Frequently Asked Questions
Planning for an Expedition
- I do not have UK citizenship- can I still join a CCC Expedition?
- How long can I go on expedition for?
- Can I extend my stay once I'm on expedition?
- How far in advance should I book my expedition?
- Are there any new CCC Expeditions planned for the future?
- Can I choose which expedition to attend?
- Can I join a marine and forest project?
- When do CCC expeditions start?
- What experience do I need?
- Is the training difficult?
- Can I go with friends?
- Will I be in a group or on my own?
- Is there a selection process?
- Can I talk to someone who has already been on a CCC expedition?
- What is the predominant age range of CCC volunteers?
- Are there any opportunities for other travels during an expedition?
- Can I be contacted while I am on expedition?
- What is the enrolment process?
- Do I have to attend a CCC pre-departure meeting?
Science
20. Where can I find CCC science publications that volunteers have contributed towards on expedition?
21. Can I use CCC data as part of my dissertation?
Money and Fundraising
22. How much does it cost to join a CCC expedition?
23. Where does my Society Membership Fee go and what benefits do I receive?
24. What's included in my expedition fee and what isn't?
25. Why are CCC forest Expeditions such good value for money?
26. What equipment do I need?
27. How much does equipment cost?
28. Who should I make cheques payable to?
29. How much money do I need to take with me?
30. If I decide to cancel, will I lose my money?
31. As a returning CCC Volunteer, do I get any discounts of future expeditions with CCC?
Travel, Insurance and Visas
32. Can I travel independently?
33. Can you arrange my flights?
34. Do I need insurance?
35. Do I need a visa?
Health, Safety and Security
36. How does CCC ensure the safety of its expeditions?
37. What happens in case of an emergency?
38. How does CCC monitor the safety of expedition sites?
39. What medical advice can you give me?
40. Will I need a medical screening or 'check-up'?
Diving
41. What additional courses are available?
42. What if I am already trained to PADI openwater?
43. What if my diving qualification was through BSAC or NAUI?
44. How many dives a week will I do?
45. What's included in CCC's Scuba Training Programme?
46. What's NOT included in CCC's Scuba Training Programme?
47. Can I rent dive equipment?
Working for CCC
48. Can I get a job with CCC?
49. How do I apply for an office position with CCC?
50. What are expedition staff?
51. How do I apply to become an expedition staff member?
52. How much will I get paid as an expedition Staff member?
53. What qualifications do I need to have to be a Medical Officer with Coral Cay Conservation (CCC)?
Technical questions about the website
54. I'm having problems downloading documents from the website. What should I do?
55. Who designed and developed the website?
ANSWERS
Planning for an Expedition
1. I do not have UK citizenship- can I still join a CCC Expedition?
Of Course! Coral Cay Conservation is an International Organisation that welcomes Volunteers of all Nationalities! The ability to speak and read English is however important as all expedition training is given in English.
2. How long can I go on expedition for?
There is no maximum length of time. However, there is a minimum of two weeks (three for Dive Trainees). Volunteers who participate in a marine expedition for 16 weeks or longer will receive Free Divemaster training.
3. Can I extend my stay once I'm on expedition?
Yes, as long as there are spaces and you can arrange payment for the additional weeks you will be staying. Your Expedition Leader will assist with visa extensions if necessary.
4. How far in advance should I book my expedition?
We recommend that volunteers book 2 months in advance although it is possible to book in less. In the peak summer months we suggest you book earlier to avoid disappointment.
5. Are there any new CCC Expeditions planned for the future?
CCC is constantly developing new projects around the world. Keep visiting this website, particularly the Latest News page to find out about future plans.
6. Can I choose which expedition to attend?
Yes, places permitting.
7. Can I join a marine and forest project?
Yes! For more information about combining our Marine and Forest expeditions please contact CCC Head Office. In fact, feel free to give us a call or send an email if you would like more information about anything CCC-related!
8. When do CCC expeditions start?
Most CCC projects run continuously throughout the year. For CCC's Expedition dates have a look at the Costs & Dates page.
9. What experience do I need?
None! No previous experience is required since professional CCC expedition staff will provide all necessary training on-site. This includes scuba training (if you need it), forest trekking, surveying, tropical ecology, expedition safety and all other aspects of expedition life. CCC volunteers may be aged 16 - 70+ and could have loads of experience but often have none at all. CCC designs all expeditions so that as many people as possible can get involved and play an active role in tropical marine and forest conservation. Volunteers need to be enthusiastic, but they do not need to be athletes or marine biologists (although of course all athletes and marine biologists are welcome)! For more info about the qualities CCC volunteers do and do not need to have please visit our Volunteering page.
10. Is the training difficult?
Our tried-and-tested Scuba Training Programme and Science Development Training Courses are designed to ensure that volunteers can effectively apply newly acquired skills in the field. Our experienced and dedicated staff and field scientists will guide you every step of the way, providing one-to-one tuition in a stimulating, interactive environment. There is no doubt that there is much to learn, but with coral reefs and tropical forests right on your doorstep our expedition 'classrooms' are particularly inspiring!
11. Can I go with friends?
If there is space available on the desired expedition, volunteers can be placed together. Group bookings of six (6) people or more will receive a 10% discount as well as a free expedition place for the organiser. We also have Special Offers for Educational Groups. Click here for more information about Special Offers for Group Bookings!
12. Will I be in a group or on my own?
Volunteers are never on their own. Teamwork is an intrinsic part of CCC's work and ongoing success. Typically, you will be working in expeditions of between 5-25 people. You will also always be on an expedition with a team of lovely field staff including; Expedition Leader, Medical Officer, Scuba Instructor, Science Officer, Education Officer and Project Scientist. Follow these links for field staff profiles, photos and more info: Meet the Philippines Team, Meet the Tobago Team and Expedition Staff On Site.
13. Is there a selection process?
Yes! We ask you to find out as much about CCC as possible in order to understand the ethos and ethics behind our work. Please speak directly to one of our representatives, either by phone or at a presentation meeting, to ensure that you fully understand the commitment required to join CCC and get the most out of it. There is loads of info here on the website, but we are always happy to hear from people so feel free to call, email or drop in to our Head Office at London Waterloo. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
14. Can I talk to someone who has already been on a CCC expedition?
Yes, we have a list of past-volunteers who are very happy to talk about their experiences with you! We can pass on the contact details of these past-Vols or ask them to call or email you for a chat. Our past-Vols also often attend events such as Dive Shows, Gap Fairs and Careers fairs and they would be very happy to meet you at any of these. For details of our upcoming events where you can learn more about CCC and meet someone from Head Office and/or a past-Vol please visit the Current Events page. Why not also have a look at Volunteer Diaries to read some written accounts by CCC Volunteers. I can also recommend our Scholars Diaries and Staff Diaries for fun reads that will give you a good idea of what its like on an expedition.
15. What is the predominant age range of CCC volunteers?
Volunteers must be 16 years or over. There is no upper age limit. Most expedition groups tend to consist of a mixture of youthful enthusiasm and older wisdom!
16. Are there any opportunities for other travels during an expedition?
Once you arrive at an expedition site, you cannot come and go as you please! Volunteers who spend 7 weeks or more on an expedition have the opportunity to leave the project base for a 3-day Long Weekend in order to explore some of the country's other highlights.
For volunteers planning to travel independently before or after an expedition CCC has produced an Independent Travel Survival Guide. We also have an Independent Travel document which is available on request from CCC Head Office.
17. Can I be contacted while I am on expedition?
Communication is maintained between CCC headquarters in London and each expedition base. However, these communication systems are only for the purposes of relaying important information relating to the expedition or for emergency purposes . The communication systems are not available for personal use by CCC Volunteers unless in the event of an emergency. For information about communication with specific project sites please refer to the relevant CCC Project Summary. Volunteers will only have limited access to e-mail and telecommunications during their stay on site and should inform friends and relatives accordingly. It is recommended that volunteers bring a mobile/cell phone with them. Local SIM cards are available in country.
18. What is the enrolment process?
It is really easy to enrole on a CCC expedition! To start the enrolment process visit our Online Bookings page and make yourself an account. There are fours stages involved in the online bookings process: 1. Register your contact details with us to create an account. 2.We will ask you for deposit payment so that we can hold you a place on your preferred expedition. 3. You will be asked to complete a couple of forms, including a brief medical history review to ensure that you are fit to dive. 4. We will ask you to make your final payment so that we can secure your booking and get you out on expedition site! If you have any questions about the online bookings system (or anything else CCC related really) please feel free to give us a call: 02076201411 or email:
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19. Do I have to attend a CCC pre-departure meeting?
It is not essential that you attend. However, it is highly recommended as the meeting provides detailed briefings and up-to-date information concerning your expedition to ensure that you are fully prepared for your expedition challenges ahead. Throughout the day, CCC staff will be on-hand to offer advice and guidance, and we would love to meet all of you in person. You will also be able to meet other volunteers who are going out at the same time as you before you begin your expeditions. If you are unable to attend, please contact us for a final briefing.
Science
20. Where can I see examples of Science reports and publications produced by CCC scientists as a result of Volunteer efforts in the field?
We have loads of interesting and useful information available in our Resources section. CCC Marine and Terrestrial Reports and Publications can be found at Reports & Downloads. You might also like to have a look at our Education pages and check out our Bibliography. CCC Scientists and Volunteers have been very busy, so there is a lot of material out there!
21. Can I use CCC data as part of my dissertation?
This may be possible depending on the nature of your dissertation. You will be required to complete an application form. For more information and to request an application pack contact the CCC Science Department:
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Money and Fundraising
22. How much does it cost to join a CCC expedition?
Expedition Costs vary depending on the length of the expedition and your level of dive experience. Have a look at our Costs & Dates page for details and to decide when you would like to get out on site. We also offer discounts for Group Bookings and Returning Volunteers. Plus anyone who spends 16 weeks or longer on a marine expedition will receive FREE DIVEMASTER training!
23. Where does my CCC Trust Society Membership Fee go and what benefits do I receive?
When you sign up to a CCC Expedition you get 12 months membership to the CCC Trust Society. The Society enables you to become involved with CCC's important charitable work to enhance the livelihoods of those that are dependant on the conservation of reefs and forests. The Trust's main areas of work include:
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Funding conservation scholarships for local people.
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Supporting alternative livelihood schemes.
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Producing educational livelihood schemes.
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Producing educational resources and raising awareness of coral reef and tropical forest conservation issues.
Benefits include; eligibility to join CCC expeditions; invitations to CCC events, twice yearly newsletter; access to exclusive conservation-orientated breaks and much more.
Have a look at our CCC Trust Society page for more information.
24. What's included in my expedition fee and what isn't?
The expedition fee includes UK briefing sessions, field accommodation, food, BCDs and Regulator hire (for dive trainees only), tanks, air, weight belts, expedition & research training and field staff supervision. The fee does not include international flights, transfers, in-transit accommodation, PADI manuals and dive certification, insurance, airport departure taxes, your own diving or trekking equipment and other items of a personal nature.
25. What equipment do I need?
Please visit the Marine Expedition Checklist and/or Tropical Forest Expedition Checklist page for further details!
26. How much does equipment cost?
To work this out we recommend you have a look at our Expedition Checklists so that you can see what equipment you need, then contact Andark who give all CCC Volunteers a 10% discount off equipment.
27. Where can I buy equipment?
Diving equipment can be purchased from Andark at a 10% discount. Contact Coral Cay for the required code.
28. Who should I make cheques payable to?
For payments to Coral Cay: Coral Cay Conservation Ltd
For payments to the CCC Trust: Coral Cay Trust
29. How much money do I need to take with me?
You will need to bring enough funds to cover internal travel costs, including airport departure tax, as well as any personal items whilst on expedition (bottled drinks, chocolate bars, etc). We recommend all volunteers take a Credit Card with them just in case of emergencies. For detailed information please download and read our Project Summaries and pay particular attention to the "Personal Expenditure" section.
30. If I decide to cancel, will I lose my money?
Please read our Terms and Conditions and pay particular attention to "5. Cancellation by Volunteer".
31. I previously participated as a Volunteer on a CCC expedition. Am I entitled to a discount on subsequent expeditions?
In view of your previous investment in CCC projects, CCC is able to reduce the total investment for subsequent expeditions that you join by 10%. We award all returning volunteers 10% DISCOUNT ON ALL CCC EXPEDITIONS FOR LIFE!!
Travel, Insurance and Visas
32. Can I travel independently?
Yes! You can travel independently before an expedition provided you are at the rendezvous point at the right time to start your expedition, as detailed in the project summary. And of course you are welcome to continue your travels after you have completed your expedition! CCC has a wealth of experience in this field and the range of sources
available, so we created an Independent Travel Survival Guide. We have also produced an Independent Travel Document which is available from CCC Head Office, give us a call or send us a quick email for information about this.
33. Can you arrange my flights? No, we do not arrange flights but we do recommend the most direct and economic airlines in the relevant Project Summaries .
34. Do I need insurance?
Yes. Travel and medical insurance is essential for the duration of your expedition. Volunteers most commonly use insurance companies including Endsleigh, Divemaster and DAN. Once booked the Operations department will need a copy of your policy.
Your insurance policy must offer cover for the following:
· All medical costs associated with scuba diving, including decompression chambers. Unlimited diving to a depth of 30 meters. (Marine Expeditions)
· Helicopter Rescue
· Accidents relating to mountain trekking (Forest/Terrestrial Expeditions)
· Light manual labour.
· Medical emergency repatriation is covered from any remote location in the world given the intended destination of the trip.
35. Do I need a visa?
Visas are required for some of the countries in which CCC operates. You can get full country-specific advice by having a look at the relevant Project Summary. Project Summaries are really important documents and all volunteers are advised to read them carefully and thoroughly! If you are still unsure of the visa requirements for your expedition, please email Kai Schiefelbein on: info@coralcay for further information.
Health, Safety and Security
36. How does CCC ensure the safety of its expeditions?
All CCC expedition sites maintain extremely high standards of safety. Our expedition staff are all highly trained to deal with potential health and safety issues. The Expedition Leader has overall responsibility for the safety and management of expedition members. The Scuba Instructor is professionally qualified to instruct and qualify all dive trainees. The Medical Officer is a qualified medical doctor or senior nurse with access to comprehensive expedition medical equipment on site.
37. What happens in case of an emergency?
In the event of an emergency, off-site medical treatment can be arranged through implementation of special evacuation procedures present at each expedition site. CCC staff at the London head office have 24hr contact with expedition bases, enabling them to liase directly with the Expedition Leader to ensure maximum safety and security at all times.
38. How does CCC monitor the safety of expedition sites?
Prior to establishing an expedition, CCC carry out a Risk Evaluation and constantly review it during the life of the expedition. CCC also liases with local British Embassies, local government and other international bodies to evaluate safety issues and react accordingly. CCC follows advice provided by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office and will not operate in any area deemed unsafe. CCC is also a founder member of the Know Before You Go programme (www.fco.gov.uk/travel). All CCC volunteers are advised to visit these websites for up-to-the-minute advice.
On the 22nd
June 2007 CCC was proud to announce that it is one of the first
organisations to self assess and declare compliance with BS8848: Specification for the provisions of visits, fieldwork,
expeditions and adventurous activities outside the United Kingdom. For more information about this standard and CCC's Health & Safety policies have a read of our Safety First! Safety Always! page.
39. What medical advice can you give me?
CCC advise all volunteers to visit a qualified medical practitioner prior to their expedition in order to discuss the activities they will be undertaking, as well as general health issues and any required vaccinations.
40. Will I need a medical screening or 'check-up'?
Every CCC volunteer is required to complete a CCC Medical Form and, if diving, a PADI Medical Form as well. These are checked by a team at the Diving Diseases Research Centre to ensure all Volunteers are fit to dive.
Diving
41. What additional courses are available?
CCC Scuba Instructors teach PADI Scuba Qualifications. Even volunteers with no diving experience can join a CCC Marine Expedition as long as they join as Dive Trainees. Dive Trainees complete the CCC Scuba Training Programme in their first week on site where they will gain 3 PADI qualifications: PADI Open Water Diver, PADI Advanced Open Water Diver and Emergency First Response. They can choose to take additional courses whilst they are on site provided their expedition is long enough to complete the necessary training.
Volunteers who are already qualified to at least PADI Advanced Open Water Diver (or equivalent) do not need to spend their first week taking the CCC Scuba Training Programme. However, they are still welcome to take additional courses as long as they have time.
Emergency First Response, 2 days, £65 (provided free-of-charge to Volunteers joining the CCC Scuba Training Programme); Rescue Diver, 3 days, £200 and Dive Master, 21 days, £350. Please note that you need to join an expedition for a minimum of 12 weeks and be over 18 years of age to complete the Dive Master course. Volunteers who participate in Marine Expeditions of 16 weeks or longer receive FREE DIVEMASTER Training! Emergency First Response, Rescue Diver and Dive Master courses need to be completed in this sequence, i.e. you cannot begin a Dive Master course without already having reached Rescue Diver level.
42. What if I am already trained to PADI openwater?
You must be qualified to PADI Advanced Open Water level (or similar) to conduct CCC marine surveys. You will therefore need to complete CCC's 1-week Scuba Training Programme at the start of your expedition.
43. What if my diving qualification was through BSAC or NAUI?
You must be qualified to PADI Advanced Open Water level or similar. Please check with the organisation through which you gained your qualification to determine whether it reaches this level. Or you can work out the level of your qualification by taking a look at this Conversion Table.
44. How many dives a week will I do?
Dependent on conditions, a maxiumum of 2 scientific survey dives a day from Monday to Friday and three recreational dives on Saturday (possibly including a night dive). For safety reasons, no diving is permitted on Sundays. Please also bear in mind that, from time to time, you may be asked to dive marshall or perform another non-diving role.
45. What's included in CCC's Scuba Training Programme?
As well as comprehensive training from qualified and experienced scuba instructors up to PADI Advanced Open Water level, you will have the use of a BCD (Buoyancy Control Device), regulator and octopus for the duration of your expedition.
46. What's NOT included in CCC's Scuba Training Programme?
On marine expeditions, all volunteers must bring their own mask, snorkel, wetsuit, fins, booties, knife, torch, watch, Battery Powered LED Glow Sticks (for night dives), digital depth gauge or computer and wrist mounted compass. BCDs, regulators and octopus will be provided for volunteers on CCC's Scuba Training Programme. They are also available for hire by other volunteers, although we recommend that qualified divers bring their own diving gear (including spare parts). CCC supplies cylinders and weight belts for all volunteers. Have a look at the Marine Expedition Checklist for more details.
47. Can I rent dive equipment?
Bouyancy Control Devices and Regulators can be rented for £10 per item, per week. These will be provided free of charge to Dive Trainees.
Working for CCC
48. Can I get a job with CCC?
Working for Coral Cay Conservation is an excellent way to gain valuable, practical experience at the cutting edge of conservation. There are three main areas in which we recruit people:
For details of all our current vacancies see our Careers Section.
49. How do I apply for an office position with CCC?
Office-based salaried positions are only occasionally available and competition for them is extremely intense. Vacant positions are advertised on this website and in national media. Most jobs will require at least degree-level qualification, plus relevant experience. Salaried positions at our UK Head Office are listed on the UK Staff Positions page.
Office-based volunteer internships are also sometimes available for both science work (marine and terrestrial) and general office work (marketing, PR, events management, administration, graphic design and website maintanence, etc). For details of the internships we are currently offering see the Voluntary Internship Opportunities page.
50. What are expedition staff?
All CCC expeditions have a permanent team of qualified and experienced expedition staff. The team includes Expedition Leader, Project Scientist, Scuba Instructor (marine projects only), Medical Officer, Education Officer and Science Officer. More details of each of these positions are provided on the Expedition Staff On Site page.
51. How do I apply to become an expedition Staff member?
Read the briefings linked from the Expedition Staff Opportunities page and download a Staff Application Form. Applicants should send/email their completed application form with a CV and Covering Letter to the CCC Head Office contact given on the Online Job Specification. Suitable applicants will be invited to an interview. Applicants may also be invited to attend a Staff Selection Weekend.
Please note all expedition staff must be Enhanced Criminal Records Bureau checked and passed for working with young people before
expedition departure.
52. How much will I get paid as an expedition Staff member?
Nothing! In fact, you will be asked to pay for your own flights to and from the expedition site and cover all expenses of a personal nature. Living expenses will be covered by CCC. In return, you will gain a unique and valuable experience helping to run a conservation expedition backed by a highly professional organisation.
53. What qualifications do I need to have to be a Medical Officer with Coral Cay Conservation (CCC)?
Expedition medics need to have a minimum of 6 months A&E experience (post registration). Medics can be Doctors or Senior Nurses. Advanced Life Support (ALS) is desirable.
Technical Questions About the Website
54. I'm having problems downloading documents from the website. What should I do?
You need the Acrobat Reader plug-in to view documents in the PDF format. If you do not already have this plug-in you can download it from the Adobe website. Get Acrobat Reader Free.
If you are still having problems please give us a call or send us an email and request for a document to be posted to you.
55. Who designed and developed the website?
The site was designed and developed by Cat Duval, Reef New Media and Adam Carless.
The website is maintained, updated and kept beautiful by CCC PR & Communications Manager Pete Mandara with occasional assistance from his good friend Jamie of Reef New Media fame.
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