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| 1. What is the purpose of the course? The course is designed to instruct and assist individuals in the evaluation of the ocean and coastal environment, and specifically oceanic surveying. The aim is not to concentrate on Temperate Zone theories but to provide a suitable and safe environment for participants to develop practical underwater surveying and contemporary management skills. Additionally, courses will work to assist in the implementation of the community outreach awareness program in the local community of Chumphon. Students will also learn about the importance of mooring buoys in saving the marine coral reef, as well as assist in the strategic placement and installation of the buoys in a major project. 2. Where does the course take place? The course is based in the Gulf of Thailand, at one the country's 21 national marine parks. Mu Ko Chumphon National Park (otherwise known as Hat Sairi National Park) on the east coast of central Thailand is our base location, though we take groups on trips to field sites in neighbooring national parks. Previous courses have visited Phuket Island on the west coast to discuss development related issues regarding the growth of the tourist industry in Thailand. 3. How long is the course and can I stay longer? Our two-week program will follow an outline that will teach participants about marine conservation and coastal zone surveying. Lectures and discussions will be coupled with practical workshops and fieldwork which will mostly take place underwater. Click here for a course outline. It is possible to extend your stay at the park as a personal researcher or a project volunteer after the completion of your first course at no extra cost. To find out more about the facilities that will be available and the opportunity to stay longer, e-mail us at info@coastalpursuits.com. 4. Do I need to know how to SCUBA dive? SCUBA certification is required in order to participate in this course as a majority of your time will be spent underwater and surveying the area's natural resources. Those who are not already certified will have the opportunity to be certified by the resident instructor to open water* standard prior to the course at no extra charge. All students learning to dive will be PADI certified. 5. When is this course offered? Our course was first offered in the summer 2001. Future course dates are determined according to demand and availability. Click for tentative course dates. 6. What is the course fee? The course fee of 500sterling (750USD) covers all accommodation, food, diving, certification, and transportation costs while the course is in effect. The course fee does not include transportation to and from Thailand from your place of origin, nor does it include any personal expenditures. Because Coastal Pursuits is a not-for-profit organization, past course fee have been used to purchase equipment and educational materials for the national park. Funds have and will also be used to help with Coastal Pursuits' community outreach awareness program and other programs to benefit the conservation of Central Thailand. Click for our projects link. 7. Can I be a university representative? University representatives are always needed to help promote the program to the student body across campus in their own university. If you are interested in becoming a representative, e-mail our Program Coordinator at yvette@coastalpursuits.com for more information. 8. Is Coastal Pursuits supported by any organisations or companies? Coastal Pursuits would like to express our gratitude to the support of the PADI Project AWARE Foundations and the PADI Foundation. With their assistance, our projects are now supported in part by the funds of their generous organisation. Last Updated: November 1 |
| Development Photographs Underwater Photographs Thailand Photographs Course Photos Year 2001 NEW Course Photos Year 2002 |
| Scott Stevens & Yvette Jong Mu Ko Chumphon National Park PO Box 8 Paknam Chumphon Post Office Muang Chumphon 86120 Thailand info@coastalpursuits.com Home |
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| Course Frequently Asked Questions |
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