Scientific Diver Conservation Program on Koh Tao
Become a Scientific Diver: Master Marine Research and Conservation Techniques
Completion of the Conservation Specialist, Reef Specialist and Master Conservationist programs are prerequisites for this marine conservation 14-day program.
The Scientific Diver program is the final stage of our comprehensive conservation training at Black Turtle Dive.
Scientific Diver Program Schedule
This 2-week advanced course is designed for participants who have successfully completed the Conservation Specialist, Reef Specialist, and Master Conservationist programs.
This program focuses on advanced research methods, scientific diving techniques, and the completion of your Independent Project, preparing you for professional roles in marine research and conservation.
Scientific Diver Marine Conservation Core Modules
ImageJ for Marine Research: Learn to use ImageJ, a powerful software for image analysis, to quantify and assess marine habitats, coral health, and ecological changes.
Coral Diseases & Compromised Health: Gain expertise in identifying and assessing coral diseases, understanding their causes, and evaluating their impact on reef ecosystems.
Advanced EMP Diver: Enhance your skills in ecological monitoring with advanced EMP techniques, focusing on precision data collection and analysis for long-term reef health assessments.
Independent Project
This program is dedicated to bringing your Independent Project to its conclusion.
You’ll concentrate on refining your work, synthesizing your results, and delivering a polished outcome that showcases your contributions to marine conservation, whether through research, education, or practical applications.
Practice and Research Dives
Seven Advanced Dives: These dives are dedicated to applying your scientific diving skills, conducting research, and refining your techniques.
They are designed to support the completion of your project and consolidate your expertise in real-world scenarios.
The Scientific Diver program is the culmination of our conservation pathway, offering the skills and experience needed to transition into professional roles in marine research and conservation.
With hands-on training in advanced methods and the opportunity to finalize your independent research, this course ensures you’re fully prepared to make a meaningful impact in marine conservation.
Included in Our Scientific Diver 14 Day Program
- 11 Conservation Dives
- 3 Conservation Diver Certifications
- – Image J
- – Coral Diseases & Compromised Health
- – Advanced EMP Diver
- Rental of full set of premium Aqualung scuba equipment
- FREE use of a Suunto dive computer
- Logbook
- Maximum 4 students per Conservation Diver Instructor
- Black Turtle Dive Customer Promise
+ 2 weeks – SCIENTIFIC DIVER: 30.000 THB
8 WEEKS Package
Conservation Specialist + Reef Specialist + Master Conservationist + Scientific Diver:
123,000 THB 115,000 THB
* The price offer applies when the full pack is reserved at the time of booking.
Scientific Diver Internship: What You Will Learn
Are you a passionate and experienced scuba diver with a thirst for knowledge and a desire to contribute to marine conservation through scientific research?
Do you dream of mastering advanced survey techniques, analyzing data with cutting-edge software, and leading the way in coral reef monitoring and conservation?
If so, our 14-day Scientific Diver program on Koh Tao is the ultimate opportunity to elevate your skills, knowledge, and impact as a marine conservationist.
This comprehensive program combines intensive training in scientific methodology, hands-on field experience, and specialized certifications, empowering you to become a confident and skilled scientific diver.
You’ll delve into the fascinating world of coral diseases, master ecological monitoring advanced techniques, learn to analyze data with ImageJ software, and design and conduct your own independent research project, all while exploring the breathtaking underwater world of Koh Tao.
Koh Tao: Your Scientific Diving Hub
Koh Tao, aptly named “Turtle Island,” is a diver’s paradise renowned for its vibrant coral reefs, diverse marine life, and thriving conservation community. With its warm, clear waters and abundant biodiversity, Koh Tao provides an unparalleled setting for your scientific diving journey.
Travel to Koh Tao
Reaching Koh Tao from Bangkok is easy with several convenient options to choose from:
Fly: Take a direct flight from Bangkok to Koh Samui (USM) and then hop on a ferry to Koh Tao.
Train: Travel overnight by train from Bangkok to Chumphon or Surat Thani and then connect to a ferry to Koh Tao.
Bus and Ferry: Combine a bus journey from Bangkok to Chumphon or Surat Thani with a ferry transfer to Koh Tao.
Koh Tao Weather
Koh Tao enjoys a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. The best time to visit is during the dry season, which typically runs from December to April. However, diving is possible throughout the year, with water temperatures averaging a comfortable 26-29°C (79-84°F).
Your Scientific Diver Journey
Our 14-day program is designed to challenge and inspire you, providing the tools and knowledge to become a proficient scientific diver. Here is a detailed breakdown of what awaits you:
Day 1: Free Time
Day 2: Introduction to ImageJ
Begin your journey by learning about ImageJ, a powerful open-source software used by marine scientists worldwide for image analysis and data extraction.
Discover the various applications of ImageJ in marine research, including measuring coral growth, analyzing fish populations, and assessing the impact of environmental stressors on marine organisms.
Gain hands-on experience with ImageJ’s basic functions and tools, learning how to import images, adjust contrast, measure distances and areas, and perform basic statistical analysis.
Afternoon: ImageJ Practice Session
Put your newfound ImageJ skills to the test with a practice session, analyzing real-world images of coral reefs and marine life.
Learn how to extract quantitative data from images, such as coral cover, fish abundance, and the prevalence of coral diseases.
Debriefing and Review
Review the day’s learning materials, discuss challenges encountered during the practice session, and share your insights with fellow scientific divers.
Discuss the potential applications of ImageJ in your independent research project and future conservation work.
Day 3 Morning: Study Time & E-learning
Dedicate time to self-study and online learning modules, reinforcing your knowledge of marine ecology, conservation strategies, and research methods.
Review the day’s elearning materials, including marine ecology concepts and dive safety guidelines.
Reflect on your experiences and prepare for the research dives.
Afternoon: Independent Project and Research Dives
Begin developing your independent research project, focusing on a specific aspect of marine conservation that interests you.
Discuss potential research questions and methodologies with your instructors, receiving guidance and support in designing your project.
Explore how ImageJ can be used to analyze data and support your research findings.
Afternoon: Research Dive
Embark on two research dives to explore a specific area of interest, potentially collecting preliminary data for your independent project or assisting with ongoing research initiatives.
Apply your knowledge of marine ecology and survey techniques to contribute to real-world conservation efforts.
Evening: Debriefing and Project Refinement
Review the day’s findings, discuss challenges encountered during the research dive, and share your progress with fellow scientific divers.
Refine your research project based on your findings and feedback from instructors.
Day 4: Coral Diseases and Compromised Health
Morning: Coral Diseases Lecture
Dive into the world of coral diseases, learning about the different types of diseases that affect corals, their causes, and their impact on reef ecosystems.
Understand the factors that can compromise coral health, including environmental stressors such as pollution, climate change, and destructive fishing practices.
Learn how to identify key coral diseases, such as white syndrome, black band disease, and skeletal eroding band, and discuss their potential consequences for reef health and resilience.
Afternoon: Coral Disease Safari Dive
Embark on two Coral Disease Safari dives, applying your newfound knowledge to identify and document coral diseases in their natural habitat.
Learn how to conduct standardized surveys and collect data on the prevalence and severity of coral diseases, contributing to ongoing research and monitoring efforts.
Evening: Debriefing and Discussion
Review the day’s findings, discuss challenges encountered during the dive, and share your observations with fellow scientific divers.
Engage in discussions about the impact of coral diseases on reef ecosystems and explore potential solutions for mitigating these threats.
Day 5: Independent Project and Research Dive
Morning: Independent Project – Data Collection
Continue collecting data for your independent research project, applying the skills and knowledge you’ve gained throughout the week.
Conduct surveys, observations, or experiments relevant to your research question, potentially using ImageJ to analyze your data.
Afternoon: Independent Project – Data Analysis and Interpretation
Apply your data analysis skills to your independent research project, analyzing your collected data and drawing conclusions from your findings.
Continue working on your Independent Research Project presentation, summarizing your research and its implications for marine conservation.
Day 6: Advanced EMP Survey Techniques
Morning: Advanced EMP Survey Techniques Lecture
Dive deeper into the world of ecological monitoring, learning about advanced survey techniques used by marine conservationists to assess reef health and monitor changes in marine populations.
Explore techniques such as transects and quadrats, and understand their applications and limitations.
Learn how to design and implement effective monitoring programs, considering factors such as sampling design, data analysis, and reporting.
Afternoon: Two Advanced EMP Dives
Participate in two Advanced EMP dives, applying your newfound knowledge to conduct a standardized survey using advanced techniques.
Collect data on fish populations, invertebrate diversity, or substrate composition, contributing to ongoing research and monitoring efforts.
Evening: Debriefing and Data Review
Review the data collected during the Advanced EMP dive, learning how to interpret results and draw meaningful conclusions.
Discuss the importance of using advanced survey techniques for obtaining accurate and reliable data in marine research.
Day 7: Morning: Data Review and Analysis
Review and analyze data collected from previous dives and surveys, including EMP data and coral monitoring data.
Learn how to interpret results, draw meaningful conclusions, and contribute to ongoing research and conservation efforts.
Discuss activities, share your experiences with different techniques, and continue working on your independent research project.
Afternoon: ImageJ Practice Session
Put your newfound ImageJ skills to the test with a practice session, analyzing real-world images of coral reefs and marine life.
Learn how to extract quantitative data from images, such as coral cover, fish abundance, and the prevalence of coral diseases.
Afternoon: Research Dive
Embark on another research dive, potentially focusing on a different aspect of your independent project or assisting with ongoing research initiatives.
Apply your advanced knowledge and skills to contribute to real-world conservation efforts.
Day 8: Free Time
Day 9: Morning: Study Time & E-learning
Dedicate time to self-study and online learning modules, reinforcing your knowledge of marine ecology, conservation strategies, and research methods.
Review the day’s elearning materials, including marine ecology concepts and dive safety guidelines.
Reflect on your experiences and prepare for the EMP dives.
Afternoon: Two EMP Dives
Participate in two EMP dives, focusing on different aspects of the reef ecosystem, such as fish populations, invertebrate diversity, or substrate composition.
Keep practicing how to conduct standardized surveys, identify key species, and collect data using scientific methods.
Contribute to ongoing research projects and gain valuable experience in underwater data collection.
Evening: Debriefing and Data Review
Review the data collected during the EMP dives, learning how to interpret results and draw meaningful conclusions.
Discuss the importance of monitoring different aspects of the reef ecosystem for understanding reef health and resilience.
Day 10: Research Dives and Independent Project
Morning: Two Research Dives
Continue collecting data for your independent research project, applying the skills and knowledge you’ve gained throughout the program.
Analyze your data, draw conclusions, and prepare your presentation, summarizing your research and its implications for marine conservation.
Afternoon: Independent Project – Data Analysis and Interpretation
Apply your data analysis skills to your independent research project, analyzing your collected data and drawing conclusions from your findings.
Start preparing your presentation, summarizing your research and its implications for marine conservation.
Day 11 Morning: Independent Project Development
Review and analyze data collected from previous dives and surveys, including research dives, EMP dives, giant clam surveys, and cleaning station surveys.
Learn how to interpret results, draw meaningful conclusions, and contribute to ongoing research and conservation efforts.
Independent Project – Data Analysis and Interpretation
Focus on analyzing and interpreting the data you’ve collected for your independent research project.
Draw conclusions from your findings and start preparing your presentation, summarizing your research and its implications for marine conservation.
Day 12 Morning: Independent Project Development
Review and analyze data collected from previous dives and surveys, including research dives, EMP dives, giant clam surveys, and cleaning station surveys.
Learn how to interpret results, draw meaningful conclusions, and contribute to ongoing research and conservation efforts.
Independent Project – Data Analysis and Interpretation
Focus on analyzing and interpreting the data you’ve collected for your independent research project.
Draw conclusions from your findings and start preparing your presentation, summarizing your research and its implications for marine conservation.
Day 13 Independent Project and Presentation Preparation
Morning: Independent Project
Finalise your independent research project, ensuring all data is analyzed, conclusions are drawn, and the presentation is polished.
Practice your presentation delivery, receiving feedback and support from your diving instructors and peers.
Afternoon: Presentation Preparation and Q&A
Continue refining your presentation materials, ensuring clarity, conciseness, and visual appeal.
Engage in a Q&A session with your instructors, clarifying any remaining questions and solidifying your knowledge.
Review key concepts and prepare for the final exam, covering all aspects of the program, including marine ecology, survey techniques, species identification, coral diseases, sharks, and conservation strategies.
Reflect on your experiences and the knowledge you’ve gained throughout the program.
Day 14 Morning: Independent Project Presentations
Present your independent research findings to your peers and instructors, showcasing your research skills and contributing to the collective knowledge of marine conservation.
Receive feedback and engage in discussions about your research, exploring potential applications and future directions.
Afternoon: Personal Development Session
Participate in a personal development session, discussing your future goals, career paths in marine conservation, and how to continue making a difference.
Receive guidance and support from your instructors in planning your next steps in your conservation journey.
Discuss your career goals, receive guidance from experienced professionals, and learn about opportunities for further education and training.
Final Exam
Complete the final exam, demonstrating your comprehensive understanding of marine conservation principles and practices, with a focus on scientific diving techniques and data analysis.
Discuss your future plans and how you can continue your involvement in marine conservation, whether through further education, volunteering, or pursuing a career in this rewarding field.
Beyond the Scientific Diver Program
Our Scientific Diver program is not just a 14-day experience; it’s a transformative journey that will equip you with the knowledge, skills, and passion to become a leader in marine conservation research.
We’ll provide you with ongoing support, resources, and guidance to continue your involvement in scientific diving and conservation efforts, connect with local and global organizations, and inspire others to join the movement to protect our oceans.
Join the Scientific Diver Movement
SCIENTIFIC DIVER PROGRAM: 30,000 THB
Are you ready to take your passion for marine conservation to the next level and become a Scientific Diver? Join our Black Turtle Dive 14-day program on Koh Tao and contribute to the protection of our oceans through scientific research and leadership.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Scientific Diver Marine Conservation program in Thailand?
The Scientific Diver program is the final stage of our comprehensive conservation training at Black Turtle Dive. This 2-week advanced course is designed for participants who have successfully completed the Conservation Specialist, Reef Specialist, and Master Conservationist programs.
This program focuses on advanced research methods, scientific diving techniques, and the completion of your Independent Project, preparing you for professional roles in marine research and conservation.
What is the cost of the 14 Day Scientific Diver Conservation program on Koh Tao?
The cost of our 14 Day Scientific Diver Conservation program is 30,000 THB.
This program is dedicated to bringing your Independent Project to its conclusion. You’ll concentrate on refining your work, synthesizing your results, and delivering a polished outcome that showcases your contributions to marine conservation, whether through research, education, or practical applications.
How long does the Scientific Diver Marine Conservation program last for?
Our Scientific Diver program is a 2-week advanced course designed to build upon the skills and knowledge gained in the Reef Specialist program.
This Scientific Diver course focuses on Coral Diseases, independent project and EMP and Research dives, while continuing to refine your practical skills and research capabilities.
Completion of the Conservation Specialist, Reef Specialist and Master Conservationist programs are a prerequisite for this course.
What is the minimum age for Scientific Diver Conservation program?
The minimum age to enrol on our Scientific Diver program is 12 years of age.
The Scientific Diver program is the culmination of our conservation pathway, offering the skills and experience needed to transition into professional roles in marine research and conservation.
With hands-on training in advanced methods and the opportunity to finalize your independent research, this course ensures you’re fully prepared to make a meaningful impact in marine conservation.
Do you get a certificate for the Scientific Diver Conservation program in Thailand?
Yes. Upon successful completion of the Scientific Diver Conservation 14 day program , you will receive 3 Conservation Diver certifications.
Join us for two weeks of diving, learning, and personal growth, and become an active contributor to marine conservation efforts!
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