Get your Marine Invertebrate Ecology Specialty on Koh Tao
Why Marine Invertebrate Ecology?
Click here…
Studying marine invertebrate ecology offers a hands-on, field-based learning experience that connects theoretical knowledge to real-world marine environments. You'll explore how invertebrates interact with their ecosystems, which is crucial for understanding broader ecological processes like nutrient cycling, food webs, and the impacts of environmental changes such as climate change and ocean acidification.
The course focuses on the conservation of marine invertebrates, which are vital for maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem health. By working directly with these species, you’ll gain specialized expertise that can be applied to conservation efforts, marine restoration projects, and sustainable fisheries management. This focused knowledge is in high demand for tackling global environmental challenges.
Additionally, the interdisciplinary nature of marine invertebrate ecology—combining biology, chemistry, and environmental science—equips you with a comprehensive understanding of marine systems. This broad skill set opens up diverse career opportunities in marine conservation, research, and policy, allowing you to make a significant impact on preserving marine ecosystems worldwide.
5,000 THB
This is how you become a Marine Invertebrate Ecology Specialist:
It only takes a day to complete the Marine Invertebrate 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:
display:none
Part 1: Theory
We begin with an introduction to your instructor, during which you’ll complete the necessary paperwork and get an overview of what to expect in the course. The theoretical portion of your Marine Invertebrate Ecology Specialty is designed for self-paced study via the app or browser, allowing you to explore the fascinating world of marine invertebrates at your convenience.
What You’ll Learn in Theory
1. Overview of Marine Invertebrates
- Discover the diverse range of marine invertebrates, from sponges and sea anemones to molluscs, echinoderms, and crustaceans.
- Learn about their key characteristics, classifications, and evolutionary significance in marine ecosystems.
2. Roles in Marine Ecosystems
- Understand the critical roles marine invertebrates play, including their functions as filter feeders, nutrient recyclers, and habitat providers.
- Explore their importance in food webs and their interactions with other marine organisms.
3. Behaviour and Adaptations
- Study the unique behaviours of marine invertebrates, such as camouflage, symbiosis, and bioluminescence.
- Learn about their physical and behavioural adaptations that help them survive in various underwater environments.
4. Human Impact and Conservation
- Examine the threats marine invertebrates face from overfishing, habitat destruction, and pollution.
- Understand conservation measures, such as sustainable practices and the establishment of marine protected areas, aimed at safeguarding these creatures.
5. Observation Techniques and Dive Planning
- Learn how to plan dives that focus on observing and identifying marine invertebrates while minimising disturbance to their habitats.
- Develop skills to document observations effectively and contribute to citizen science initiatives.
Once your self-study is complete, your instructor will guide you through a review session to clarify any questions, provide additional context, and ensure you’re well-prepared for the practical portion of the course.
This course enriches your diving knowledge and allows you to appreciate the intricate roles marine invertebrates play in sustaining healthy and vibrant ecosystems.
Part 2: Open Water Dives
After lunch, we board one of our custom-built dive boats and head out for two immersive dives, where you’ll bring your knowledge of marine invertebrates to life in Koh Tao’s thriving underwater environment.
During the dives, you’ll explore vibrant coral reefs and rocky substrates teeming with invertebrate life. Guided by your instructor, you’ll identify key species such as sea stars, nudibranchs, crabs, shrimp, and sponges. You’ll observe their unique behaviours, from the camouflage of octopuses to the intricate cleaning activities of cleaner shrimp.
Your dives will also focus on recognising the ecological roles of these invertebrates, including their contributions to reef health and their interactions with other marine life. You’ll practise respectful observation techniques to minimise disturbance and learn how to document your findings for future reference or citizen science projects.
These dives provide an unforgettable opportunity to connect with the often-overlooked but incredibly vital world of marine invertebrates, deepening your appreciation and understanding of their role in maintaining healthy marine ecosystems.
The Marine Invertebrate Ecology Specialty Prerequisites:
display:none;
Minimum Age
To enroll in the Marine Invertebrate Ecology Specialty, you will have to be at least 10 years of age.
Minimum Certification Level
To begin this Marine Invertebrate 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 INVERTEBRATE 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 Invertebrate Ecology Specialty package includes:
- Marine Invertebrate 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 Invertebrate 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 Invertebrate Ecology Specialty course you will learn how to identify the characteristics of the marine Invertebrates, 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 Invertebrate Ecology
FILM YOUR DIVES, KEEP THE MEMORIES
Click here…
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
display:none
Can I start my Marine Invertebrate 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 Invertebrate 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 Invertebrate 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 Invertebrate Ecology Specialty Course performance requirements.
What are the rates for accommodation in my Marine Invertebrate Ecology Specialty Course?
For your Marine Invertebrate 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 Invertebrate Ecology Specialty Course?
The minimum requirements for you to enroll in the Marine Invertebrate 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 Invertebrate Ecology Specialty Course?
We pride ourselves to teach our Marine Invertebrate 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 Invertebrate 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 Invertebrate Ecology Specialty Course. More about our boats here.
Can I take a Go Pro on my dives for the Marine Invertebrate 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 Invertebrate 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 Invertebrate 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 Invertebrate 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.
