Requirements and Training
Mexican Marine Conservation Expedition in the Caribbean Sea

Skills Required

No previous diving experience, marine survey or foreign language skills are required, as GVI run a comprehensive training programme designed to give expedition members all the skills necessary for expedition life. 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 be swim-tested on arrival at the expedition base, which consists of an unaided 200m surface swim followed by a 10 minute float, or a 300m swim with snorkel, mask and fins followed by a 10 minute 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 very enthusiastic, adventurous, have a good sense of humour and be respectful of the host country’s environment and cultures. It is also advantageous for participants to learn as many of the area’s marine species as possible before starting the project, as this will save you numerous hours of basic learning and prepared to start the ID process when you arrive.

Training and Qualifications

Expedition training is continuous and provides a thorough understanding of marine environments and conservation on which to build throughout your stay. Topics covered include: scuba dive training, with an option to become qualified up to PADI Dive Master (subject to weather conditions and time available); marine conservation; oceanography; First Aid; basic Spanish; research diving skills; marine survey skills, fish and coral identification; and an introduction to the TEFL training necessary to assist in the various community programmes run in the area.

Opportunities for Spanish Lessons

For those participants who are interested, you can arrive early and spend a week or two studying Spanish at a language and cultural centre in Playa del Carmen for GBP £135 / USD $250 per week.

Opportunities for Extra Dive Training

Pre-departure: GVI has linked up with a UK-based dive organisation to offer a FREE try dive to anyone who signs up on the Mexico expedition.

On the Expedition: The following costs include a 15-25% discount on the rates normally charged by PADI dive centres, and are fully inclusive of training manuals and equipment. Please note that the science and community work will always take priority over any extra dive training.

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