About the project

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

The project is lead by a small and friendly dive school (run by a British diver) that is dedicated to the protection of the local environment. It is active on two fronts, surveying the reefs and collecting data, and implementing a range of local environmental initiatives.

For the data collection, a methodology called EMP (Ecological Monitoring Program) is being used as well as Reef Check. This will provide data for local use as well for the Reef Check worldwide data base.

There are also a number of different eco projects underway including: building and maintaining a coral nursery (bio-rock); beach clean ups; land development (tree planting, land cleaning etc); an educational programme with the local school; newsletter and website development. The projects vary by season and depending on the needs and resources at the time.

What you will be doing - a typical programme

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

For the conservation project, you will receive a mix of classroom lectures and practical training and will have the opportunity to participate in a range of activities.

You will learn how to perform underwater reef surveys and then 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. You will gain experience working with equipment underwater and also develop your buoyancy and navigation skills.

As well as the data collection, you will have the chance to participate in some of the other projects including transplanting corals onto an artificial reef structure (bio-rock) and local clean-up activities.

About the location and accommodation

You will be based on Koh Tao, a beautiful and fun island in the Gulf of Thailand, which is now one of the world’s top dive locations.

The island of Koh Tao (population 5,000) is a dramatic mix of dense jungle and hilly terrain in its interior and granite outcrops and beaches along the coast.

You will live on the South side of the island, in a beautiful bay called Chalok Ban Khao. You will have your own room in a very attractive and friendly resort just a few minutes walk from the dive school. There is a good selection of restaurants, cafes and bars nearby and when you are not diving you can explore the local area or just relax by the beach.

What our volunteers say

"Fantastic combination of diving and its practical usage in marine conservation, something I can most certainly apply in my future life and that can help in the practical application side of my studies..." - Gina

For more views from past volunteers please see our testimonials.

Start dates

This programme starts twice a month, on the first and third Saturday of each month. It runs throughout the year, apart from October and November when the weather can be bad.

Pricing

What's included

• A comprehensive information booklet
• Travel advice and assistance
• Being met on arrival at Koh Tao
  
• Conservation training
• PADI dive courses (depending on package and your current dive level)
• PADI scuba review if you have a dive qualification but haven't dived recently
• All conservation dives
• Use of all dive equipment
• Accommodation for 14-28 nights (your own room)
• Support from staff at the dive school
  

What's not included

The following estimates are given as a guide for your budgeting: flights (£450-£600), travel insurance, visa (no cost if staying less than 30 days), food and general living costs (£50-£75 per week).

Benefits

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.

Requirements

No previous experience is required, you just need to be willing and enthusiastic and have a strong interest in diving and conservation. You will need to be physically fit and at least 18 years old.

To participate in the dive conservation and survey work you will need to be at least PADI Open Water so all our programmes include dive training to take you to the PADI Open Water or Advanced level if you don't already have these qualifications.

Next steps and how to apply

Please contact us if you would like to discuss the placement, or go to the how to apply section where you can apply online or download an application form.

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