Reef Check Eco Diver

location
1 - 2 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Outstanding 4.9  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Very high response rate

Highlights

  • This program will make open your eyes to a whole new underwater world
  • Most complete coverage of the marine ecosystem available in a short course today
  • Making your dives count, not just counting your dives

Highlights

  • This program will make open your eyes to a whole new underwater world
  • Most complete coverage of the marine ecosystem available in a short course today
  • Making your dives count, not just counting your dives
  • Join Reef Check surveys around the globe
  • Become a buoyancy expert


  • Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Participate in global surveys, collecting data on reef health to assist environmental managers to policy makers develope sustainable solutions for conservation.

    Become certified to conduct your own Reef Check surveys and take an active role in conserving your favorite coral reefs. 

    This course is designed to teach you everything you need to know to conduct full scale Reef Check surveys. 

    In this program you will learn all about the globally standardized ...

    About the program

    Become certified to conduct your own Reef Check surveys and take an active role in conserving your favorite coral reefs. 

    This course is designed to teach you everything you need to know to conduct full scale Reef Check surveys. 

    In this program you will learn all about the globally standardized Reef Check methodology as well as how to identify key indicator fish, invertebrates and substrates selected by Reef Check for global monitoring and conservation of coral reefs! 

    This course will allow you to join the Reef Check monitoring team and assist in underwater surveys around the world.  We are fortunate here on Koh Tao that we have several permanent transects that we regularly survey.

    Reef Check is the most complete coverage of the marine ecosystem available in a short course today. You will discover a whole new world you had previously overlooked simply because no one has made you aware of it.

    Reef Check partners with companies like OceanWatch, which sails the South Pacific assisting indigenous cultures to develop better ways to fish and manage their local environments.

    The oceans are in danger, especially coral reefs and survey teams like Reef Check provide invaluable data to help manage and monitor resources. Without this information, how do we know they are changing?  Scientists and politicians want hard data to make informed decisions.

    Prerequisite:   Advanced Certified Scuba Diver  & Peak Performance Buoyancy Specialty (PADI or equivalent)  If you are not yet a scuba diver, we can conduct this training before starting this course.

    Requirements: Participant is comfortable using mask, fins and snorkel or is a certified advanced scuba diver. Age of 12 or above.

    After completion of the course students can participate in some of our other conservation dives with our ECO team conducting coral research / monitoring corals.  Trainers will be testing and building on students knowledge about the aquatic realm on every dives. 
    We regularly conduct CoralWatch dives which is a non-invasive tool to quantify coral bleaching and monitor coral health.  Data is collected, transferred into a global database by using a simple App.  All data is publicly available to enable you to compare the condition of different reefs at any one point in time.  A great monitoring and education tool to increase awareness of reef health and encourage behavior change towards a sustainable , low carbon future. Other conservation dives include predation removal, coral nursery maintenance, fish / invertebrate surveys and water testing. 


    Typical day

    The course will begin with coral ecology, background in Reef Check, it's methodology as well as identification training for fish, invertebrates and substrates for generalized geographic locations.

    Mornings presentations - Fish, Invertebrates and Substrate identification taught by our Reef Check ...

    Typical day

    The course will begin with coral ecology, background in Reef Check, it's methodology as well as identification training for fish, invertebrates and substrates for generalized geographic locations.

    Mornings presentations - Fish, Invertebrates and Substrate identification taught by our Reef Check Trainers.

    Afternoons you'll be diving putting the theory into practice alongside our Reef Check Trainer and on our final dives we'll be conducting a real Reef Check Survey and submitting the data online to our Reef Check Scientist / Reef Check HQ.

    Free-time activities

    Visit Koh Nang Yuan
    This unique scenery is considered to be one of the most stunning archipelagos around the world and is often published in books and postcards. Of course, the perfect white sand beach is adorable and snorkeling is beautiful.

    Hike the coast from Mae Haad to Chalok
    The hike along the ...

    Free-time activities

    Visit Koh Nang Yuan
    This unique scenery is considered to be one of the most stunning archipelagos around the world and is often published in books and postcards. Of course, the perfect white sand beach is adorable and snorkeling is beautiful.

    Hike the coast from Mae Haad to Chalok
    The hike along the coast is a footpath only so you won't see any traffic. It is accessible for every level of fitness.

    Watch the sunrise at Love @ Koh Tao 
    The views to the East from up here are breathtaking. On a clear day, you will spot the silhouette of Koh Phangan in the distance.

    Sunset at Mango Bay Viewpoint
    Everyone loves sunsets and Koh Tao is the perfect place to enjoy this daily returning phenomenon. Because Sairee Beach is facing West it is the ideal spot to watch the sunset.


    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level)

    Education Requirements

    at level

    Required Documents

    Diving certification, Advanced Open Water and Peak Performance Buoyancy Specialty Diver

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Other Skills

    Advanced Open Water & Peak Performance Buoyancy Specialty Diver or equivalent diving organisation certificate. We can arrange all your dive requirements if needed

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 09:00 - 17:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    Services by The Coral Tribe

    1 Week Fees include:  

    • 4 Day Reef Check Eco Diver Course - Materials, Scuba Dives, Dive Equipment Rental 
    • Reef Check Eco Diver Certification 
    • 2 x Marine Conservation Dives
    • FREE:   T'Shirt, Water bottle, Lanyard & Shopping Bag

    2 Week Fees Includes:

    • 4-Day Reef Check Eco Diver Course - Materials, Scuba Dives, Dive Equipment Rental 
    • Reef Check Eco Diver Certification 
    • 10 x Marine Conservation Dives
    • Scuba Dive Equipment and tank Hire
    • FREE:   T'shirt, Water bottle, Lanyard & Shopping Bag.
    • FREE:  Use of Paddle Board if available at the time of your stay.
    2024 Fees

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Airport Pickup at Koh Samui Airport

    An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either.

    Accommodation

    Please arrange your own accommodation.

    Food & Beverages

    Food, snacks or beverages are at extra costs.

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Koh Samui Airport (USM) in Koh Samui. We assist you to find cheap flights to Thailand. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Thailand provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Thailand you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Thailand. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    Start dates are currently flexible. 

    Please contact us for availability.

    Internet bookings receive priority. 

    There are no direct flights to Koh Tao you have to either fly to Koh Samui OR get a bus/train/ferry from Bangkok

    ·        Flights from Bangkok to Koh Samui (55 mins)

    ·        Ferry from Koh Samui to Koh Tao  Seatran (3.5 hrs)

    ·        Lomprayah Catamaran (2.5 hrs)    

     

    Check your arrival time as the last ferry from Koh Samui to Koh Tao is 17:00PM


    Useful links :-D
    https://www.ferrysamui.com/koh-tao.html?gclid=CKCZksnPw9ICFQ4kaAodkQwKdQ
    http://www.lomprayah.com/timetable
    https://www.seatrandiscovery.com/

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program fees

    1 week (min. stay) 564€
    2 weeks (max. stay) 933€
    Average fees 515€/week

    Program fees

    515€ per week 1 - 2 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    1 - 2 weeks

    Deposit

    The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


    Final Payment

    Your final payment will be agreed with The Coral Tribe during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


    Meet your organization

    The Coral Tribe

    Outstanding 4.9 rating (26 reviews)

    Agency - founded in 2021

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Very high response rate

    Coordinated by

    Jennifer

    About the project

    Conducting Marine Conservation Research and Marine Conservation Training with a focus on coral reefs with over 14 years of experience.

    Meet your organization

    Our marine conservation team is actively working on a vast number of marine-focused projects including Coral Reef Research, Plastic Pollution,  Recycling, Water Quality, and other marine ecosystem-focused issues.

    We are proud to have made a productive contribution to the local environment and hope to continue this in the future with our data collection, marine conservation experience, and high standards of training and education.

    Some of the projects we are actively involved with around Koh Tao are:

    Reef Check surveys / EMP (Ecological Monitoring Program).
    Koh Tao's range of artificial dive sites. Monitoring, maintenance, and research.
    Conducting research into coral transplant survival percentages, growth rates, and more.
    Beach and dive site clean-ups around Koh Tao.
    Water Quality Testing.
    Microplastic Surveys.
    Ghost fishing net removals.
    Mooring Buoys & line maintenance and management.
    Adopt a Coral Surveys.
    CoralWatch.
    Predatory Species Monitoring.

    The health of the ocean is dependent on positive action and it plays a vital role in the wellbeing of communities across the globe. As scuba divers, we are in a unique position to see this, and influence others. We aim to instill good environmental practices into all our divers whether on land or underwater.

    26 reviews · rating4.9

    Nina Salz rating5

    2021 at Reef Check Eco Diver

    I was in Koh Tao for about 7 weeks. During this time I did my reef check course and the marine conservation internship both with The Coral Tribe. This is not just an organization, it’s a family. I learned so much in a short time and was amazed by the importance of the work they do ever single day. ..
    Nina Salz rating5

    2021 at Reef Check Eco Diver

    My time with the Coral Tribe was my best on Koh Tao. First a big thanks you to Jenny, Simon, Karsten, Dorothy and Tim. I learned a lot from you all. In the Reef Check course, I learned about the reef with the importance of the corals, the fishes and the invertebrates, lots of what i haven’t know ...
    Will Nittler rating5

    2016 at Reef Check Eco Diver

    Jenny is an excellent teacher and mentor. Takes great care in teaching you skills and techniques that are essential for the reef check course and makes it fun! Her passion and love for the environment is clearly evident in her approach to helping the beautiful island of Koh Tao. If you are looking ...
    Aman Aggarwal rating4.6

    2024 at Marine Conservation Internships

    When you sign up for the program, you're welcomed into the Coral Tribe family. Working with Simon, Mark, Nadia, and the whole crew was truly a pleasure. It provided many moments of genuine curiosity and learning, a sustainable schedule, and included work you can reflect on and be proud of. They ...
    Lucas Coman rating5

    2023 at Marine Conservation Internships

    I had an amazing experience with Crystal Dive, where I spent a week obtaining my open water, advanced open water, nitrox certification, and specialty buoyancy. These certifications allowed me to participate in The Coral Tribes internship, where I spent two weeks learning about coral health, fish ...
    James Dixon rating5

    2023 at Marine Conservation Internships

    The program was fantastic i definetly rate this internship highly. The location was beautiful and therefore the work was directly impactful on the local enviroment. In addition the work related to global studies was both interesting to learn and helps see the context that this will have on the ...

    Location

    Asia > South East Asia > Thailand > Ban Koh Tao, Surat Thani

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