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Marine Biology and Diving in cooperation with National Geographic and PADI.




Watch the National Geographic movie about the diving program

Organizer
Abrantes R&D International on behalf of the Ethology Institute and the University of Illinois.

Location
The islands and the undersea world of the South Andaman Sea.

Campus
We will spend the three first days ashore with theoretical classes and swimming pool diving training. Then, we'll embark on South Siam 3 and we will spend four days and three nights cruising the islands of the South Andaman Sea, diving, snorkeling, and hiking on the islands. We'll come ashore for the two last days for relaxing, shopping, and enjoying the beaches before returning to the west.

Dates
June 19 thru June 27, 2011.

Maximum number of students
18 in all.

Course Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of animal behavior. You must be able to swim.

Course Credit
A total of three undergraduate credit hours will be awarded upon completion of the course. Please check with your university as to the transfer of credit points. It is your responsibility to apply for credit transfer. You can order an official PADI credits transfer document.

Certificate of completion
All attending students will receive a certificate of completion from the Ethology Institute besides their diving certificate from PADI and National Geographic.

Registration
Register directly to Dr. Roger Abrantes at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it no later than April 30, 2011. To secure a place, register as soon as possible.

Housing
Guesthouse in double room with shower, and aboard the South Siam 3.

Arrival and departure
We take care of your transportation by bus to and from the airport. We will arrange a meeting point at the airport to collect all of you arriving that day. If you have the option, book your flight to accommodate the bus schedule. If you don't, just let us know it and we will sort it out.

What's new this year?
We have included one extra day to allow the students to get rid of their jet lag. This extra day will also allow for a more relaxing study of the theory. We have now included an introduction to marine biology. For the students, who participated last year, we'll offer the possibility of upgrading their diving certificate (e.g. to Advanced Open Water or Specialty).

National Geographic PADI Open Water Course

As a National Geographic Diver, your certification signifies you have all the abilities of a PADI Open Water Diver plus additional knowledge that broadens your awareness of the aquatic realm and new skills to better explore underwater. The PADI Open Water Diver course is the foundation for the National Geographic Diver program.

Here are a few additional skills that will be taught and mastered during your National Geographic Diver Course.

Exploration Project: Because exploration and underwater sciences encompass a wide range of physical and biological disciplines, we focus on the unique and interesting aspects of the dive sites. Noting the animal life, plant life, topography, geology, human-made structures and sketching it on a slate.

Aquatic Life Identification: Discuss, identify and record aquatic plants, invertebrate and vertebrates at a fresh water or salt-water environment. Predominantly where we are this will be salt water but you'll understand much more than the average diver of fresh water marine life also.

Navigation Skills: Good underwater navigation is the key to enjoyable diving experiences and precise navigation using a compass is a fun challenge for all divers. Combining compass navigation with keen observation skills increases a National Geographic diver’s awareness and builds confidence in your diving skills. You'll learn many skills for natural navigation also.

Program