Requirements and Training
Marine Conservation and Diving Expedition in Mexico and Central America

Skills Required

All participants should have a minimum diving level of PADI Advanced or equivalent. GVI’s comprehensive training programme will provide expedition members with all the skills necessary for expedition life, such as marine survey techniques. Expedition members must be able to pass a medical examination to prove they are physically fit to dive, although there are also limited opportunities for expedition members to attend as non-diving expedition members if circumstances dictate. All expedition members will have to complete a swimming test on arrival at the expedition base (consisting of an unaided 200m surface swim followed by a 10 min float, and a 300m swim with snorkel, mask and fins followed by a 10 min float, both in the open sea environment). Everyone must be able to work as part of a team and have a strong interest in wildlife and conservation. Participants must also be enthusiastic, adventurous, have a good sense of humour and be respectful of the host country’s environment and cultures.

Training and Qualifications

The training program will provide you with a thorough understanding of marine environments and conservation, which you will build upon throughout your journey. Topics covered include: marine conservation, oceanography, First Aid, basic Spanish, research diving skills, marine survey skills, fish and/or coral identification, the GVI PADI Distinctive Coral Reef Monitoring Speciality, GVI provides an exceptional standard of training in many internationally recognised qualifications.