeditions from 1 week to 6 months with year round departures. We offer a personal and professional service drawing on years of experience from staff in the UK and overseas. Volunteers are needed to help work with disadvantaged children, communities, animals and conservation projects including: caring for elephants and wild animals; joining an Amazon jungle conservation project; scuba diving and marine conservation; community building projects; volunteering at orphanages and care homes; teaching English and running summer English camps. PoD believes in providing challenging, safe and fun experiences for individuals and groups to enjoy. We are passionate about giving volunteers of all ages the opportunity to use their energy, enthusiasm and personality where it counts.

Year Founded

2001