Frequently asked questions

Questions

Answers

Planning for an Expedition

I do not have UK citizenship- can I still join a CCC Expedition?

Coral Cay Conservation is an International Organisation that welcomes Volunteers from all Nationalities. The ability to speak and read English is however important as all expedition training is given in English.

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).

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.

How far in advance should I book my expedition?

We suggest 2 month although it is possible to book in less. In the peak summer months we suggest you book earlier to avoid disappointment.

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 News page to find out about future plans.

Can I choose which expedition to attend?

Yes, places permitting.

Can I join a marine and forest project?

Yes. This combination is available in the Philippines. For more details visit the Combining marine and forest expeditions page.

When do CCC expeditions start?

Most CCC projects run continuously throughout the year. Expedition Dates can be found from the Dates and Durations page.

What experience do I need?

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.

Is the training difficult?

Our tried-and-tested Scuba Training Programme and Skills Development 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!

Can I go with friends?

If there is space available on the desired expedition, volunteers can be placed together. Commitments of six (6) people or more will also secure a 25% reduction and a free expedition place for the organiser.

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.

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.

Can I talk to someone who has already been on a CCC expedition?

Yes, we have a list of past-volunteers who are happy to talk about their experiences with you. Why not also have a look at Diaries and Reviews to read some written accounts by volunteers.

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!

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 expedition have the opportunity to leave the project base for a Long Weekend in order to explore some of the country's other highlights. For ideas, visit the websites of country tourist boards listed on Links to useful web sites.

Can I be contacted while I am on expedition?

There is no direct access to telephone or email for volunteers while on site. The postal address for each site can be found within the relevant Project Summary. For logistical and emergency purposes, Expedition sites remain in constant contact with the CCC London office.

What is the enrolment process?

Please visit the Joining An Expedition page.

Do I have to attend a CCC pre-departure meeting?

It is not essential that you attend however it is 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 a range of essential expedition equipment will be available for purchase at discounted prices. If you are unable to attend, please contact us for a final briefing.

Science

Where can I see examples of Science reports and publications produced by CCC scientists as a result of Volunteer efforts in the field?

Marine and Terrestrial Reports and Publications can be found at Downloadable Reports and Publications

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: science@coralcay.org

Money and Fundraising

How much does it cost to join a CCC expedition?

To join an expedition you must be a member of the CCC Society.The annual Society membership fee is £25.

Expedition Costs vary depending on the time of year you chose to go. For full details visit: Expedition Costs.

Where does my Society Membership Fee go and what benefits do I receive?

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:

funding conservation scholarships for local people

supporting alternative livelihood schemes

producing educational livelihood schemes

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 holidays and much more.

What's included in my expedition fee and what isn't?

The expedition fee includes UK briefing sessions, field accommodation, food, BCD's and Regulator hire (dive trainees), 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.

What equipment do I need?

Please visit the Marine Expedition checklist and/or Tropical Forest Expedition checklist page for further details.

How much does equipment cost?

For details on where to buy personal equipment visit our Sales Information Page.

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).

If I decide to cancel, will I lose my money?

There is no refund of any monies if you decide to cancel less than 8 weeks prior to the start date of your expedition. If you cancel more than 8 weeks prior to the start of your expedition, your £25 membership fee and £100 administration fee is non refundable, as is the deposit (once paid).

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 the CCC projects CCC is able to reduce the total investment for subsequent expeditions that you join by 25%.

Travel, Insurance and Visas

Can you arrange my flights?

Our recommended travel agency is Key Travel. Please contact Rachel Welton on +44 (0)161 819 8912 or yellow@keytravel.com.

Do I need insurance?

Yes. CCC recommends that Volunteers arrange their personal travel and medical insurance through Axa Insurance plc, details of which (together with an application form) can be obtained by contacting Key Travel on +44 (0)161 819 8912 or by emailing yellow@keytravel.com. This policy provides the minimum level of insurance cover recommended by CCC and additionally provides cover for unlimited SCUBA diving to a maximum depth of 30 metres, mountain trekking, and the levels of manual work routinely undertaken by CCC Volunteers during the course of their expedition.

Do I need a visa?

Visas are required for some of the countries in which CCC operates. Please consult Rachel Welton on +44 (0)161 819 8912 or yellow@keytravel.com for further full information.

Health, Safety and Security

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, nurse or paramedic with access to comprehensive expedition medical equipment on site.

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.

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.

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 or malaria prevention.

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.

Diving

What additional courses are available?

Emmergency First Response(£45, but included as part of CCC's 1-week Scuba Training Programme for non-divers); Rescue Diver (£150) and Dive Master (£299). Please note that you need to join an expedition for a minimum of 10 weeks and be over 18 years of age to complete the Dive Master course. Medic First Aid, Rescue Diver and Dive Master courses need to be completed in this sequence, ie you cannot begin a Dive Master course without already having reached Rescue Diver level.

What if I am already trained to PADI openwater?

You must be qualified to PADI Advanced Open Water level (or similar). You will therefore need to complete CCC's 1-week Scuba Training Programme at the start of your expedition.

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.

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 (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.

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.

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, cylumes (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. Please refer to CCC Sales for further details.

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

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:

Office-based salaried positions
Office-based voluntary internships
Expedition staff

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. Office-based volunteer internships are also sometimes available for both science work (marine and terrestrial) and general office work (marketing, administration etc).

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 and Science Officer. More details of each of these positions are provided in Expedition staff positions.

How do I apply to become an expedition Staff member?

Read the briefings linked from the Expedition staff positions page and download a staff application form. Suitable applicants will be invited to attend a Staff Selection Weekend.

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.

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) or Advanced Life Support (ALS). Medics can be Doctors, Nurses or Paramedics.

Technical questions about the website

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.

Who designed and developed the website?

The site was designed and developed by Alistair Duggin.

Waria Community Conservation Project Website