Personal Equipment Requirements

Team Members are required to provide their own personal diving equipment (EXCEPT WEIGHTS AND TANKS). This includes BCD's, full wetsuit, mask and snorkel, fins, Diving Computer, Weight Belts (not shot belts) Hard Soled Booties, Large Underwater Slate, Diving Knife, 1 pair of heavy duty gardening gloves (for underwater work and surface work) and Alternate Air Sources eg: Octopus. In addition they will be required to bring, sun hat, suntan cream, 2 water bottles (please put your name on them) and sunglasses, Full length3 mill wet suites are required - you will need full body protection from the sun due to the shallow depth.

In addition the following diving equipment is recommended: Delayed Surface Marker Buoy and Reel, Knee Pads, Spare Mask and Fin Straps. It is advisable that the following items are also packed: large beach towel, high factor sun screen, toiletries, personal medication, personal first aid kit, walking or hiking boots, insect repellent, torch, light jacket or sweat shirt, long trousers/ leggings. In addition to your suitcase or backpack, a small rucksack/ Dive bag to take your kit out with you in the day will be needed. You may find it useful to bring your own notebook, hand-tape, pencils and pens. However, all equipment necessary for the fieldwork will be provided.  

Field Communications

The accommodation does have mobile phones.

Field Supplies

It is unnecessary to pack too many warm clothing for the project. Just bring a fleece jumper etc for the odd cold day. But as well as shorts and T-shirts, lightweight long-sleeved tops and long, lightweight trousers are very useful when keeping covered up from the sun, or keeping off mosquitoes at night. Life jackets will be supplied onboard the boats. Sufficient high-factor sunscreen for the whole project, a large water bottle and a wide-brimmed hat are absolutely essential. It is advised that volunteers also bring insect repellent for mosquitoes.

Insurance

It is required that all participants take out their own travel, medical and diving accident insurance. We recommend the DAN insurance which provides cover for all eventualities. The information on the DAN insurance is: https://www.diversalertnetwork.org/insurance/.

For participants in Europe the web site is: https://www.daneurope.org/eng/regionalnews_uff16.htm

Physical Condition/Medical Advice

The field school will not involve very strenuous, physically demanding activity, but a generally good standard of fitness is essential for diving for long periods of time and carrying out survey work. 

The greatest physical challenge will be acclimatising to and working in the heat. Participants should be prepared to apply high factor sunscreen regularly, and to drink at least 4 pints of water per day to avoid dehydration. Participants should check with their doctor about necessary injections, but an up-to-date tetanus injection is essential for manual work in any part of the world.