Marine Conservation Training and Volunteer Program
Program Description
The Marine Conservation Program at the NHRCP is designed to train new and seasoned divers alike in the practical applications of marine conservation techniques, taught by experienced professionals who have decades of collective field experience. The course covers the ecology of coral reef ecosystems, and then moves participants through a range of knowledge and skill development including research and monitoring techniques, coral reef restoration methods, shark population monitoring, artificial reef design and construction, mooring buoy installations, sea turtle rearing, giant clam nurseries, and much more.
While undergoing the training program, students are simultaneously assisting in the underwater projects, performing tasks while SCUBA diving. A normal day begins at about 9 am with a lecture and powerpoint on the days topic, followed by a short break for skill development and lunch. At about 12 o'clock the team heads to the dive boat. After the days dive, students help to enter data collected and perform other tasks like feeding the sea turtles in the nursery. We usually finish around 5 pm, leaving time for the students to explore the island or get involved in other activities such as snorkeling, hiking, rock climbing, yoga, Muay Thai, and more.
While undergoing the training program, students are simultaneously assisting in the underwater projects, performing tasks while SCUBA diving. A normal day begins at about 9 am with a lecture and powerpoint on the days topic, followed by a short break for skill development and lunch. At about 12 o'clock the team heads to the dive boat. After the days dive, students help to enter data collected and perform other tasks like feeding the sea turtles in the nursery. We usually finish around 5 pm, leaving time for the students to explore the island or get involved in other activities such as snorkeling, hiking, rock climbing, yoga, Muay Thai, and more.
Highlights
Joining a fun team of dedicated marine conservationists to protect and enrich the coral reefs of a beautiful tropical island. Diving everyday, enjoying the diverse marine life, and receiving training and work experience on real word research, restoration, and protection programs.Qualifications
Divers joining the marine conservation program must be Advanced level or higher. For non-divers or Open Water divers wishing to join the program, the necessary dive training can be completed at our SSI and PADI dive School upon arrival.What`s Included
The Marine Conservation Program course fees covers your training and dive costs for the duration of your placement in our program. The fee also includes all necessary course manuals, materials, equipment rentals, boat fees, etc. Additionally, participants receive certification cards for the courses they complete over the time they are here. As a Social Enterprise Organization, profits generated from the sales of training courses are reinvested into our marine conservation fund, used for all of our on-going monitoring, protection, and restoration activities around the island.Program Locations
Koh Tao, Thailand
Overall rating
9.7
Experience
10
Program Administration
9.7
Living Conditions
9.7
Cultural Immersion
8.7
Social Life
10
Health and Safety
9.8
Program Details
Provider:
New Heaven Reef Conservation Program
Location
- Thailand: Koh Tao
Language:
English
Duration:
2-4 weeks
Program Type:
Eco-Tourism
Participants:
Worldwide
Cost:
Between 11,000 and 39,000 THB
New Heaven Reef Conservation Program - Program Reviews
It's also a great way to improve his/her diving skill while doing something meaningful.
I can just recommend to anyone to take part in this experience.
Life changing and Very well structured program
Review by: Tatiana Boube-
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, On: 21 May 2016, Changed On: 21 May 2016 | Yes, I would recommend this programIt's also a great way to improve his/her diving skill while doing something meaningful.
I can just recommend to anyone to take part in this experience.
Above that, the conservation activities are amazing to take part in. You will learn tons about environmental issues, conservation techniques, biology, ecology and diving techniques. Lectures will be given in order to inform all the participants of the acitivities that day, both from an ecological and practical point of view. You don't need experience or a degree to partake in the program, as the lectures will inform you of everything.
For students looking for an internship for their studies I can highly recommend the NHRCP, as doing a research project here is amazing to undertake. You can come forward with ideas for you own project and if the project would fit within the capabilities of the program you will have an awesome time!
The best part for me was being given a passion for the rest of my life!, which I truly have to thank the New Heaven Reef Conservation Program for!
Best time I've ever had
Review by: Pim Bontenbal-
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, On: 19 May 2016, Changed On: 19 May 2016 | Yes, I would recommend this programAbove that, the conservation activities are amazing to take part in. You will learn tons about environmental issues, conservation techniques, biology, ecology and diving techniques. Lectures will be given in order to inform all the participants of the acitivities that day, both from an ecological and practical point of view. You don't need experience or a degree to partake in the program, as the lectures will inform you of everything.
For students looking for an internship for their studies I can highly recommend the NHRCP, as doing a research project here is amazing to undertake. You can come forward with ideas for you own project and if the project would fit within the capabilities of the program you will have an awesome time!
The best part for me was being given a passion for the rest of my life!, which I truly have to thank the New Heaven Reef Conservation Program for!
Go there and you'll never leave !
Review by: Matthias DESMOLLES-
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, On: 13 May 2016, Changed On: 13 May 2016 | Yes, I would recommend this programAmazing :)
Review by: Melody Lim-
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, On: 02 May 2016, Changed On: 02 May 2016 | Yes, I would recommend this programIncredible experience
Review by: Angus Howlett-
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, On: 02 May 2016, Changed On: 02 May 2016 | Yes, I would recommend this programI'd return over and over and over again!
Review by: Shahidah-
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, On: 28 Mar 2015, Changed On: 28 Mar 2015 | Yes, I would recommend this programThe best conservation program around
Review by: Joseph C Svingala-
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, On: 23 Mar 2015, Changed On: 23 Mar 2015 | Yes, I would recommend this programIt has so far been an incredible experience and I cant wait to spend the rest of my time here learning so much more from my NHRCP family.
I would encourage anyone to come and try this program no matter if its only a few days, you will learn so much and be amazed by the passion that drives this conservation program and will be swept away with helping in anyway you can.
Keep up the good work guys
best decision I have ever made
Review by: kirsty-
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, On: 22 Mar 2015, Changed On: 22 Mar 2015 | Yes, I would recommend this programIt has so far been an incredible experience and I cant wait to spend the rest of my time here learning so much more from my NHRCP family.
I would encourage anyone to come and try this program no matter if its only a few days, you will learn so much and be amazed by the passion that drives this conservation program and will be swept away with helping in anyway you can.
Keep up the good work guys
This program has opened my eyes to a world that is nothing short of breathtaking.
Review by: Spencer Arnold-
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, On: 22 Mar 2015, Changed On: 04 Aug 2015 | Yes, I would recommend this programAnd the location couldn't be better, Koh Tao is a paradise island, with great diving, beautiful beaches and nice forest to go hiking.
A life changing experience
Review by: pau-
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, On: 22 Mar 2015, Changed On: 22 Mar 2015 | Yes, I would recommend this programAnd the location couldn't be better, Koh Tao is a paradise island, with great diving, beautiful beaches and nice forest to go hiking.
Amazing time!
Review by: Joel-
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, On: 22 Mar 2015, Changed On: 22 Mar 2015 | Yes, I would recommend this programLife Changing Experience
Review by: Rahul Mehrotra-
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, On: 22 Mar 2015, Changed On: 22 Mar 2015 | Yes, I would recommend this program