Get your Marine Ecology Specialty on Koh Tao
Why Marine Ecology?
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The oceans are a vast, dynamic and integral part of our world. Surprisingly, it has only been in this last century that we have begun to learn about the importance of our oceans. And, even with our modern technology and engineering capabilities, we have only explored roughly 5% of the world’s oceans. Given the enormity and complexity of the oceans, it takes many experts across many different fields to build our web of knowledge.
Marine ecology is a broad and exciting field that captures our attention and curiosity. This program provides a general understanding of all subject matter within this field. It is the study of how organisms interact with each other and the environment, the flow of energy through communities, and the link between ocean ecosystems. It requires a diverse understanding of subjects from across science disciplines, including engineering and technology. Dive into this program and gain an overview of these subjects and topics and discover what your role is in the changing ecology of marine ecosystems.
5,000 THB
This is how you become a Marine Ecology Specialist:
It only takes a day to complete the Marine Ecology Specialty course. It can be spread out or combined with other course parts as well. In general, these are the parts of your training:
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Part 1: Theory
We start with an introduction to your instructor and complete the necessary paperwork, laying the foundation for an engaging and educational course. The theoretical component of your Marine Ecology Specialty is accessible through the app or browser, offering you the flexibility to explore at your own pace.
What You’ll Learn in Theory
1. Marine Ecosystems and Their Components
- Gain a comprehensive understanding of the interconnected ecosystems that make up the underwater world, including coral reefs, seagrass meadows, and mangroves.
- Explore the relationships between marine plants, animals, and microorganisms that sustain these ecosystems.
2. Biodiversity and Food Webs
- Learn about the incredible biodiversity found in marine environments, from tiny plankton to apex predators.
- Understand the intricate food webs that link producers, consumers, and decomposers in the ocean.
3. Adaptations and Survival Strategies
- Discover how marine species have adapted to thrive in different environments, from the sunlit surface to the pitch-black depths.
- Study behavioural and physiological traits that help species find food, avoid predators, and reproduce.
4. Human Impact on Marine Ecosystems
- Explore how human activities, such as pollution, overfishing, and climate change, are affecting marine habitats.
- Understand the importance of sustainable practices and conservation efforts to protect the ocean’s health.
5. Conservation and Protection
- Learn about the role of marine protected areas (MPAs), coral restoration projects, and other initiatives in preserving marine ecosystems.
- Discover how you can contribute to conservation efforts as a diver and global citizen.
6. Dive Planning for Ecology Observations
- Develop skills to plan and execute dives with a focus on marine ecology, including how to observe and document ecosystems without disturbing them.
Once you’ve completed the self-study, your instructor will guide you through a review session, ensuring you’ve grasped the key concepts. They’ll also provide deeper insights and practical examples, preparing you to apply your knowledge during your dives.
This course not only expands your ecological understanding but also empowers you to become a more informed and responsible diver.
Part 2: Open Water Dives
After lunch, we board one of our custom-built dive boats and head out for two exciting dives at some of Koh Tao’s most vibrant and diverse dive sites. Here, you’ll take your theoretical knowledge of marine ecosystems and apply it to the underwater environment.
During the dives, you’ll explore thriving coral reefs, observing the intricate relationships between marine organisms. With your instructor’s guidance, you’ll identify key species, including corals, fish, and invertebrates, and note their roles within the ecosystem. You’ll also witness symbiotic relationships, such as cleaner fish at work or the interplay between corals and their algae.
Your instructor will help you recognise signs of a healthy ecosystem versus areas affected by human activity, such as coral bleaching or algal overgrowth. You’ll also learn how to document your observations, enhancing your understanding of biodiversity and conservation challenges.
These dives offer an immersive way to connect with the marine world, deepening your appreciation for its complexity and beauty.
The Marine Ecology Specialty Prerequisites:
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Minimum Age
To enroll in the Marine Ecology Specialty, you will have to be at least 10 years of age.
Minimum Certification Level
To begin this Marine Ecology Specialty you will need to be a certified diver.
Medical Statement
You need to be medically fit for diving. You will find the medical statement for scuba diving here to download. If in doubt, please check with your physician or ask us before booking your dive experience with us.
Insurance
MARINE ECOLOGY SPECIALTY
Price: 5,000 THB
Duration: 1 day
Minimum age: 10yrs
Prerequisites: Certified Diver
Schedule
Morning: Orientation & Theory
Afternoon: 2 Dives
What’s included?
Our Marine Ecology Specialty package includes:
- Marine Ecology Specialty (max. 4 students per instructor)
- Personal set of scuba equipment throughout your stay
- FREE use of Dive Computer
- Standard E-learning (Diamond Access upgrade available, read more)
- Certification
- Crystal Dive T-Shirt
- Multilingual personal instructor
- Boat trips & refreshments for your dives
- Dive insurance for your dives with us (30 days)
- Discounted accommodation option for the course duration, read more
- 10 % discount on additional diver level courses & dive equipment purchases with us
BIG DISCOUNTS ON PRIVATE ROOMS
With all of our courses you can make use of our private AC rooms with huge discounts.
When you´re learning to dive its important that you get a good night of sleep. During the length of all courses you can check in to our accommodation with big discounts! Have a look at our latest deals and prices here.
Message us to look at upgrades and for more info click here.
Book Now
The Marine Ecology Specialty course at Crystal Dive will give you valuable knowledge about the underwater world around Koh Tao and anywhere in the world.
In the Marine Ecology Specialty course you will learn how to identify the characteristics of the marine environment, enabling you to use it anywhere in the world.
Enjoy your dives even more as you can understand the ecosystem whenever you go diving!
฿5,000
Marine Ecology
FILM YOUR DIVES, KEEP THE MEMORIES
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Our underwater videography team, Crystal Images, is available to provide you with personal and lasting memories of your experience and offer unique underwater video and photo services for your course. You can choose from a 10 minute land and underwater based video or 10-15 high resolution photographs.
These options are available for your course and can be booked by clicking the button below and choosing the ‘video & photo’ option, in addition to your course booking.
Please ask us about group bookings and additional options on other courses.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I start my Marine Ecology Specialty Course every day?
In general, yes. We start our courses any given day. To secure your desired start date, we recommend booking your Marine Ecology Specialty Course online here. This will guarantee your placement in a small group of maximum 4 students per instructor.
Is it possible to change the schedule for the Marine Ecology Specialty Course?
Our schedules are flexible and we will do everything to adjust it to your travel plans. Please contact us to arrange for a schedule that suits you within the limits of the Marine Ecology Specialty Course performance requirements.
What are the rates for accommodation in my Marine Ecology Specialty Course?
For your Marine Ecology Specialty Course we offer accommodation in a private AC room (choice of Double or Twin) at a discounted rate for the standard course duration of 1 night. There are also upgrade options available for the adjacent Koh Tao Regal or Beach Club Resort. More information here or just contact us directly.
What are the minimum requirements to start my Marine Ecology Specialty Course?
The minimum requirements for you to enroll in the Marine Ecology Specialty Course are listed here. If you still have questions about specific requirements or an equivalent certification, please contact us directly.
How many students will be together with me in my Marine Ecology Specialty Course?
We pride ourselves to teach our Marine Ecology Specialty Course personal in groups of max. 4 students per instructor. If you still prefer a smaller group or a private course please contact us directly. On the other hand, if you travel in a bigger group, please let us know and we will arrange for multiple instructors to teach you together.
Will I see different dive sites during my Open Water Dives in the Marine Ecology Specialty Course?
We have 2 custom built dive boats and choose the dive sites based on your course requirements, comfort level and weather conditions. Generally, we change dive sites on a daily base, so you will dive at the best spots available for your Marine Ecology Specialty Course. More about our boats here.
Can I take a Go Pro on my dives for the Marine Ecology Specialty Course?
You can take your own camera on any of the dives. Be aware though, that you may be busy with the tasks at hand. A better option may be to arrange for our in-house video & photo company Crystal Images to either take professional photos or a broadcast quality video of you on your two dives on the Marine Ecology Specialty Course. Please contact us or check out your options here.
What other courses can I take if I have some more time after my Marine Ecology Specialty Course?
We have put together some recommendations for you under this link for dive activities that you may find interesting after or together with your Marine Ecology Specialty Course. If you are interested in other activities, have a look at our shop and check out our multi-course packages as well.
