Marine Conservation Internships on Koh Tao
Marine Conservation Student Internships in Thailand
Our scientific based Marine Conservation Internships or Reef Ecology And Conservation Training program (REACT), offers aspiring scuba divers and marine conservationists, the best marine conservation internships on Koh Tao.
We currently offer students three levels of Marine Conservation Internships at our beachside location on Koh Tao in Thailand.
A foundational level marine conservation internship for beginners, and an intermediate level marine conservation internship, which is designed to follow on from the Master Conservationist internship.
Choosing the best Marine Conservation Internship on Koh Tao
We also offer our 7-day Core Conservationist Marine Conservation Internship, which is a shorter version of our 14-day foundational level program, aimed at candidates who have a limited amount of time on Koh Tao.
We are currently in the development stage of introducing a fourth Advanced level marine conservation internship to be released later this year.
Black Turtle Dive Marine Conservation Internships (REACT Program), gives recreational scuba divers a choice of internships, and the opportunity to acquire the foundational knowledge necessary to understand our fragile marine ecosystem.
Our excellent scientific based marine conservation internships are structured, educational, flexible and practical, offering students a great way to learn more about how a coral reef functions and the threats the living reef and marine environment faces.
Core Conservation Marine Conservation Internship – 7 days
For scuba divers that do not have the time to stay on Koh Tao for 14-days and complete the Master Conservationist, we offer a more condensed 7-day marine conservation internship, which is an excellent introduction to coral reefs, the ecosystem and the threats they are facing.
During the Core Conservation 7-day internship, students will learn how our ecological monitoring program works by participating in fish, invertebrate and substrate surveys.
We will introduce you to coral restoration and coral gardening and take you snorkelling with sea turtles at Shark Bay. You will also learn what coral bleaching is, what causes it and how we monitor the degree of coral bleaching that has occurred in a particular area of the reef.
Our Core Conservation marine conservation internship is by far the best value and most comprehensive 7-day marine conservation internship in Thailand.
Master Conservationist Marine Conservation Internship – 14 days
Our Master Conservationist Internship is the most popular marine conservation internship offering divers a comprehensive introduction to the reef ecosystem, ecology, the marine animals that live in and around the coral reef, the roles they play and the symbiotic relationships they have with one another.
This 14-day program also looks into the threats, both anthropogenic and the natural threats our coral reef ecosystems are facing, and discusses some of the solutions we are working towards, and the techniques we can use to help restore the reef.
Coral Reef Ecosystems
We look at the marine debris problem the planet is facing and delve into the plight of the sea turtles, all seven species of which are listed as either threatened or endangered.
You will learn how to identify fish, invertebrates and substrate, how to conduct an Ecological monitoring program and how to identify hard corals during the coral taxonomy module.
This excellent Marine Conservation Internship offers a structured, flexible, educational, and practical program designed to offer students a great way to learn more about how a coral reef functions and the threats the living reef and marine environment face.
Scientific Diver Marine Conservation Internship – 14 days
The Scientific Diver Internship is our intermediate level marine conservation Internship and is a natural follow on for the enthusiastic Master Conservationist rating.
This marine conservation internship provides a greater academic experience, building on what you have learned during the Master Conservationist Internship as your knowledge of a variety of subjects evolves to a more advanced level.
As a Scientific diver you will develop a more analytical and methodical approach to what you are learning and how you apply this to your observations, data collection and research. By the end of this 14-day program you will be able to apply a scientific perspective on how you interpret the data you collect and the conclusions you reach.
Scientific Diving
You will look more in-depth at threats coral reefs are facing from climate change & irregular weather patterns and we will also introduce you to coral predation & coral diseases.
You will learn about the role marine algae plays within the coral reef ecosystem, and further develop your understanding of coral taxonomy, a subject you would have learned during the Master Conservationist.
We will build on your knowledge of coral restoration, look into more depth about artificial dive sites and you will get the opportunity to add to one of our artificial dive sites by building and deploying your own structure.
Learn how to Protect Coral reefs
The Scientific Diver Internship also looks at the ecological significance of Giant Clams to the coral reef ecosystem and the danger many shark species are facing as their numbers dramatically decline due to overfishing, and many species are facing extinction.
You will also learn about Sea Slugs, Nudibranch & Seahorse ecology, the vital role they play in maintaining ecological balance and how by monitoring these animals allows us to get a snapshot of the health of the ecosystem.
Learn how a Coral Reef functions
Our Marine Conservation Internships will provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to become a passionate advocate for marine protection and conservation efforts worldwide.
As an active and valued participant in our conservation internships, the knowledge and skills you acquire, will ensure you can get more involved in a range of citizen science initiatives and be able to make a worthy and measurable contribution.
You will better understand how you can help and become part of the solution, learn how to monitor the health of a coral reef, collect important data and add it to databases for marine scientists to use.
Scuba Diving Marine Conservation Internship on Koh Tao
Our Marine Conservation Internships are the perfect starting point for any scuba diver who wishes to further their education in the field of marine science and marine conservation.
All of our Marine Conservation Internships are designed for scuba divers who want to educate themselves more and they serve as an excellent pre-cursor to candidates who are planning to continue their education in the marine science, ecology or marine ecosystem sectors.
Black Turtle Dive Marine Conservation Internships Requirements
- Be an Advanced Open Water diver
- Demonstrate diving ability and be proficient with buoyancy and self-awareness during a buoyancy assessment prior to any course specific component that requires you to dive in close proximity to coral reefs
- Have recent diving experience – we recommend completing a scuba review if you have not dived for 12 months
- 12 years of age or older
- Medically fit to dive
- Have an interest in Conservation, Marine Conservation and scuba diving
Marine Conservation Internships Information
Our marine conservation internships are intensive and students need to be attentive, focused and be prepared to commit to our program timelines.
We do understand that itineraries and travel plans can change without notice, so we offer flexibility and can re-schedule modules over a period of time based on the needs of each candidate.
Each presentation module is designed to increase your awareness plus educate you on the significance and importance of each subject and how they relate to one another.
Knowledge presentations will be followed by a land or marine based practical session and depending on the type of activity being conducted, the session will be followed by measurement, reporting or an evaluation session.
Conservation Internships – Artificial Dive Sites Koh Tao
Junkyard Reef Koh Tao
Perhaps the most famous Artificial dive site on Koh Tao is Junkyard Reef, founded by our conservation Partner Eco Koh Tao in 2006, and our team has extensive knowledge of the role these types of dive sites have in alleviating pressure on local natural Coral Reefs.
Junkyard Reef is a success story and a flourishing Artificial dive site located approximately 500 metres off the west coast of Koh Tao, near Mae Haad.
Junkyard Reef was first conceptualised and established in 2006 with the sinking of its first structure and over the next few years, founding partners Nathan Cook, Matt Bolton and a team of volunteers began the process of expanding the site.
Established in 2006
Donations of unused equipment and welded structures from local businesses, enabled the team to expand Junkyard Reef, which soon began attracting a wide variety of marine life in search of a new home.
Over the years the Junkyard Reef project has benefited from working alongside Bangkok University and the DMCR with the establishment of Coral Nurseries, a Giant Clam project, plus welded structures and underwater art installations.
The current team managing the project are working closely with the DMCR to ensure new initiatives and expansion plans are in accordance with stringent new regulations set out by the DMCR.
Flourishing Artificial Dive Site
Junkyard Reef is now a flourishing Artificial dive site, visited daily by dive operators to educate their divers on the value of marine conservation initiatives.
Our Conservation Internship programs will conduct practical sessions at Junkyard Reef to ensure our students can educationally benefit from this amazing local voluntary project.
Buoyancy World Artificial Dive Site Koh Tao
Another of the Artificial dive site success stories on Koh Tao is Buoyancy World, located next to the very popular dive site called Twins Pinnacles just off the south west coast of Koh Nang Yuan island.
Buoyancy World is essentially a sandy seabed to the north of Twins Pinnacles dive site with an assortment of well-established artificial structures scattered underwater on the seabed that attract a healthy habitat for various marine life.
The dive site provides divers with a great educational resource whilst scuba diving and our Conservation interns can expect to benefit from practical fun and adventure dives to document and discuss the various observations witnessed during their dives.
Shark Bay Koh Tao – Marine Life Awareness
Shark Bay is situated on the south, south east corner of Koh Tao and is an excellent location for us to conduct our Sea Turtle & Shark Awareness in-water practical training sessions.
A popular bay for sightings of our resident Green Sea Turtles and Baby Black Tip Reef Sharks, we are able to conduct in-water sessions with our Marine Conservation Internships students in a fun, educational and relaxed way.
Sea Turtles & Black Tip Reef Sharks
Shark Bay is visited daily by local snorkel tour operators to provide their customers with an opportunity to see Sea Turtles in their natural habitat.
Benefits of a Conservation Internship Koh Tao
Our marine conservation internships provides students with real insights into the issues that the marine environment faces in the modern day.
It provides our students with valuable educational learning combined with in-water sessions that are packed with knowledge, fun and adventure.
Marine Conservation Courses Koh Tao
If you are a certified scuba diver with a passion for the Ocean and the marine environment, our specialty conservation courses will leave you wanting more.
In addition to our Marine Conservation Internships, we offer a range of independent marine conservation certification courses and educational awareness workshops.
If you are a certified scuba diver who has not dived for a while, we will conduct a scuba review to refresh your dive skills before we start the in-water conservation courses.
Refresh your Scuba Diving Skills
Koh Tao is the perfect destination for individuals who are interested in all aspects of Scuba Diving, Conservation, Marine Conservation and Land Based Conservation initiatives.
We hope you will come and join us at Black Turtle Dive, and assist in creating a more sustainable world through our scientific based Marine Conservation Internships.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price of a Marine Conservation Internship Koh Tao?
The cost of our foundational level ‘Master Conservationist’ Marine Conservation Internship is THB 39,000 and our Intermediate ‘Scientific Diver’ Marine Conservation Internship is THB 39,000, however, if you book both together, they cost THB 75,000. Both of these programs are scheduled over 14 days and you can complete them consecutively over a 30-day period.
Our Marine Conservation Internships include Instructor led classroom presentations, discussions, practical workshops and both in-water training dives and land-based workshops.
During the ‘Master Conservationist’ Marine Conservation Internship you will complete 16 training dives at a choice of Koh Tao dive sites and a training snorkeling session with Sea Turtles at Shark Bay.
The ‘Scientific Diver’ Marine Conservation Internship includes 17 training dives at a choice of Koh Tao dive sites plus a training snorkeling session with Black Tip Reef Sharks.
For students that do not have the time to complete 14 days, we offer a shorter 7 day foundational Internship program, the Core Conservationist Marine Conservation Internship that is priced at THB 30,000.
How long does a Koh Tao Marine Conservation Internship take to complete?
Our foundational Master Conservationist Marine Conservation Internship is a 14-day program that includes 16 training dives around Koh Tao.
There are 15 different modules that will be covered during the Master Conservationist Marine Conservation Internship, with a number of Instructor led classroom presentations, practical workshops and in water training dives.
Each module is designed to increase your awareness and educate you on the significance and importance of each subject and how they relate to one another.
Successful completion and certification as a Master Conservationist, means you are now eligible to enroll on our Intermediate level Marine Conservation Internship program – Scientific Diver Marine Conservation Internship program.
The Intermediate ‘Scientific Diver’ Marine Conservation Internship is also scheduled over 14-days and includes 17 training dives at a variety of Koh Tao dive sites plus a training snorkeling session with Black Tip Reef Sharks.
You will need 30 days on Koh Tao to complete both of these programs consecutively. For students that do not have the time, we offer a shorter foundational level Marine Conservation Internship program, the Core Conservationist that is scheduled over 7 days.
What is a Marine Conservation Internship in Koh Tao?
Our REACT – Reef Ecology and Conservation Training Program – includes three levels of marine conservation internships; Foundational, Intermediate & Advanced level.
Our Marine Conservation Internships range from 7 days to several months and are designed to follow on from the previous internship program, as students learn to master the skills and knowledge required.
Our Foundational level Internship is the Master Conservationist.
This 14-day Marine Conservation Internship gives candidates the opportunity to acquire the foundational knowledge necessary to understand our fragile marine ecosystem and become an informed marine conservationist.
There are 15 modules that are part of the Master Conservationist Internship.
- Fluid Mechanics Buoyancy Workshop
- Marine Ecology & Coral Reefs
- Scientific Diving – Marine Ecosystems and the biodiversity balance
- The threats our coral reefs are facing
- Fish Identification
- Coral Identification
- Invertebrate Identification
- Ecological Monitoring Program
- How to monitor coral reef health
- Coral Propagation & Restoration Techniques
- Coral Gardening & Maintenance
- Artificial Dive Sites
- Mooring Line Installation & Management
- The Plastic & Marine debris problem
- The plight of the Sea Turtles
Our Intermediate level Internship is the Scientific Diver. This 14-day Marine Conservation Internship builds on the knowledge and skills learned during the Master Conservationist Internship.
There are 14 further modules that are part of the Scientific Diver Internship.
- Nudibranch & Sea Slug Ecology and Identification
- Seahorse Ecology
- Coral Taxonomy Levels 2 & 3
- Coral Disease Identification
- Macro Algae Identification
- Coral Predation
- Ecological Monitoring Program
- Giant Clam Nurseries
- Coral Transplantation Techniques
- Coral Gardening & Maintenance
- Mangroves Reforestation
- Artificial Structure & deployment
- The Plight of Sharks
- Introduction to Mangroves
Do I need to be a scuba diver to enrol in a Koh Tao Marine Conservation Internship?
To enroll on one of our Foundational Master Conservationist Marine Conservation Internships, you need to hold either an Advanced diver certification issued by a WRSTC recognized scuba diving organization (PADI, SSI, RAID, etc.).
Alternatively, you must be an Open Water diver who has satisfactorily completed a buoyancy assessment with a Conservation Diver Instructor or completed a buoyancy specialty course with a recognised certification organization.
If you are not currently at Advanced Open Water level you can complete the PADI Advanced Open Water course prior to starting the Master Conservationist Internship, which will require an additional 2 days prior to starting the Master Conservationist Internship.
If you have not dived in the past 12 months you can complete a scuba review before the start of the Internship program.
All our Marine Conservation Internships include our bespoke Buoyancy Lab Fluid mechanics workshop, which is the buoyancy program all our Professional level divers complete.
All students must successfully demonstrate proficiency in advanced buoyancy skills. Including Hovering, diving with fins above head level, non-disturbance of substrate (silt, sand), ability to be stationary without anchoring and ability to raise and fall in a controlled manner using breath control.
Do I get a certificate when I finish the Marine Conservation Internship?
Candidates who successful complete the Master Conservationist or our Scientific diver Internship program, receive certificates of completion detailing each completed module of the program.
Both programs also include additional certifications. The Master Conservationist includes Six Conservation Diver certifications and the Coral Watch Coral Health monitoring certification.
The Scientific Diver includes 7 Conservation Diver certification in various subjects.
What is the minimum age for a Marine Conservation Internship in Koh Tao?
The minimum age to enroll in any of our Marine Conservation Internships is 12 years of age.
More importantly candidates need to have an interest in conservation, both land-based and marine based, be able to grasp the scientific concepts covered during the program and have a passion for scuba diving.
Our Reef Ecology and Conservation Training Program is a structured, educational and flexible and offers students a great way to learn about reef ecology, how a coral reef functions, and the threats the living reef and the wider marine environment face.
Where can I learn more about Marine Conservation in Koh Tao?
We currently offer 20 individual science based marine conservation courses for scuba divers ranging from 1- 4 days in duration that lead to gaining recognized certifications in the field of marine science.
For students with more time on Koh Tao and for those who have a genuine passion for conservation, we currently offer a 14-day foundational Marine Conservation Internship and a 14-days Intermediate level Internship.
Our Marine Conservation Internships begin by introducing basic concepts, progressing to more advanced subjects as a candidate moves from the foundational level, through to Intermediate and finally Advanced level.
Our Marine Conservation Internships are a combination of Instructor led classroom presentations, land based and in-water practical workshops out in the field.
How many dives will I do in a Koh Tao Marine Conservation Internship?
There are 16 training dives you need to complete as part of the foundational Master Conservationist Internship and 1 extended snorkeling training session.
If you progress onto the intermediate level Scientific Diver Internship you will complete another 17 training dives, and another snorkeling training session.
Each dive relates to a different subject that has a corresponding Instructor led classroom presentation and group discussions.
During these dives you will have the opportunity to work on one of our Artificial Reef projects, and participate in our coral restoration efforts. You will also participate in land-based activities and workshops.
Our Reef Ecology and Conservation Training Program (REACT Program) is performance based. What this means is you must meet the performance requirements of every training dive. If you do not, we will repeat that particular dive until you achieve mastery of the skills.
Will the Koh Tao Marine Conservation Program teach me how to monitor Coral Reef Health?
During the foundation level Master Conservationist Internship, we teach you how to use the Coral Health Chart, a tool developed by the University of Queensland to monitor coral health around the world.
This citizen science method standardizes changes in coral colors and provides us with an easy-to-use tool that allows us to record Coral color as an indicator of Coral Health.
You will also learn about coral bleaching, what it is and how it is caused, and we will show you how to upload your data after you have completed your survey to the Coral Watch global database.
The data helps scientists better understand coral reefs, coral bleaching and the effects climate change is having on both.
What are the start dates for the Marine Conservation program on Koh Tao?
We start the Master Conservationist and Scientific Diver Internships at the beginning and in the middle of each month (1st & 15th).
Both programs have 2 days off that can be spent relaxing and enjoying the island and providing some additional study time to allow you to focus on what you have learned.
If you do not have time to complete a 14-day program, we do offer a shorter foundational level Marine Conservation Internship – Core Conservationist Internship, which runs for 7 consecutive days.
Please contact us to check when one of our Marine Conservation Instructors is available to teach this.
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