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Island Marine Conservation with International Diving Certification

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  • Island Marine Conservation with International Diving Certification
Project Summary

What is the Island Marine Conservation with International Diving Certification project all about?

Based on the Thai island of Koh Tao, this marine conservation project is perfect for divers, or those who would like to learn to dive. The project is committed to sustainable development for the sea and the local communities.

Working on its own initiatives and in association with other dive companies, the Thai Navy and the Marine Fisheries department are working to protect the previous marine environments of the area. Building artificial reefs, culturing a giant clam nursery, seahorse re-population studies, and undertaking regular monitoring activities are just some of the initiatives on this project.

This marine conservation project works with local schools, teaching children to swim, snorkel, and dive responsibly. Education is essential in the local communities, and volunteers and interns can help by spreading the word about the importance of marine conservation.

The success of this project to date has seen government environment agencies use the data gathered when making policy decisions. This project includes diver SSI (Scuba Schools International) training from beginner to advanced level. Conservation Diver certifications can also be included, depending on the duration of your placement.


Why choose this Island Marine Conservation with International Diving Certification project?

The reef around the island of Koh Tao has been harmed by increases in tourism, storms and strong tides, and from invasive predators. Regular monitoring and cleaning on the reefs removes damaging debris, and identifies changes in the numbers and health of the marine life. An army of volunteers is needed to help the project and its partners in their efforts to preserve local underwater habitats. By participating on this marine conservation project, not only will you learn to scuba dive, but you will gain a deep understanding of the issues affecting our seas and marine wildlife.


Role of the Conservation Volunteer

If you are a novice diver, your first week will be dedicated to acquiring your diving certifications with a three day open water course (Monday through Wednesday), and 2 days of advanced course (Thursday and Friday).

As a volunteer, you will start each day by attending a seminar covering your duties for the day ahead. Following this, you will proceed to your diving; whilst diving you will be responsible for identifying species, monitoring the reefs, underwater clean-ups, and reef restoration. You will also receive diving instruction to help you to progress your diving training during your placement. There are a range of projects that you may be tasked with assisting on. These include:

  • growing new colonies from fragments, to help increase the coral population
  • studying coral spawning or drupella snail numbers
  • participating in seahorse research
  • monitoring the presence of Crown Thorn Starfish, a species that feeds on coral
  • caring for rescued turtles through feeding schemes, and weighing and surveying their growing progress

We recommend staying 4 to 5 weeks (depending on your level of diving qualifications) in order to make the most of your placement. Note that you will need an entire week to become an advanced diver (if not already) to be able to participate in this marine conservation project. Following any diving training, typically week 1 is dedicated to the ecological monitoring program. Week 2 is dedicated to fragment collection and coral nurseries, as well as the building and deployment of the artificial reef building. Week 3 is dedicated to giant clams, sharks and turtles, coral predators and underwater clean up. Finally week 4 is dedicated to data collection, coral reef restoration, mooring lines, nudibranch (a type of marine mollusc) and seahorses.


What skills do I need to be a Marine Conservation Volunteer in Thailand?

Volunteers are accepted on this project with a range of skills. The most important is the ability to swim a minimum of 2 lengths of a 25-metre swimming pool. Volunteers must love water and be interested in sea life. Even a beginner can join and make a difference to marine conservation. All volunteers must have a moderate level of fitness as everyone will be required to carry tanks and equipment during their placement.


Travel during COVID times

The health and safety of our travelers and our local communities remain central to our plans for reopening countries and projects. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been adapting our programs and protocols to protect all those involved, and ask for everyone’s patience and collaboration as new rules are implemented in-country. For all projects, new standards of sanitation, procedures and social behaviors are in place, including new health and hygiene protocols and social distancing practices. You can read more here. Each location may be slightly different in the way they operate. While the COVID pandemic is still affecting travel, for this location, you will need to come vaccinated against COVID-19 and may be required to test and quarantine upon arrival. We encourage you to speak with a Kaya placement advisor to learn more about your specific project as you plan for your responsible return to travel!

Read all about our project reopening response to COVID-19

REQUEST MORE INFO   RESERVE YOUR PLACE

RECRUITING NOW

WHY JOIN THE PROJECT

To learn to dive in a spectacular location

To help restore and preserve underwater habitats

To make a sustainable change in Thailand

FEATURED VIDEO

PROJECT TESTIMONIALS

Maria’s Thailand Experience
"There were a lot of highlights these 4 weeks, but what stood out the most was learning more about that what you do on land effects the ocean and vice versa, but also working with amazing people who had such a passion for the conservation of both land and ocean. Learning new skills such as mixing co ...
Maria F.
READ FULL EXPERIENCE
Lewis’ Thailand Experience
"Meeting people from a wide range of nationalities has actually inspired me to gain an advanced qualification in speaking another language (German), as everyone being able to speak English regardless of where they were from made me feel quite ignorant. My diving qualifications will enable me to expl ...
Lewis B.
READ FULL EXPERIENCE
The Location

Where will I work in Thailand?

The southern bay of Chao Lok on the island of Koh Tao is a haven for divers. This small village sits away from the main tourist area, but has all the benefits of internet cafes, restaurants and book shops, without the crowds. Your delightful seafront guesthouse has a restaurant, internet access, and Thai massage area. Yoga classes are run there, and there are laundry facilities, and a travel shop should you need help booking excursions to nearby Ko Pha Ngan or Ko Samui. For those of you wanting to travel further afield, head south to Krabi and Koh Phi Phi Island, or north to Bangkok where you can explore the temples, markets, food, and nightlife that the buzzing capital has to offer.

Details & Costs

  • Duration: 2-5 weeks
  • Cost: New Diver: £1330 / $2076 for 2 weeks,
    £1671 / $2608 for 3 weeks,
    £2042 / $3188 for 4 weeks
    £2593 / $4048 for 5 weeks

    Open Water Certified: £1087 / $1696 for 2 weeks,
    £1427 / $2228 for 3 weeks,
    £1799 / $2808 for 4 weeks
    £2170 / $3388 for 5 weeks

    Advanced Diver: £856 / $1336 for 2 weeks,
    £1197 / $1868 for 3 weeks,
    £1568 / $2448 for 4 weeks
    £1940 / $3028 for 5 weeks
  • Requirements: Age 17+
  • Location: Koh Tao, Thailand
  • Working hours: Monday - Friday, 9 am to 4:30 pm
  • Project availability: Closed December
  • Arrival day: Sunday in Koh Tao

What is included

  • Accommodation: Dorm shared room (upgrades are available – subject to demand and extra fees)
    • NOTE: Due to an increase in COVID-19 cases, dorm-style accommodation is currently unavailable. Participants will be required to upgrade to a private room at an additional cost of £35/$56 per week. Please speak with a Kaya placement advisor to verify pricing for the dates that you are looking to travel.
  • Collection and drop off at Koh Tao Pier
  • Scuba School International (SSI) qualifications (depend on skills & length of stay)
  • Diving kit including mask and fins (for participants staying 2 weeks or less)
  • Training: Pre-departure information pack and onsite orientation provided
  • Support: 24-hour support from on-site coordinator
  • Excursion Planning: staff will help organise activities and excursions

What is not included

  • Flights
  • Transfers to Koh Tao (pick up in Bangkok with orientation and transfers can be arranged for you; please speak to a Kaya Advisor)
  • Insurance
  • Visas
  • If you are an experienced diver you might want to bring your own gear.
  • Underwater camera (if wanted)
  • Food: Meals are not provided
  • Any costs for COVID-19 quarantine requirements in-country
  • Any costs for COVID-19 PCR tests required pre-departure and in-country
Gallery

Pictures from our Island Marine Conservation with International Diving Certification project

Bedroom Island Marine Conservation with Diving Certification in Thailand
Checklist Island Marine Conservation with Diving Certification in Thailand
Concentration Island Marine Conservation with Diving Certification in Thailand
Conservation work Island Marine Conservation with Diving Certification in Thailand
Construction Island Marine Conservation with Diving Certification in Thailand
Coral spawning Island Marine Conservation with Diving Certification in Thailand
Data collection Island Marine Conservation with Diving Certification in Thailand
Diver OK Island Marine Conservation with Diving Certification in Thailand
On surface of water Island Marine Conservation with Diving Certification in Thailand
On the boat Island Marine Conservation with Diving Certification in Thailand
Sat outside Island Marine Conservation with Diving Certification in Thailand
Studying checklist Island Marine Conservation with Diving Certification in Thailand
Turtle Island Marine Conservation with Diving Certification in Thailand
Turtles Island Marine Conservation with Diving Certification in Thailand
Veranda Island Marine Conservation with Diving Certification in Thailand
Volunteer and coral Island Marine Conservation with Diving Certification in Thailand
Volunteers on the boat Island Marine Conservation with Diving Certification in Thailand
Volunteers reef work Island Marine Conservation with Diving Certification in Thailand
Volunteers working on boat Island Marine Conservation with Diving Certification in Thailand
Vol diving Thailand
Vol holding tortoise Thailand
Vol diving
Volunteer Diving Thailand
Volunteer Diving Thailand
Diver at work Marine Conservation Thailand
Diver with Turtle Marine Conservation Thailand
Divers at work Marine Conservation Thailand
Divers Underwater Marine Conservation Thailand
Going out to sea Marine Conservation Thailand

2022 Dates

  Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Non Diver 10th 7th 7th 4th 2nd & 30th 27th 25th 23rd & 22nd 19th N/A N/A N/A
Open Water Diver 13th 10th 10th 7th 5th 2nd & 30th 28th 25th 22nd N/A N/A N/A
Advanced Diver 17th 14th 14th 11th 9th 6th N/A 1st & 29th 26th N/A N/A N/A

Easy 4-step application process

APPLY ONLINE

Click here to apply online and pay your application fee to apply for your space on your chosen project. Our advisors will then contact you to guide you through the next steps.

TELEPHONE INTERVIEW

Once we’ve received your application, we’ll review your details and be in touch to arrange your informal telephone interview with your Kaya Placement Advisor.

CONFIRMATION

Following your interview, we will provide you a placement offer. Once you are ready to confirm your placement and dates, you can pay your confirmation fee to book and secure your space.

GET PREPARED

When you have confirmed your project dates we'll send you your Welcome Pack and lots of other helpful information to assist you with preparing for your placement.

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