Read updates from the fieldVITAL MARINE CONSERVATION
You will join other volunteers and train to operate as a Marine Protection Team, to protect Andros Island, home of the third largest barrier reef in the world, from unplanned tourism.
Never dived? No problem! Come and live on our Caribbean island and become a PADI Advanced Open Water diver. Experienced divers are also well catered for.
Greenforce is working with the Bahamas National Trust to create marine parks and 'no take zones'. Andros is the largest, but least developed of the Bahamian islands and their National Trust is keen to see measures being taken to ensure future generations will care for the reef and it's long term survival.
Where will we stay, what will we do?
On Arrival: Having flown into Nassau and taken the twice daily "hopper" flight to Andros Town, Glen, our Expedition Leader, will meet you and take you to our beach camp.
Set within the third largest barrier reef in the world we have an ideal location to learn to dive in if a beginner, while the reef offers more experienced divers all they could hope for.
From your stunning beach camp location you will complete your PADI Open Water dive training in the first week (beginner divers) before starting your science training in week two. When the science training is completed volunteers begin to carry out two survey dives a day, Monday to Friday.
Saturday is your fun dive day, where a deep dive, night dive or drift dive is followed by a beach barbeque.
Underwater marine surveys involve charting the coral with the use of GPS, identifying fish and marine movements, and locating where the breeding and feeding grounds are. We are also looking to see how different seasons could affect the marine life. With a complete understanding of this underwater world we can then work with the Bahamas National Trust on creating an effective management plan.
All diving takes place in uncommercial, unchartered waters, meaning volunteers work within undisturbed marine habitats creating some of the best dive opportunities in the world.
LEARN: PADI OPEN WATER, ADVANCED OPEN WATER and EFR
Andros has the third largest Barrier reef in the world. Therefore the large number of pelagic's - dolphins, sharks, whales etc makes it a great place to dive.
For beginners, our UK dive staff will train you within the reef to first complete PADI Open Water qualifications. Having successfully completed this first step, you then do your night dive and deep dive etc, for your PADI Advanced. We then go a stage further by teaching you Emergency First Response.
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- Stuart, Greenforce Bahamas Chief Scientist, starts the teaching day.
Community leadership
One afternoon per week volunteers visit one of the local schools. This marine conservation awareness project aims to instill an understanding of the importance of their marine environment in the minds of the young Bahamian generation.
Sessions run by volunteers are fun and interactive, often involving games and plays, also allowing volunteers to gain a deeper understanding of the community on the island.
GREENFORCE BAHAMAS - your perfect Caribbean dive adventure!
Can I stay longer than 3 months?
Traineeship
At the end of each 10 week phase the staff on camp will choose one volunteer to stay on as a 'trainee', at no extra cost, for the following phase.
The traineeship allows enthusiastic and hard working volunteers the opportunity to learn more about marine science, diving and leadership on camp.
what is included?
Before you go: On receipt of your Booking Form, we will call to discuss any questions you may have. STA will also call you to discuss your flight options. You then receive briefing packs including medical, kit, FCO advice, country history and project information, as well as your Greenforce polo shirt. You will also be invited to your Meet Your Team briefing day and BBQ in Central London. We will fully prepare you before you go.
Greenforce will provide you with the bulky and expensive parts of your dive kit when you arrive on camp. So you will need to take your wet suit (£90-$120), mask (£20-$35) fins (£20 - $35). Also a dive knife, weight belt (not weights!) and basic waterproof watch (Total around £40-$70). Prices are indication only. A full kit list is provided in your Welcome Pack.
Airport collection from Andros Town Airport. All meals and accommodation during your 10 weeks. Transfers across to the Greenforce Camp. Marine survey training. Safety Training. Bahamas Customs and Culture. Dive training as required (see additional cost for dive training). Two survey dives a day (condition permitting). Saturday recreational diving. Dive tanks, air, and regs and BCD's. Accommodation in large army style tents. Fortnightly market visits. Return transfer with the group to the airport. Greenforce UK staff with you 24/7. Emergency back up. One person selected to stay on for free for the next expedition.
On Your Return: Field Staff Positions. Reunion Party.
your complete caribbean marine adventure!
Prices
4 weeks £1600
5 weeks £1800
6 weeks £2100
7 weeks £2200
8 weeks £2300
9 weeks £2400
10 weeks £2400
Dive training to PADI Advanced Open Water and Emergency First Response (EFR) is £200 for anyone who is not already trained to PADI Advanced or equivalent.
Dates: Expeditions leave in January, April, July and October each year.
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