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Marine Conservation Expedition with PADI training
Coordinator | Bella
Coordinator | Bella
Highlights
Earning your PADI Advanced Open Water and PADI Coral Reef Research Diver certificates
Learning how to identify fish and coral in the Indian Ocean.
Exploring different dive sites among the tropical islands of the Seychelles, searching for the incredible ‘mega-fauna’ in the area, such as sharks, rays, and dolphins.
Sharpen your skills, take other extra dive courses with local dive shops.
Developing the techniques needed to survey coral reefs.
Get your PADI Advanced Open Water and PADI Coral Reef Research Diver qualifications as a member of an expedition team working on critical marine conservation
This volunteer program is especially suitable for:
Age 18+
Singles
Couples
50+
Travel to the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean as a member of an expedition team and work on critical marine conservation projects amongst the beautiful islands of the Seychelles.
You will contribute towards various conservation-related surveys aimed at providing data to the local government on coral reef research, fish, and invertebrate surveys and assist with the development of an environmental education and awareness program as well as marine plastic pollution cleanups and surveys.
You will spend the majority of your time on this expedition scuba diving and as such you need to be qualified to at least PADI Open Water, or equivalent. For non-divers wishing to attend, we can recommend local dive centers that will help you qualify before your intended start date.
You will contribute towards various conservation-related surveys aimed at providing data to the local government on coral reef research, fish, and invertebrate surveys and assist with the development of an environmental education and awareness program as well as marine plastic pollution cleanups and surveys.
You will spend the majority of your time on this expedition scuba diving and as such you need to be qualified to at least PADI Open Water, or equivalent. For non-divers wishing to attend, we can recommend local dive centers that will help you qualify before your intended start date.
For all participants in Mahe you will receive the following training:
Coral Watch
This is a global coral monitoring methodology all volunteers can get involved with. It is separate to our main study focus with Seychelles National Parks Authority, SNPA. It is not required training but an additional presentation offered to volunteers and interns who stay for longer and have more time available.
Crown-of-Thorns Star Fish RemovalThis is a species of starfish that is harmful to both humans and coral. You will learn how to remove these from the reef safely. It is not required training but an additional presentation offered to volunteers and interns who stay for longer and have more time available.
Plastic Pollution & other TrashLearn about the effect of waste on the ocean and what we can do about it. It is not required training but an additional presentation offered to volunteers and interns who stay for longer and have more time available.
Hazards of the ReefLearn which creatures pose a risk while in the water, best practices to avoid injury, and what to do if injured.
Introduction to Coral WatchIncludes an explanation of what a coral reef is, its importance, how it is formed, and how this ecosystem works.
Threats to the ReefLearn what are the natural and man-made issues threatening the survival of the reefs.
MegafaunaLearn to identify different types of megafauna, larger sea creatures, you might see on a dive near Mahe. You will be asked to also monitor their numbers on your dives.
Coral, Fish, or Invertebrates WorkshopsA few weeks before arrival on the base, you will be assigned to monitoring either coral, fish, or invertebrates. This includes several presentations to introduce you to the specific species.
Species Specific Marine SurveyOnce participants are comfortable with identifying the species on site, they will be trained on the different techniques used to monitor these species underwater.
PADI Advanced Open Water Certification (AOW)5 specialised dives are required to gain this qualification, those we offer include the Boat Dive, Underwater Navigation, Underwater Naturalist, Deep Diver, and Peak Performance Buoyancy. A knowledge review is also required.
PADI Coral Reef Research Diver Distinctive SpecialtyThis is a distinctive specialty unique only to GVI, created in collaboration with PADI. It provides instruction on the different types of reef monitoring available, along with certain skills which are needed to ensure that you are comfortable using monitoring equipment such as tape measures and quadrats and that there is no damage done to the reef while you navigate around the site.
Survey Specific Buoyancy TrainingLearning how to control your buoyancy to ensure that you do not accidentally damage the reef while conducting research.
Emergency Oxygen Therapy OrientationAll volunteers are taught how to provide oxygen to divers in varying states on consciousness.
Typical day
Volunteers will be allocated fish, coral or invertebrates as part of coral reef monitoring and we monitor all these topics at our 24 sites over the North-West coast of Mahe.
Volunteers allocated to Fish will spend their daily dives collecting data on abundance/biodiversity, which helps to assess overall recovery of fish life on the reef. - Coral - for the first half of the year we monitor coral cover of our sites, and in the second half of the year we monitor the recruits (juvenile) corals that are growing on our sites, both of which give us a better idea of the health and diversity of the reef.
Invertebrate volunteers focus on the diversity and abundance of different species found around the Seychelles.
Incidental Sightings is something that everyone gets involved with on a daily basis, we compile a species list and maintain a record of the daily occurrences of different marine creatures at the various dive sites. This data is passed onto OBIS Seamap which is an online database to see populations of different big species around the world.
All volunteers will also get involved with monthly dives to clean up the reef - Dive Against Debris (DAD) which the data goes to Project AWARE who are monitoring the levels of rubbish that is being found on dive sites around the world.
Everyone will conduct a separate monitoring technique of Coral Watch, this is a worldwide coral monitoring methodology which looks into the levels of bleaching that is occurring on corals.
Our final project that we have available to all volunteers is our coral restoration project, Volunteers will be able to assist with collecting new fragments, cleaning our nursery, or transplanting our fragments to a new site, what you get involved with depends on what time of year you are on base.
Free-time activities
You will be based in and around the national parks in the main group of islands, and working on coral reefs in and around the main group of islands. Travelling around the local area is fairly easy and is best done using the (very cheap) local bus service, although access to and from the base can be difficult so travel may be limited to weekend breaks. For further exploration you may choose to hire a car or make use of the inter-island ferry services.
In your down time you will be free to travel in the local area and can expect one or two free days per week, usually at weekends. In this time you could explore the islands of Praslin or La Digue, visit the capital of Mahé, Victoria, visit local beaches, snorkel or just relax on base. Before and after your program you could spend a little more time in the Seychelles on the inner islands of Praslin and La Digue, or join a charter to sail even further afield. Please allow several days if you hope to travel between islands, there are over 100 in the archipelago but getting around takes time – the possibilities are endless!
In your down time you will be free to travel in the local area and can expect one or two free days per week, usually at weekends. In this time you could explore the islands of Praslin or La Digue, visit the capital of Mahé, Victoria, visit local beaches, snorkel or just relax on base. Before and after your program you could spend a little more time in the Seychelles on the inner islands of Praslin and La Digue, or join a charter to sail even further afield. Please allow several days if you hope to travel between islands, there are over 100 in the archipelago but getting around takes time – the possibilities are endless!
Water Sports
Swimming
Sightseeing
Diving/
Snorkling
Snorkling
Shopping/
Souvenirs
Souvenirs
Climbing
Safari/
Zoo
Zoo
Hiking
Sports
Yoga/
Meditation
Meditation
Program Requirements
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.
You need to speak
English
(intermediate level)
required
PADI Medical Form and PADI Open Water qualiffication (or equivalent) qualification
No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.
All participants must be PADI Open Water certified before joining the program and should be able to walk 400m over uneven ground carrying their dive equipment.
Your helping hand will be required on
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
Included Services
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- 24-hour emergency phone
- 24-hour in-country support
- Access to Alumni Services and Discounts
- Airport pick-up (unless otherwise stated)
- All necessary project equipment and materials
- All necessary project training by experienced staff
- Community work workshop
- Coral reef ecology
- Diving compressor training workshop
- First Aid & CPR training
- Location orientation
- Long term experienced staff
- Meals while on project (except on work placements for long term internships)
- National Park fees and permits
- PADI Advanced Open Water
- PADI Coral Reef Research Diver Distinctive Speciality
- Safe and basic accommodations (usually shared)
- Use of O2 equipment workshop
- Welcome meeting
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
- Additional drinks and gratuities
- Extra local excursions
- Flights
- International and domestic airport taxes
- Medical and travel insurance
- PADI Open Water
- Personal dive kit, e.g. mask, fins, wetsuit, timer etc.
- Personal items and toiletries
- Police or background check
- Visa costs (where necessary)
We provide transfers from the airport to our base in Baie Ternay National Park, which is about an hour’s drive. The beach is very close to our accommodation so we simply walk down the water to the boats, which are available to take participants out for a dive.
Participants sleep in dorm rooms of up to 10 people. Bathrooms are shared but split-sex, with showers and flush toilets. The entire building is equipped with electricity.
Dorm Room
Sample the many flavours of Seychellois cuisine, from coconut water sipped fresh out of the fruit to green papaya salad. All food is provided by us and prepared by participants. Breakfasts include the usual eggs, bacon, toast, pancakes, cereals, and fruit. Lunch and dinner varies based on the tastes of participants at the time. Common meals include curries, stir fries, pastas, pies, and salas. Many participants also buy their own snacks, like banana chips and dried salted fish.
Limited access at the project site
Visa, flights, travel insurance or vaccinations are NOT included in the program fees.
The nearest airport is Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) in Mahe Island. We assist you to find cheap flights to Seychelles.
Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Seychelles provides security and is a plus to have.
If you are intending to volunteer in Seychelles you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey.
Check your required vaccinations for Seychelles.
Dates & Fees
NO CREDIT CARD FEES
Details on arrival
Guaranteed departures with set start dates:
- 2019
- 06 Apr 201904 May 201901 Jun 201929 Jun 201927 Jul 201924 Aug 201921 Sep 201919 Oct 201916 Nov 2019
- 2020
- 11 Jan 202008 Feb 202007 Mar 202004 Apr 202002 May 202030 May 202027 Jun 202025 Jul 202022 Aug 202019 Sep 202017 Oct 202014 Nov 2020
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
4 - 12 weeks
Program fees
4 weeks
(min. stay)
€3,505 ($3,996)
6 weeks
€4,980 ($5,677)
8 weeks
€5,870 ($6,692)
12 weeks
(max. stay)
€6,505 ($7,416)
Average fees
€709 ($808)
/week
Please note that the above shown program fees are estimated and subject to exchange rate fluctuations.
Global Vision International (GVI)
will let you know about the final price during your application process.
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.
Your final payment will be agreed with Global Vision International (GVI) during the application process.
Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.
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- including all necessary payments. Planning your next meaningful trip with Volunteer World gives you free access to our:
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