Requirements and Training
Marine Conservation Volunteer Program in the Seychelles

Skills Required

Expedition members will need to be qualified to at least PADI Open Water, or equivalent, at the start of the expedition. If you would like to join the expedition but have not dived before, GVI can book you onto a PADI Open Water course at a local dive centre before the start of the expedition (at additional cost - see dates and contributions for further information on cost). GVI’s comprehensive training program will provide you with all the skills necessary for expedition life, such as marine survey techniques, species identification and data collation. You must be able to pass a medical examination to prove you are physically fit to dive and be involved in expedition activities. Everyone must be able to work as part of a team and have a strong interest in wildlife and conservation. Participants must also be very enthusiastic, adventurous, have a good sense of humour and be respectful of the host country’s environment and culture. Having a science background is advantageous, but not essential.

Training and Qualifications

In order for you to accurately collect data, GVI provides a comprehensive training program to provide you with the skills necessary for research diving and marine survey work. Topics covered include; scuba diving training up to PADI Advanced Level, marine biology and conservation, oceanography, first aid, research diving skills, marine survey skills, fish and coral identification and the scientific knowledge necessary to assist in the collection of data and the various community programs.

Open Water Add-on Package

For non-divers we are offering a beginners package, incorporating the PADI Open Water certification, which is the minimum level of dive training needed to start the Seychelles Expedition.

The duration of this package is a minimum of four days, so participants must arrive in the Seychelles at least four days prior to the start date of the expedition. The cost of this package is Euro 360 for the PADI course and bed and breakfast accommodation is 63 Euros per night (single) or 43 Euros per night (shared twin with another GVI volunteer). The package includes:

• Accommodation (bed and breakfast rate) at a beachside hotel or guest house in Beau Vallon
• Airport transfer to your hotel on arrival
• A PADI Open Water course at a local dive center, including all training materials, dive equipment (except snorkels, masks and fins) and certification
• Four boat dives during the course.

Please Note: Food (other than breakfast) and additional excursions / transport are not included as part of the add-on package.

Opportunities for Extra Dive Training in the Seychelles

Aside from the PADI advanced certificates, which are included as part of the expedition cost, there may be opportunities for further training should you so wish. Please note that the science and community work will take priority over any dive training.

GVI promote the courses of two of the local dive shops, both of whom support GVI's work and offer GVI a good discount. The following costs include a 15-25% discount on the rates normally charged by PADI dive centers, and are fully-inclusive of training manuals and equipment. To obtain the discount, the course MUST be booked BY GVI and NOT the individual, as GVI needs to ensure both dive shops get a fair share of business.

Divemaster and Rescue Diver Courses are always subject to time availability. Rescue diver can be done on the weekends. It is not possible to do the Divemaster course during the expedition time, so those wanting to do this course should prolong their visit to the Seychelles and complete the course prior to or after the expedition.

Separate accommodation is necessary for the Divemaster course, as the shops are based away from the base. The dive shops can help individuals arrange this at a discounted price, once GVI has booked their course for them.

Extra dive courses are always subject to availability and payment should be made locally. All courses include all required PADI materials in the cost.

Divemaster and Rescue Diver Courses are always subject to time availability. Rescue diver can be done on the weekends. It is not possible to do the Divemaster course during the expedition time, so those wanting to do this course should prolong their visit to the Seychelles and complete the course prior to or after the expedition.

Separate accommodation is necessary for the Divemaster course, as the shops are based away from the base. The dive shops can help individuals arrange this at a discounted price, once GVI has booked their course for them.

Extra dive courses are always subject to availability and payment should be made locally. All courses include all required PADI materials in the cost.