Pre-Departure Handbook
Last updated July 2015
blueventures.org
Contents Introduction ...... 5
Chapter 1. Blue Ventures Belize expedition ...... 6
1.1. Life on a Blue Ventures expedition ...... 7
1.2. Staff team and volunteer numbers ...... 7
1.3. Health and safety ...... 7
Chapter 2. Accommodation ...... 9
2.1. Sarteneja (homestay group) ...... 9
2.2. Bacalar Chico Dive Camp (cabanas) ...... 9
Chapter 3. Food and water ...... 11
3.1. Sarteneja ...... 11
3.2. Bacalar Chico Dive Camp (BCDC) ...... 11
Language ...... 12
3.3. Sarteneja ...... 12
3.4. Bacalar Chico Dive Camp (BCDC) ...... 12
Chapter 4. Money ...... 13
4.1. Travellers cheques ...... 13
4.2. Spending on site ...... 13
4.2.1. Spending in Sarteneja ...... 13
4.2.2. Spending at Bacalar Chico Dive Camp (BCDC) ...... 13
Chapter 5. Communication with home ...... 14
5.1. Sarteneja ...... 14
5.2. Bacalar Chico Dive Camp ...... 14
5.3. Mobile phones...... 14
5.4. Emails ...... 14
Page 1
5.5. Emergency contacts ...... 15
Chapter 6. Dive programme ...... 16
6.1. Overview ...... 16
6.2. Divers Alert Network (DAN) ...... 16
6.3. Dive training ...... 17
6.3.1. PADI Open Water Diver ...... 18
6.3.2. Advanced Open Water Diver ...... 18
6.3.3. Additional dive courses ...... 19
6.3.4. PADI Rescue Diver course ...... 19
6.3.5. Emergency First Responder (EFR) ...... 19
6.3.6. Dive Master ...... 20
6.3.7. Scuba reviews ...... 20
6.4. Boat marshal and shore marshal ...... 20
6.5. Dive equipment ...... 20
Chapter 7. Science programme ...... 22
7.2 Science training materials ...... 22
7.3 Identification guides ...... 23
Chapter 8. Community programme...... 24
8.1. Sarteneja ...... 24
8.1.1. School lessons ...... 24
8.1.2. Community education sessions ...... 24
8.1.3. Sarteneja Alliance for Conservation and Development (SACD) ...... 24
8.1.4. Wildtracks, Manatee and Monkey Rehabilitation Centre ...... 24
8.2. Other expedition activities at BCDC ...... 25
8.2.1. Bird surveys ...... 25
Page 2
8.2.2. Manatee surveys (dedicated and habitat) ...... 25
Chapter 9. Logistics ...... 25
9.1. Confirming your place ...... 25
9.2 Paying your balance ...... 26
9.3 Forms ...... 26
9.3.1 Medical Forms ...... 27
9.3.2 Emergency contacts ...... 27
9.4 Insurance Details ...... 27
9.4.1 Travel Insurance ...... 27
9.4.2 DAN insurance ...... 28
Chapter 10. Transport and travel ...... 28
10.1. Other members of your expedition ...... 28
10.2. International travel ...... 29
10.3. Flying into Belize ...... 29
10.3.1. Getting out of Belize City by bus ...... 30
10.3.2. Getting out of Belize City by water taxi ...... 31
10.4. Flying into Cancun, Mexico ...... 32
10.4.1. Getting out of Cancun by bus ...... 32
10.4.2. Cancun to Chetumal, Mexico (near the Belize Border) ...... 32
10.4.3. Playa del Carmen to Chetumal, Mexico ...... 32
10.4.4. Chetumal to Corozal, Belize ...... 32
10.4.5. Water taxi: Corozal to Sarteneja ...... 32
10.4.6. Bus: Corozal to Sarteneja via Orange Walk ...... 33
10.5. Sarteneja ...... 34
Chapter 11. Visas ...... 35
Page 3
11.1. Entry stamp or visa? ...... 35
11.2. The Embassy of Belize in London...... 35
Chapter 12. Carbon offsetting ...... 36
Chapter 13. Medical Preparations ...... 36
13.1. Completing the medical forms ...... 36
13.2. Arranging vaccinations and medication ...... 36
13.3. Bringing a medical kit ...... 37
Chapter 14. Blue Ventures forms and travel documents ...... 37
14.1. Forms to be uploaded...... 37
Chapter 15. Packing your bags ...... 38
15.1. Travel essentials ...... 38
15.2. Clothes ...... 39
15.3. Personal kit ...... 39
15.4. Personal medical kit...... 40
15.5. Miscellaneous ...... 41
15.6. Brownie points ...... 41
Chapter 16. When you return ...... 41
16.1. What happens when I get home? ...... 41
16.2. Keeping in touch ...... 42
16.3. Check-ups ...... 42
16.4. Blue Ventures in the UK ...... 42
16.5. Where the money goes ...... 42
Page 4
Introduction
This handbook is intended as a more detailed and informative version of the online Volunteer Guide and information on the website http://blueventures.org/belize/belize-expeditions.html that you will have read prior to applying as a volunteer with Blue Ventures. For your own preparation, safety and enjoyment it is essential that you read this guide fully, well in advance of your departure. If you have any questions please get in touch with our team in the London office by telephone on +44 (0)20 7697 8598 or by email: [email protected].
Blue Ventures is dedicated to working with local communities to conserve threatened marine habitats and resources for the betterment of people and nature. The ecological and social data you gather whilst on an expedition are invaluable for establishing strategies for the sustainable management of the unique coastal habitats of Northern Belize.
We are committed to getting you, the volunteer, involved in all aspects of our research to give you hands-on, multidisciplinary conservation experience. We want you to learn new skills and techniques, have an active role in all aspects of the expedition, including leadership, and return home with a passion to do more for marine conservation and sustainable development. We also hope that by the end of your time with us you will share our love for Belize - both above and below the water.
The diverse challenges of volunteering in Northern Belize mean the experience does not suit everyone. It can take time to adjust to the climate, remoteness and basic conditions. You will be required to undertake physically and mentally demanding work for long hours. Sometimes starting your day at dawn and finishing late at night. You will regularly face challenges to which you will need to develop innovative solutions.
We strive to maintain the highest possible standard of life on an expedition by:
• Ensuring that, although basic, expedition accommodation and food are of a good quality.
• Maintaining the balance between work, research and recreation, by giving volunteers the time and space to get the most out of their stay with us.
At the end of your expedition you will have the opportunity to give us feedback that will help us improve the volunteer experience including all our pre-departure briefing documents. We hope this material is of use to you, and look forward to welcoming you to the site!
Page 5
Chapter 1. Blue Ventures Belize expedition Blue Ventures expeditions are much more than coral reef research diving projects. The success of our conservation programmes in the region depends on the terrestrial and socio-economic work that we do. Throughout the duration of each expedition, volunteers take part in a range of research activities including our community and science programmes, which focus on monitoring the coral reef as well as the manatee, bird and fish populations within the mangrove ecosystem, adjacent to the coral reef of the Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve.
Blue Ventures Belize is a split project, with equal focus placed on community and outreach programmes and coral reef research. The nature of northern Belize is such that the coral reef is approximately 50 kilometres away from the mainland population. To counteract this problem, Blue Ventures has two project sites; Bacalar Chico Dive Camp and the fishing community of Sarteneja, located in the northern Belize district of Corozal. Sarteneja lies on the shores of Corozal Bay, situated within several highly diverse and fragile ecosystems; dense mangrove stands and new growth rainforest. Sartenejans are renowned boat-builders, and their uniquely designed sailing vessels roam the entire coastal waters of Belize landing their catch in markets throughout the towns and cities of Belize.
Blue Ventures Belize works closely with the Sartenejan community to create and support alternative livelihoods, while raising awareness of the state of the coral reef within Belize. Volunteers will spend two weeks assisting with education programmes within the local schools, teaching both science and English to a variety of age groups. Additionally conservation demonstrations and presentations are given to the local community, such as lionfish dissection’s and information dissemination about the problems caused by these invasive species.
Volunteers will also be involved with cross NGO cooperation projects such as manatee mapping; the aim of this project is to map manatee activity within Corozal bay monitoring resting holes, examining behaviour and abundance. The information collected may result in increased protection for areas within Corozal Bay, which are of vital importance to the endangered and dwindling West Indian manatee. Conservation plans being developed in the region focus on the education and livelihood of the Sartenejan community so that the biological diversity and productivity of the reefs can be maintained.
Blue Ventures Belize second project site is located within the Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve on Ambergris Caye, where our research programme monitors the coral reef health within the different management zones of the reserve. The data is analysed by on site marine biologists who produce an annual report for the Belize Fisheries Department which utilises this information to make management decision for the reserve, ultimately allowing them to apply adaptive changes to the multi-zone management scheme currently in place.
Volunteers will enter the science training programme conducted by qualified and experienced marine biologists, who will instruct volunteers on fish and benthic identification followed by the surveying techniques required to monitor the reserve’s coral reef ecosystem. As the data collected may alter the way an important environmental resource is managed and maintained, Blue Ventures Belize has high standards; these require volunteers to take a full and active part in the training process. It is important to remember that Blue Ventures Belize is a research facility, not a dive resort.
Volunteers will be diving on the northern part of the Belize Barrier Reef, which stretches for 320km along the coast of Belize and is part of the second longest barrier reef system in the world, the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. The Belize Barrier Reef was named one of the “7 Wonders of the Underwater World” by CEDAM international in 1989, and the reef has been a UNESCO World Heritage listed site since 1996.
The specific focus of the research project undertaken when you are on site may vary depending on the season and at dive camp the weather, which may limit the accessibility of certain dive sites. You will be fully briefed on
Page 6
this upon arrival in Sarteneja. We strongly encourage you to spend time reading the Research Updates and Beyond Conservation blog to keep informed.
Above and below the water, all our work is carried out in collaboration with the Belize Fisheries Department and locally-based, community-led organisations who have stewardship over the areas you will be studying. Working closely with members of organizations such as the Sarteneja Alliance for Conservation and Development greatly enhances community participation, helping Blue Ventures and our partners identify strategies and targets to promote sustainable use of natural resources.
1.1. Life on a Blue Ventures expedition
In addition to diving and other marine, terrestrial and social research work, all volunteers are involved in a wide range of aspects of the day-to-day running of the expedition; from skills development, to equipment and site maintenance. There are a multitude of tasks each day that can make expedition life extremely busy, but at the same time ensure that the project is a fascinating learning experience for all.
Blue Ventures volunteers are required to take an active part in expedition life, assisting staff wherever possible and carrying out daily duties. Each day begins early and sometimes ends quite late. Despite the hard work, there is still plenty of time for rest and relaxation, particularly on the scheduled weekly non-dive day. Volunteers may choose to play volleyball, football or card games, simply explore the mangroves and rainforest or read a book. There are also the opportunities to go snorkelling, walking or just take some time out for some sunbathing. You can read about the kind of experiences past volunteers have had in the Blue Ventures Field Diary Blog.
1.2. Staff team and volunteer numbers
The sizes of expedition teams vary throughout the year, depending on the season and amount of research we are engaged in at any specific time. Typically, there are between 6 and 13 volunteers working on each 6 week phase. In addition, there are four permanent Blue Ventures staff members involved in running the expedition and the research programme. Blue Ventures staff includes at present as many as four local Belizeans and occasionally researchers from our partner organizations in the country.
The field staff are there to collect and analyse data while training and supporting you to achieve our research aims. Expedition staff are not tour guides or camp councillors as such volunteers must not only understand this but also respect it by playing a full role. Without financial and physical support from volunteers, Blue Ventures cannot collect the scientific data or conduct our community programmes. You the volunteer help us to achieve our goals, helping to conserve the marine environment and those communities dependent on them.
Heading our in-field team is Expedition and Dive Manager, Shawn Harper, responsible for the running of the expedition and research site and is in charge of all personnel on site.
The research you will be undertaking is managed and supervised by Field Scientists Klavdija Jenko, Pippa Swanell, Meira Mizrahi and Winnie Courtene-Jones who work together with the Country Coordinator, Jennifer Chapman and Expedition Manager to plan each day’s activities. The Field Scientists are also responsible for volunteer science training during your expedition.
1.3. Health and safety
Health and safety is our primary consideration when working in such a remote location, and there are rules and regulations on site.
Page 7
To review the rules and regulations in place, please refer to the Booking Conditions you agreed to when confirming your place in the expedition.
The remote nature is a factor that appeals to many of our volunteers. However, it may also cause complications, including the logistical difficulties in getting to and from the sites. Our health and safety plans have to take this into account.
Whilst on site, your general health and well-being are looked after by camp staff who are trained Emergency First Responders and at times an expedition medic. A rigorously tested MEDIVAC plan is in place to ensure your safety. Medical facilities are accessible in the following locations:
Medical Facilities accessible from Sarteneja: Orange Walk: 90 minute journey by road has two hospitals
Corozal: 40 minute boat journey away and has a slightly larger hospital
*Helicopter evacuation to Belize City or Chetumal, Mexico, through the Belize Emergency Response Team (BERT) can be organised at short notice
Medical Facilities accessible from Bacalar Chico Dive Camp: San Pedro: 60 minute boat journey away, is the closest emergency medical facility to Bacalar Chico Dive Camp and has a recompression chamber
*Helicopter evacuation to Belize City or Chetumal, Mexico through the Belize Emergency Response Team (BERT) can be organised at short notice
Page 8
Chapter 2. Accommodation
2.1. Sarteneja (homestay group)
As stated previously, Blue Ventures Belize supports alternative livelihoods. One such venture is the Sarteneja Home Stay Group, which currently consists of thirteen families that have opened up their homes to visitors from around the world. The Sarteneja Home Stay Group provides an alternative source of income to fishing, which Blue Ventures supports by placing all of our volunteers in homestay accommodation for the Sarteneja portion of the Expedition (the first and last week of a six week expedition). This is a fantastic opportunity for volunteers to immerse themselves within Belizean culture, learn and practise Spanish, taste local culinary delights and maybe learn how to make a few, while sharing aspects of their own culture with their Belizean family. Wherever possible, volunteers will be placed in pairs and with their own lockable room within the home. All linen will be provided. Laundry depends on your homestay ‘mum’, some may offer, others may make their washing facilities (washing machine/tub) available. This is an arrangement that is between you and your homestay mum. There is also a family within the village who offer a laundry service. Your homestay family will provide breakfast and lunch, while dinner will be served at the Blue Ventures house. Please let the London office know, as soon as possible, if you have special dietary requirements so that we can inform your homestay family.
The relationship between Blue Ventures Belize and the local community is vital to the conservation and socioeconomic work that we do in the area. In order to make an impact on an environmental level, we need to be trusted and respected within the local community. The Village of Sarteneja is a conservative and religious community, and as such they have values and beliefs that need to be respected. For example, women do not drink in public, couples are very reserved with public affection and it is unacceptable to be drunk in public. It is important to remember that while in Sarteneja volunteers will be staying with families who may have children of all ages and so there is a 12 pm curfew that must be adhered to out of respect for your home stay.
In Sarteneja, there are several shops that can provide basic necessities, soft drinks and snacks as well as alcoholic drinks. At present there are no cash points/ATMs within Sarteneja.
2.2. Bacalar Chico Dive Camp (cabanas)
During your stay in Bacalar Chico Dive Camp (BCDC) you will be housed in spacious four person cabanas (two bunk beds per cabana), with communal brackish water showers and toilet facilities. All linen (fitted sheet, top sheet and pillow case) will be provided, as well as a pillow and mattress. Volunteers should bring their own summer sleeping bags during the Norte season (end of November - Beginning of March). Sand fly nets rather than mosquito nets should be purchased as they prevent access to both sand-flies and mosquitoes while you are sleeping. Sand fly nets can be purchased in Sarteneja for $45 BZD. Each cabana has four electrical outputs; one per resident, which can be used when the generator is running between 17:30 and 21:00. We ask volunteers to refrain from plugging in multiple items at once. Belize uses standard US electrical sockets, please ensure that your travel adapters have this option.
While private accommodation is not available, volunteers are free to set up their own tents whilst at dive camp, if more privacy is desired. Personal laundry will be the responsibility of each volunteer which can be done utilising the wash basins and drying-lines provided, or at the launderette during a resupply run to San Pedro.
Page 9
As you will discover, for a remote dive camp, the accommodation in Bacalar Chico is extremely comfortable. Although some volunteers might like the idea of sleeping on the beach (which is easily accomplished with a hammock), we have found (through experience!), that comfortable living and eating make for a more enjoyable and - more importantly - a more productive research expedition.
Because you will be living and working in an environment that is ecologically extremely sensitive, we ask that you only bring biodegradable soaps, shampoos, and conditioners with you to the site as you will be unable to buy them in Belize. These can be purchased from most outdoor or travel supply stores; manufacturers include Lush, Faith in Nature, Lifesystems and Jason.
The cabanas are located on your own private beach, metres from the water’s edge with an exquisite view over the reef flat and turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea, framed by the white waves that break now and then on the reef crest. We are confident that you will be impressed with the view when you arrive at your new home for the diving portion of the expedition! http://blueventures.org/online-gallery.html
If you are staying with us for two expeditions or longer, there is an inter-phase period of two to three days between expeditions. During this period you will not be covered by Blue Ventures remit, and you will have the opportunity to travel or stay in Sarteneja catch up with emails, dining out and village life. Please note that if you stay in Sarteneja you will be responsible for costs for your food and accommodation (approximately US$25 per day).
Page 10
Chapter 3. Food and water The Belizean diet mainly consists of white flour, with tortillas, fry jacks and journey cakes forming part of most meals. As the diet is primarily wheat based it can be difficult for individuals to stay fit and healthy on a gluten free diet.
3.1. Sarteneja
While in the village of Sarteneja, breakfast and dinner will be served in your homestay, while lunch will be catered at the Blue Ventures office. In the field, Victor Santoya, our expedition cook will prepare all meals for the research team each day. Meals are a mixture of traditional Belizean, with strong Mestizo and Mayan influences, as well as western favourites.
There are four sources of water within the village:
• Village water which is treated and drinkable, however it may not be to the standards of your home country.
• Well water (not drinkable) • Filtered rain water (drinkable) • Bottled water from local shops (drinkable)
3.2. Bacalar Chico Dive Camp (BCDC)
Breakfast - Consists of two options (cooked; usually eggs and beans with tortilla/fry jacks) or oats (porridge), usually served with fruit.
Lunch & Dinner - Includes various dishes such as chilli beans, rice & beans, chicken soup, pizza, fried rice, pasta, fried vegetables and stuffed peppers.
Vegetable produce is brought to the site from local suppliers in either Belize or Mexico, and consequently there tends to be a monthly variation in fresh fruit and vegetable variety depending on the season and weather conditions. Volunteers are reminded that during the course of the expedition you will be living in one of the remotest parts of the Belize coastline. Blue Ventures Belize aims to support the economy of the surrounding area by using as much locally sourced produce as possible. As such, typical ‘Western’ ingredients and cuisine are not always available!
We do not cater for any specific dietary requirements, but do let the London office know pre-departure, and the expedition manager know on arrival, of your preferences, and we will do our best to accommodate your wishes. Several of our members of staff are vegetarians, and so vegetarian volunteers are well looked after by our cook. If you do have any unusual dietary requirements please take advice on vitamin supplements before you leave.
Due to the remote location of Bacalar Chico, the only source of drinking water is filtered rainwater, which is available on site. Your water bottle is an important item of kit which will be vital during long boat journeys, walking around the village and excursions such as manatee mapping.
In case of emergencies or travel plans to other remote locations pre or post expedition volunteers are advised to bring their own iodine drops, chloritabs or water filter for water purification. These can be obtained at most pharmacies or outdoor/camping stores.
Page 11
Utility water is from a shallow well, which is brackish water and is a scarce and precious resource. The supply is normally adequate for everyone to shower at least daily, but we ask that all site personnel respect the fragility of this resource by doing their utmost to help save water. Language
3.3. Sarteneja
The predominant language within Sarteneja is Spanish. However, most people under the age of 30 have a good grasp of English, depending on their level of education, as school is taught solely in English. To help volunteers with this, we try and arrange as many informal Spanish lessons as possible and encourage volunteers to practice with their homestay families, in order to get the most out of the experience.
3.4. Bacalar Chico Dive Camp (BCDC)
The working language on the site is English. Many of our local Belizean colleagues are more comfortable speaking Spanish, and are more than willing to continue helping volunteers with their Spanish. Experience has shown that those that make a concerted effort to learn whilst on site are often able to get more out of their time with us by being able to interact more closely with the local community. There are a number of Learn Spanish CDs published, which will give you a significant head start in learning the language.
Page 12
Chapter 4. Money We advise volunteers to bring US dollars in various denominations, preferably small, which will be easier to use and exchange. US Dollar have a fixed exchange rate of $2 BZD = $1 USD. US dollars are readily accepted all over Belize and it is common to receive a combination of US and Belize dollars in change. Bring an ATM card to withdraw cash. Cash machines are available in Belize City, Corozal, Orange Walk and San Pedro, please ensure you have enough before departure. Please note that Sarteneja does not have any ATMs.
4.1. Travellers cheques
If bringing travellers cheques, we recommend taking US Dollar cheques rather than Sterling or Euro cheques to Belize as you will be able to lock in your exchange rate when you purchase the cheques. Make sure that you keep a record both at home and on the expedition of the cheque identity numbers (a photocopy is always helpful). Also make sure to bring to Belize the receipt for the cheques. Travellers cheques can be difficult to change, as many banks will not accept the cheques without these. Travellers cheques cannot be changed in Sarteneja but are accepted in Orange Walk and San Pedro.
4.2. Spending on site
Please note that we are NOT able to change or lend money to volunteers, so make sure you bring enough money to cover your expenses while in Belize
Experience has shown that it is better to be safe than sorry, and to travel to the site with a small reserve of money which you can change back into Euros, Pounds or Dollars at the end of your expedition if not used.
4.2.1. Spending in Sarteneja Whilst on site there will be little opportunity to spend money other than in the local bars and shops in Sarteneja. We recommend budgeting £50 ($80USD) per week. Approximate prices are as follows:
• Internet - $5 BZD per hour
• Beer - $3.50 BZD
• Meal out - $5 - $20 BZD
4.2.2. Spending at Bacalar Chico Dive Camp (BCDC) There is no shop at dive camp, although we do usually get supplies midweek, and volunteers will have the opportunity to order one or two items if a volunteer representative is going into town too.
Page 13
Chapter 5. Communication with home
5.1. Sarteneja
While in Sarteneja, communication with home is readily available. Internet cafes offer fast and reliable internet (though keep in mind that Skype can be difficult to use in Belize), and public phones are available to be used with calling cards or credit cards. Be aware that the phone system is much less reliable than the internet, and getting a line overseas can sometimes be troublesome.
5.2. Bacalar Chico Dive Camp
Owing to the remoteness of our dive camp, communication is a bit more difficult. We have a base static mobile which may be used upon request but we ask that you use it sparingly as it is mainly for staff and expedition use. Top-up phone cards can be purchased in Sarteneja and San Pedro. The cost of calls varies depending on distance and network providers. The easiest thing to do is to give our contact number to your family which they can call from Skype. Please remind them of the time difference, and that while on dive camp you will be busy diving from 05:30 till 16:00, and that most people go to bed at 21:00, to avoid disturbance to camp life. In case of emergency we do have a Satellite telephone on site if our main source of communication fails and which family can call you on if needs be: BCDC Satellite Phone: +501 667 7659
In case of an emergency only, you can contact our field site in Belize by ringing: +44 (0)7909 525 410. If normal communication is not working, a message will be relayed to the camp via satellite telephone. Please remember to inform family and friends that to contact them from Belize is difficult and therefore they should not worry if they have not heard from you whilst you are in the field.
5.3. Mobile phones
There is mobile phone coverage in Sarteneja, however at the dive site mobile phone signal is sporadic at best, and only if you stand in the right location you may get on bar of signal. SIM cards purchased in Belize do not work in all phones from other countries even if they are unlocked, it really depends on the phone and where it is from. You can check if your own provider facilitates network roaming in Belize, however this may be an expensive option. Your other choice is to purchase a mobile while you are in Belize; a cheap Nokia will cost $100 BZD.
5.4. Emails
Volunteers will travel to San Pedro at least once in the four week dive camp period, where they will have the opportunity to check their email.
Any urgent messages can be sent to [email protected] who will contact the team on your behalf if necessary.
Page 14
5.5. Emergency contacts
In emergencies only, messages can be relayed by telephoning our 24-hour service:
24 Hour contact details:
Managing Director, Richard Nimmo: +44 (0)7909 525 410
London Office: +44 (0)2076 978 598
*Please remember to dial the international access number before the 44 (most nations 00, USA and Canada is 011)
Page 15
Chapter 6. Dive programme
6.1. Overview
Belize offers a unique diving environment, renowned as one of the most beautiful in the world. Varying from sites such as Canyons, which has swim through after swim through, to Firing Range, with crystal clear visibility and where volunteers have dived with dolphins. The sites we visit offer experienced and new divers alike, the chance to encounter a wide range of the habitats you will learn about during your time with Blue Ventures.
It is Blue Ventures policy that all diving activities are carried out under the guidance and supervision of the Dive Manager. When in the water, staff and volunteers are required to adhere to the Blue Ventures diving protocol at all times, the details of which will be fully explained to you by the Diving Manager when you arrive on site. Failure to do so may result in volunteers being prevented from taking part in further diving activities. Blue Ventures Belize dive rules and protocol are available upon request by contacting the London Office +44 (0)20 7697 8598 or by email: [email protected].
All volunteers are required to pass a 400m swim test in open water while in Sarteneja, before any diving or boat based activities can be carried out. This is not a timed swim and you can take it as many times as you need to.
All volunteers with dive training will complete a check dive, where you will review basic dive skills with a Certified PADI Dive Instructor or PADI Dive Master. After this, all volunteers will complete the PADI Peak Performance Buoyancy Adventure Dive, where you will practice buoyancy through a variety of challenging skills and games.
A typical dive week will consist of five working days where volunteers will work on species ID, coral reef monitoring dives and PADI dive training. The sixth day is a half day, where volunteers will get the opportunity to participate in fun dives, accompanying staff on lionfish cull dives (all spearing and handling of lionfish will be conducted by Blue Ventures Belize staff only, with no exceptions). During the fun dives, remaining volunteers will participate in a camp and beach clean, rotating in and out as they go diving. The afternoon is free, an opportunity for you to enjoy the wonderful surroundings of Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve. You could walk along the beach to Rocky Point, walk through the jungle and mangrove to Cantana Lagoon or just lie in a hammock and read. The seventh day is a compulsory ‘no-dive-day’ to let any residual nitrogen built-up through the week’s diving to be completely cleared from your system. This is also a day off for our local staff so volunteers need to prepare their own meals on this day.
Depending on local weather and sea conditions, each volunteer should be able to complete on average one research dive per day. This is only a guide, and depends on local conditions and group numbers. As stated above there are recreational dives, so if you have an underwater camera, we very strongly urge you to bring it with you. All of our diving activities are conducted within the framework of the Blue Ventures Diving Protocol, which has been designed to take account of the frequency of dives, and types of dive profiles that volunteers, staff and visiting marine biologists undertake on our expeditions.
6.2. Divers Alert Network (DAN)
DAN is a membership organisation which provides emergency evacuation and medical support for divers. DAN is familiar with the nature of remote diving operations, and is therefore able to efficiently evacuate anyone in the case of emergency. We require a minimum of DAN Basic Membership cover (which will cover you for one year).
Page 16
The basic DAN membership has different names in the various regions of the world, DAN Europe is Bronze Sports diver, DAN USA is Standard and DAN Asia-Pacific is Basic.
DAN offices in Europe, US, South Africa and Asia-Pacific
DAN Europe: www.daneurope.org
DAN US/other: www.dan.org
DAN South Africa: www.dansa.org
It is essential that you forward on to us details of both your travel insurance and DAN insurance policies at least four weeks before your departure. Failure to do so may prevent you from being allowed to take part in any diving activities at the site.
For any other enquiries and for advice on our recommended insurers please contact us:
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +44(0)207 697 8598
6.3. Dive training
As part of Blue Ventures dive protocol it is a standard that all divers are trained to at least PADI Advanced Open Water standard before taking part in in water research activities. This ensures that all divers are comfortable in water before being tasked with surveying the underwater world. For those who have never dived before, Belize is a fantastic place to learn. Why learn in a pool when you can learn in one of the 7 Wonders of the Underwater World?
Blue Ventures Belize offers several diving courses:
Blue Ventures course prices (manuals not included*)
PADI Open Water Diver Course From £135
PADI Advanced Open Water Course From £125
PADI SCUBA Tune Up £49 (includes book and decal)
PADI Rescue Diver Course £245
Page 17
PADI Dive Master Course £395
*Be advised that PADI (the diving authority that Blue Ventures uses for training) requires all trainees to own a copy of the course literature during training. All PADI manuals can be purchased from: www.amazon.co.uk
6.3.1. PADI Open Water Diver New divers participating in the PADI Open Water Diver course will start learning before you arrive in Belize. When you receive your books, don’t be afraid to crack that spine and get reading. There are five chapters, each complete with quick quizzes to check your understanding as you go along, and a knowledge review at the end which covers that chapter. Our experience is that those who do their knowledge reviews before they arrive make more out of their time in Sarteneja, and although you will have free time you probably will not want to use it doing PADI knowledge reviews.
When you arrive in Sarteneja you will receive an introduction to the course and will watch the PADI Open Water DVD and gradually work through the five knowledge reviews with your instructor.
During the first week of dive camp you will start your in-water training. Beginning with an introduction to the equipment, followed by your first confined water dive. During confined water, your instructor will introduce you to many new skills, including breathing underwater. Confined water usually consists of two to three dive sessions depending on your progression, mastering of the skills and course student numbers. After confined water comes open water, where you will demonstrate your ability to complete the skills you learnt in shallow water at depth (between 12 and 18 meters) over 4 dives. During the course you will also take practise exam quizzes, which will prepare you for your final exam. This consists of 50 multiple choice questions, and has a 75% pass requirement.
6.3.2. Advanced Open Water Diver The PADI Advanced Open Water course allows divers to learn new skills and continue to work on those which are a key part of diving, such as buoyancy, under the keen eyes of PADI professionals who will help you every step of the way. The course will start when you receive your book. There are many different chapters in this book, which refer to all the different adventures you can have underwater. To obtain your Advanced Open Water you need to complete five adventure dives. Each dive is accompanied by a knowledge review. At Blue Ventures Belize we tailor the advanced course to meet the in water research activities we conduct. This is obtained through the following adventure dives:
• Boat Diving
• Deep Diving
• Peak Performance Buoyancy
• Multilevel/Dive Computer
• Underwater Navigation
Page 18
Our experience shows that those who do their knowledge reviews before they arrive make more out of their time in Sarteneja. Although you will have free time, you probably will not want to use it doing PADI knowledge reviews.
At the end of the first week in Sarteneja you will go through the five knowledge reviews with your PADI instructor. During the first week at dive camp you will take part in a Scuba Review to refresh your memory of the basic diving skills from open water before starting your advanced course.
6.3.3. Additional dive courses There is also the opportunity to take your diving education further whilst on site. Each expedition several volunteers complete the PADI Emergency First Response and PADI Rescue Diver courses. These two courses go hand-in-hand to increase a diver’s knowledge of first aid, along with techniques for locating and dealing with tired, panicked or unconscious divers. For those volunteers who intend to stay for a second expedition, training to Dive Master Level is available. This is the first step on the professional dive ladder, and involves training in leading certified divers, assisting with students, and dive theory. Please note PADI Rescue Diver is a prerequisite for PADI Dive Master, so if you are not trained to this level, you must take the PADI Rescue Diver course. Additional dive courses taken may result in volunteers receiving fewer science dives during dive camp.
6.3.4. PADI Rescue Diver course The PADI Rescue Diver course is a great opportunity for divers to learn the skills needed to perform an in- water rescue, thus increasing confidence in their diving ability. If anything were to go wrong during a dive, they would have the skills and knowledge base to handle the problem before them.
The course will begin as soon as you receive your books. You will need to read the five chapters within the rescue diver manual, each complete with quick quizzes, to check your understanding as you go along, and a knowledge review at the end which covers that chapter. Our experience is that those who do their knowledge reviews before they arrive, make more out of their time in Sarteneja and although you will have free time you probably will not want to use it doing PADI knowledge reviews.
When you arrive in Sarteneja, you will receive an introduction to the course and will watch the PADI Rescue Diver DVD. At the end of the first week you will go through the five knowledge reviews with your instructor.
Once at Bacalar Chico Dive Camp, PADI Rescue Diver training usually takes place during the third week (week 4 of your expedition). This gives volunteers time to settle into their science training and the opportunity for volunteers taking part in both the PADI Open Water and PADI Advanced Open Water training programmes to participate. PADI Rescue Diver training consists of three to four confined water sessions, where volunteers learn all the necessary techniques, and an open water scenario where their skills are put to the test. During the course, participants must complete an emergency action plan (see chapter 3 PADI Rescue Diver Manual), and a final exam, consisting of 50 multiple choice questions, with a 75% pass requirement.
Be advised you must have a valid first aid qualification as a prerequisite to the conducting the PADI Rescue Diver course. PADI advises the Emergency First Responder course, which is conducted on site at Blue Ventures Belize.
6.3.5. Emergency First Responder (EFR) EFR is a basic first aid course incorporating primary care; which deals with life-threatening injuries (CPR), and secondary care; first aid for non-life-threatening injuries. In order to complete this course participants must read through the work book and complete the knowledge reviews at the end of each chapter. There will be
Page 19
several practical sessions where you will practice the required skills covered in the manual and DVD. The course culminates with a final exam containing two sections; Primary Care (35 multiple choice questions) and Secondary Care (10 multiple choice questions).
6.3.6. Dive Master The PADI Dive Master programme is a professional certification that will allow participants to work as a PADI Dive Master anywhere around the world, leading dives and assisting with dive training. Participants in the PADI Dive Master programme will be judged on their professionalism, work ethic and the ability to help and interact with other divers. These criteria will apply during all aspects of the expedition, not just during PADI Dive Master exercises. The course requires at least one six week expedition, assuming divers arrive at the PADI Rescue Diver standard. If volunteers take part in two expeditions, it is possible to go from PADI Open Water to PADI Dive Master. However, this is hard work and may reduce the number of science training and survey opportunities. The course requires students to complete nine knowledge reviews, and eight multiple choice exams covering a range of subjects including; dive equipment, physics, physiology and training standards, as well as in water skill evaluations and training sessions.
The course will begin as soon as you receive your books, you will need to read the nine chapters within the PADI Dive Master manual, each complete with quick quizzes to check your understanding as you go along, and a knowledge review at the end which covers that chapter. Our experience is that those who do their knowledge reviews before they arrive make more out of their time in Sarteneja and although you will have free time you probably will not want to use it doing PADI knowledge reviews.
6.3.7. Scuba reviews For divers who arrive on site already trained to the level of PADI Advanced Open Water or equivalent, your initial dives will be a chance to refresh your diving, and a chance to start exploring the reefs of Belize. If you are a qualified diver who has not dived for more than six months, you will need to undertake a SCUBA tune-up before your expedition or with us when you arrive, to refresh your skills before diving.
The availability of additional PADI courses are conducted at the Dive Managers discretion. This depends on courses being undertaken and whether the course fits in with the diving and research schedule. Therefore we would recommend informing the London office and the Dive Manager, Sam Hope ([email protected]) about your requirements well before your departure.
6.4. Boat marshal and shore marshal
In the interest of safety, Blue Ventures requires that there be a shore marshal and boat marshal for all reef dives. These positions are fulfilled by volunteers. As boat marshal you will look after the safety and wellbeing of other volunteers on one of our research boats. As shore marshal you act as first point of contact between our research boats and dive camp. You will be fully briefed on these roles during your first few introductory days at dive camp.
6.5. Dive equipment
We realise that for new divers the array of dive equipment available can be slightly daunting. Items marked essential are essential, and any volunteers without these pieces of equipment will not be allowed to dive. Please also refer to the dive kit list in the pre-departure briefing for the most up to date list. 1. Mask - Essential
Page 20
There are many different types of masks. However, the most important feature is that it fits and is comfortable. Place the mask on your face, inhaling through your nose without the strap over your head.
You should feel it suck onto your face. Now shake your head from side to side and it should not fall off. To prevent your mask from fogging up during use, be sure to remove the protective manufacturers seal by rubbing toothpaste into the surface of the lenses, inside the mask. Leave it on overnight then wash it off. 2. Snorkel - Essential.
3. Fins - Essential
4. Dive Boots - Essential (unless you have full foot fins)
5. Wetsuit - Recommended
• January-February: Water temperature is 25˚C. A 5mm long wetsuit or 3mm long wetsuit is recommended, depending on your tolerance to cold. • February-April: Water temperature is 25˚C - 27˚C. A 5mm long wetsuit or 3mm long wetsuit, depending on your tolerance to cold. • April-May: Water temperature is 26˚C- 28˚C. A 3mm long wetsuit should be adequate. • May-June: Water temperature is 29˚C. A 3mm shortie wetsuit or just a rash vest will be adequate at times. • June-September: Water temperature is 29˚C. A 3mm shortie or just a rash vest will be adequate at times. • October-November: Water temperature is 26˚C - 27˚C. A 3mm long should be adequate. • November-December: Water temperature is 25˚C - 26˚C. A 5mm long wetsuit or 3mm long wetsuit is advised, depending on your tolerance to the cold.
6. Timing device – Essential - Either a dive computer or watch (pressure tested to a minimum of 200m but even these have broken in the past)
7. Delayed Surface Marker Buoy (open ended sausage ) – Essential
8. Reel (for your DSMB) – Essential - A simple, small inexpensive thumb reel is recommended
9. Dive Slate A4 and Pencil (bring spare pencils) – Essential
10. Dive Knife - Essential
11. Buoyancy Control Device (BCD) - Optional - Blue Ventures has enough for everyone, but may not always be able to provide you with your preferred size.
12. Regulator – Optional - Blue Ventures has enough for everyone, but if you do choose to buy your own regulators we can accommodate either yoke or DIN connections
Page 21
Chapter 7. Science programme
Blue Ventures Belize works closely with the Belize Fisheries Department to survey the coral reefs within Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve. The data is collected following the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System - Synoptic Monitoring Programme (MBRS - SMP), which provides in depth annual information on the health of the coral reefs within Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve. We also collect data following a Holistic Reef Health - Seasonal Monitoring programme (HRH - SMP), developed in house to examine the seasonal changes in coral reef health.
Usually before you arrive, you are split into two groups; fish identification or coral identification as it is not possible to learn both groups in a 6 week expedition. When you arrive in Sarteneja your science training will start with core lectures on coral reef ecology and fish biology. You will receive identification lectures and workshops, as well as private study time and access to practise tests and flash cards. Once on dive camp, these lectures will be followed up by in-water point-outs, and detailed debriefs, to reinforce what you have learned during the dive. The identification training culminates with a computer test and in-water test, to validate the accuracy of the data collected. The pass requirement is 95%, and volunteers who return for a second expedition must retake these tests before they are able to survey. Volunteers will also be taught the survey methods required to monitor the reef following both MBRS - SMP and HRH – SMP.
We split volunteers to accelerate learning time, and therefore progress to surveying sooner, thus taking advantage of the time that you can give us, be it 3 weeks or 12. During the fourth week of the expedition, we start the second training programme. This enables volunteers to have the opportunity to learn both fish and coral species.
The course is taught in an informal and relaxed manner by our experienced field science team. This comprises Jen Chapman (BSc in Biology from the University of Southampton), Anouk Neuhaus (MSc Marine biodiversity and conservation from Ghent University), Daniela Escontrela (BSc Marine Biology from Miami University). They bring together the experience and scientific expertise to provide you with a well-run and effective science programme, which has a strong practical component. It is designed to give volunteers an introduction to the natural history of the region, whilst imparting a strong working knowledge of some of the issues and driving forces affecting the management and conservation of marine and coastal ecosystems in Belize, focussing in particular on Bacalar Chico and the northern Belize coastal region.
7.2 Science training materials
Volunteers should take the time to prepare for the scientific component of the expedition by studying before departure some of the material that will be covered during the science training weeks. Please remember that Blue Ventures Belize is a research facility, and as such volunteers need to take an active role in the science programme. The Blue Ventures Marine Science Training Guide (please ensure you have the most up to date copy; written by Sarah Beach 2012), can be downloaded from:
http://blueventures.org/images/downloads/belize-science-training.pdf
Experience has shown that volunteers who spend time reading through the training materials before the expedition pass the science tests earlier. Additionally on a personal level they will also get much more out of the project.
Page 22
7.3 Identification guides
In order to get a head start on learning, you will need a copy of one of the following species ID books depending on what group you are in. Please let us know if you have a preference or get in touch and we can advise you. Please note, you will not need to learn all the fish and coral species as we follow a Fish Species List and a Coral Species List devised by the MBRS monitoring protocol.
Caribbean Fish species ID book: Human, P. & Deloach,N. (3rd Edition) Reef Fish Identification Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications.
Benthic species ID book: Human, P. & Deloach, N. (2nd Edition) Reef Coral Identification Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications.
We do have a very limited number of these two identification guides available at Bacalar Chico Dive Camp. However, there are not enough for more than a couple of volunteers to use at the same time, and these cannot be removed from the classroom. We strongly encourage you to buy your own book for pre-departure learning, and to guarantee you have access to one whilst in Sarteneja and at Dive Camp. Experience has shown that volunteers who bring study guides learn much faster and are able to participate in survey dives earlier.
The third book in the Reef Set is Reef Creature Identification. These books are a fascinating and highly recommended introduction to the region and its marine and coastal species:
Human, P. & Deloach, N. (2nd Edition) Reef Creature Identification Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications.
These three texts can be purchased online from Amazon, or from our recommended stockists:
Aquapress
Web: www.aquapress.co.uk
Telephone: Chris Davey +44 (0)870 830 8120
Email: [email protected]
Natural History Bookstore
Web: http://www.nhbs.com
Telephone: +44 (0)1803 865913
Email: [email protected]
Page 23
Chapter 8. Community programme
8.1. Sarteneja
Blue Ventures Belize has an active presence in the local community, and the work that we do here is equally important as the data collected during Bacalar Chico Dive Camp.
8.1.1. School lessons During term time we go into the local high school and teach the students about marine conservation. The subject matter of these lectures is geared towards areas which are of particularly importance here in Belize as well as the Caribbean. Prime examples are the introduction of invasive species such as the lionfish, and the effectiveness of Marine Protected Areas and No Take Zones. Through cooperation with NGOs with in Sarteneja we have developed a syllabus so that everyone is working from the same page, and that any outreach programmes are conducted on the same subject matter to reinforce the ideas to the local community.
Another aspect of our work in the schools is to assist with English lessons. This affords the school with a prime resource; volunteers with a good grasp of the English language. It is not all about teaching, but giving the children an opportunity to practise and get comfortable talking in English.
8.1.2. Community education sessions Within the village of Sarteneja, Blue Ventures often conducts information days and events in order to communicate the work we have been doing and highlight conservation issues to the community across all age groups. A prime example of this is the lionfish demonstration afternoons, where we show local fishermen how to clean and prepare lionfish by removing the venomous spines. About three quarters of the fisherman here left school early to start working on their fathers fishing boats. For this reason, imparting skills is an important step towards achieving alternative livelihoods, for example through fishing a sustainable and environmentally friendly catch such as lionfish. Many fisherman here would like to supplement their income with more lucrative work but do not have the education or training necessary to do so. Through training sessions in first aid and reef identification we may help them find a career in the tourism sector as a tour guide..
8.1.3. Sarteneja Alliance for Conservation and Development (SACD) SACD are co-managers of Corozal Bay Wildlife Sanctuary. This is a grass roots organisation, set up by the people of Sarteneja to conserve the area and manage the sustainable use of its resources, ensuring that it will be available for future generations. Blue Ventures volunteers often assist SACD with fish trap assessments and the mapping of the West Indian manatee population, within the bay. SACD also need assistance in their community education initiatives and community development projects. For example conservation classes in local schools and mangrove planting workshops. It is vital to the success of Blue Ventures Belize to work along ide organisations such as SACD, and to provide logistical help and scientific expertise wherever possible. This ensures the success of these Belizean managed NGO’s to reinforce the fact that Belizean resources need to be managed and protected by Belizeans to enable the survival of these delicate ecosystems.
8.1.4. Wildtracks, Manatee and Monkey Rehabilitation Centre Wildtracks is the only manatee rehabilitation centre in Belize, and as such receives many injured and orphaned manatees. Most manatees are injured by boat propellers which often inhibits normal feeding habits resulting in malnutrition and often disease. Similar to Blue Ventures they receive volunteers from all over the world who
Page 24
participate in the rehabilitation process which is very labour intensive. The gentle and intelligent animals are rewarding to work with and the staff at Wildtracks have asked Blue Ventures Belize for help in the past.
8.2. Other expedition activities at BCDC
8.2.1. Bird surveys Bacalar Chico is an important nesting and migratory ground for many unusual bird species. Volunteers and staff spend four early mornings visiting different habitats including coastline, lagoon and mangrove, within the Bacalar Chico region, identifying bird species. These walks and boat trips are a great way to explore the coast. These surveys are led by our field scientists and experienced local staff when available. Field guides are available at Bacalar Chico Dive Camp to ensure accurate identification. These surveys allow us to look at the bird population within Bacalar Chico examining their distribution between ecosystems and monitor the activity of migratory birds using the resources at different times of year.
8.2.2. Manatee surveys (dedicated and habitat) Within the extensive shallow waters in Belize, there are large areas of sea grass beds. These are a vital part of the ecosystem here, supporting a wide variety of animals, such as a large population of West Indian manatee. Although the sea grass beds are generally in good health they could be affected by shoreline developments and pollution. Monitoring efforts are important to identify these potential threats early on.
8.2.3 Camp duties As mentioned at the earlier, there are a number of duties which need to be carried out on camp to maintain upkeep. These will be carried out daily on a rotational basis and consist of;
- Raking the site to remove sand fly eggs, seaweed and litter - Cleaning the toilet/shower blocks - Tidying diving store room - Cleaning classroom - Filling tanks
Aside of these duties, volunteers will be asked to cook their meals once per week when the staff have their day off.
Chapter 9. Logistics
9.1. Confirming your place
Group sizes are dictated by Blue Ventures, and try to adhere to a strict ratio of 3 volunteers to 1 staff member. This ensures that you get lots of support during your time in Belize. Confirming your Place
Once you have been offered a place on an expedition, you will be sent a link to a page where you can review and agree to our booking conditions and liability agreements and place down a £250 deposit. This can be paid via:
o Bank Transfer
Page 25
o PayPal o Sterling cheque
Further details will be given if you would like to pay via bank transfer or cheque. If you select PayPal, you will be directed to a page where you can either log onto your PayPal account, or there is an option to just pay with your credit or debit card (N.B. there is a 3% charge for all PayPal transactions which will automatically added to the deposit amount).
Further details on each of these payment methods can be found on the Payment Details Document.
Once we have received your deposit we will confirm via email, but please allow 2-3 working days for the payment to clear.
9.2 Paying your balance
Once we have received your deposit you will be sent an invoice outlining your remaining balance. This will be comprised of:
o The expedition cost – this will vary depending on your current dive level o The carbon offset amount – As the communities we work with in Madagascar are directly affected by climate change, we insist that all volunteers staff and visitor to site offset their carbon emissions via a £10 donation to Ades who supply solar stoves to communities near to where we work which reduced the amount of wood and coal which is burnt. More information on Ades can be found at: http://www.adesolaire.org. o Dive courses – Courses up to Advanced Open Water will be included in your expedition cost, but any extra dive course beyond that will be added here. If you have within 6 months of the start of the expedition you will need to do a tune-up (£49).
Your final balance is due 6 weeks before the start of the expedition. For more information on how this can be paid, please refer to the payment details document.
9.3 Forms
We do require some forms and paperwork back from every volunteer and these should be submitted no later than 4 weeks before the start of the expedition. You will be sent an email with links to pages that allow you to fill in some of the information you need and other forms will need downloading, completing and uploading. These links are specific to you, so please don’t lose them and don’t let any other volunteers use them. Please work your way through these and contact the London office if you need any help.
You will need to take copies of various things to site with you. These are:
• Your Blue Ventures medical form
• Your PADI medical form
• Your travel insurance certificate
Page 26
• Your DAN membership card or copy of confirmation email
• Your diver certification cards (where applicable)
• A copy of your passport
9.3.1 Medical Forms These consist of the Blue Ventures Medical Form and consent form (3 pages) and the PADI medical form (2 pages).
Please make sure you book an appointment well in advance of the form due date as it can sometime take a while to get an appointment. Doctors can often a charge for filling out these forms. You just need to go to your standard GP unless we request you go to a specialist dive doctor.
BV medical form – This needs to be completed by anyone travelling to site, whether they are diving or not. If any questions on the first page are answered ‘yes’ to, please make sure further information is given on the following page. This is very important as it could delay you joining the expedition if we need to do any investigation. Please make sure your doctor signs the statement at the bottom of the second page.
PADI medical form – This only needs to be completed by diving volunteers and can be signed by the doctor at the same time as the BV medical form. It has very similar questions and please make sure you write a clear ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ next to each question. Ticks or ‘Y’ and ‘N’s won’t be accepted.
Patient consent form – This needs to be signed by you and your diving doctor if you went to see a specialist.
Whilst you are at the doctor’s, this is also a good opportunity to discuss any inoculations you will need and also malarial prophylaxis options.
9.3.2 Emergency contacts Please provide the name, email address and contact numbers for at least 2 people who can be contacted in case of emergency. Please note that they will need to speak English and please remember to include the country dialling code.
9.4 Insurance Details
9.4.1 Travel Insurance For peace of mind a local villager is employed as the camp guardian to stay on site at all times, and keeps watch over the research site, boats and bungalows. Nevertheless, things can go missing, and small personal possessions such as jewellery can easily become lost in the challenging and sandy environment in which you will be living and working. Consequently, we do not advise that you bring personal valuables on an expedition.
The combination of sand and salt water can be particularly unforgiving to delicate electrical items such as personal stereos, iPods or CD players. If you plan to bring such items on an expedition, please be sure to have suitable protective equipment and/or casings to prevent damage.
Blue Ventures requires all volunteers to purchase adequate travel insurance to cover you throughout the duration of your stay with us. It is very important that your insurance includes and will cover any pre-existing medical conditions. There is the option just to increase the level of your DAN insurance but we encourage you to research companies and insurance policies to ensure you get the best policy for you. We would encourage
Page 27
you to do this as soon as you can to ensure your trip is covered against certain eventualities which may stop you travelling.
You may want to consider if your insurance covers;
o Any pre-existing medical conditions (please make your insurer aware of these)
o The full period you are travelling (including departure and arrival days)
o Medical treatment and costs associated with hospitalisation for accidents (out of the water) and illness
o Evacuation costs (air lift, living costs, personnel costs etc.)
o Repatriation and family costs for missing person
o Costs associated with disrupted transport, trip postponement, cancellation, missed flights etc.
o The replacement of valuables lost, stolen, damaged
This is not an exhaustive list so please read your policy carefully and consider what you will need. Because of the remoteness of the field site and the nature of the work which you will be undertaking with us, we recommend not purchasing the cheapest travel insurance that you can find but ensuring that the company has a good reputation and is reliable.
You will be asked to provide the travel insurance company name, the policy number and the emergency assistance number on the insurance page you will be sent a link to. We also ask that you upload a scan of your policy document.
For more information on the importance of travel insurance and advice on choosing the right policy, please visit the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice page.
9.4.2 DAN insurance Please see the previous section 6.2 for details on the cover we require you to have for your expedition.
Chapter 10. Transport and travel
10.1. Other members of your expedition
About 6 weeks before the start of an expedition, we will put you in contact with other members of your expedition. For those of you that live in the same country, this gives you the opportunity of meeting up pre- expedition, and for all volunteers it provides an opportunity to arrange or coordinate some of your travel plans with other members of your group. Volunteers often choose to meet up in Cancun or Belize City one or two days before the expedition start date. This gives you an opportunity to acclimatise and orientate yourselves with others and share the unique experience of arriving in Belize for the first (and hopefully not the last) time! However, meeting up is by no means compulsory: it is not uncommon for volunteers to choose to travel independently until they arrive in Sarteneja.
Page 28
10.2. International travel
To avoid possible last minute price increases, we recommend that you book your travel arrangements to Belize as early as possible. There are no direct flights to Belize from the UK. It is possible to get to Belize by travelling via the United States or Mexico. However, there is a direct flight available from the UK to Cancun, Mexico. American Airlines (www.aa.com) Continental Airlines (www.continental.com) British Airways (direct to Cancun)
Connecting flights can then be arranged through Tropic Air or Maya Air (www.mayaregional.com) to Belize City. From Cancun, the Mexican ADO bus service can be used to travel into Belize.
10.3. Flying into Belize
Philip S.W. Goldson International (Belize City) airport is the main international airport for Belize. A taxi from the airport to the city centre should cost no more than $25 US. However, if you wish to travel straight to Sarteneja from the airport you can save time and money by getting a taxi to the ‘airport junction’ bus stop for BZ$10 where you can then wait for the light blue Sarteneja bus. This is not an obvious bus stop so if you are planning on using this route, please advise us so we can let the bus company know and the driver will then check for you at this junction on the project start date.
You can get the bus from the airport junction at the following times but plan to arrive early as they often don’t follow these exact times: Approximate Bus Times from Airport Junction to Sarteneja Monday: Friday: 10:45, 12:15, *14:15, 16:15 and 17:15
Saturday: 10:45, 12:15, *14:15 and 16:15
Sunday: NO DIRECT SERVICE
*Please note that the 14:00 bus often does not run, and all buses can leave earlier so we advise you to arrive at the bus stop with plenty of time to spare!
The bus will go all the way to the Blue Ventures House in Sarteneja, stopping for about 10-15 minutes (but sometimes longer) in Orange Walk, opposite the St Christopher Hotel about 1-1.5hours after it leaves Belize City. It will then take a further 1-1.5 hours to reach our site. If you arrive earlier than your expedition start date and wish to stay in Belize City, you could try the following: Lonely Planet/Blue Ventures accommodation picks for Belize City: Budget: Belcove Hotel s/d shared bathroom BZ$55/65; tel. 227-3054; www.belcove.com; 9 Regent St.
Midrange: Coningsby Inn, d/tr BZD $ 119/131; tel. 227-1566 www.coningsby-inn.com; 76
Page 29
Regent St.
10.3.1. Getting out of Belize City by bus For a direct bus from Belize City to Sarteneja do not go to the main Belize City bus terminal. Instead catch a taxi (once in the city it costs BZ$7 a stop) to the ‘Caye Caulker Water Taxi Terminal’ on the waterfront. Walk across the swing bridge next to the ‘Caye Caulker Water Taxi Terminal’, turn right, and you will find the Sarteneja bus stop. Look for the easy-to-spot light blue Sarteneja buses. The bus from Belize City to Sarteneja costs $12 BZD and leaves Belize City at the following times:
Bus Times from Belize City to Sarteneja Monday: Friday: 10:30, 12:00, *14:00, 16:00 and 17:00
Saturday: 10:30, 12:00, *14:00 and 16:00
Sunday: NO DIRECT SERVICE
*Please note that the 14:00 bus often does not run, and may leave earlier.
This is the same bus that then passes the Airport Junction stop as explained above so will also take the same route, stopping just once in Orange Walk before it reaches the Blue Ventures House in Sarteneja.
Sunday is more difficult as there is no direct service to Sarteneja. You will need to get a taxi to the main Belize City bus terminal and get a bus to Orange Walk (Regular service $5 BZD & Express service $9BZD) these leave every hour on the hour. Once in Orange Walk you will need to either get a taxi (BZ$100-200 depending on haggling skills & number of people, usually max 4), go to Corozal to get the early morning water taxi (Thunderbolt, departs Corozal at 7am), go to San Pedro to get the afternoon water taxi (Thunderbolt, departs San Pedro at 3pm), or fly with Tropic Air. To fly you need to request them to stop at Sarteneja, which they only do if you pay a lot (volunteers have done in the past!), alternatively you can charter the plane (±BZ$900 from Belize City International Airport, 9 seats), affordable if you get a big group together.
Lonely Planet accommodation picks for Orange Walk: Hotel de la Fuente, s/d air con BZD $55/120 tel.322-2290 www.hoteldelafuente.com,14 Main St.
St Christopher’s Hotel, r with fan/air con BZD $60-70/90-100 tel. 322-2420 [email protected] 10 Main St.
Page 30
10.3.2. Getting out of Belize City by water taxi The water taxi runs between Belize City and San Pedro (via Caye Caulker). From San Pedro, a connecting water taxi can then be taken direct to Sarteneja. Make your way to either the ‘Caye Caulker Water Taxi’ Terminal, the ‘San Pedro Express’ or the ‘Jet Express’, where you can purchase a ticket to San Pedro for $45BZ. http://www.sanpedrowatertaxi.com/
Be aware that both services stop off at Caye Caulker on the way to San Pedro. Once in San Pedro you will need to make your way to the ‘Thunderbolt Water Taxi Terminal’. A taxi around San Pedro will cost $5 BZD per stop, but the island is small and most places are within walking distance. Tickets for the Thunderbolt cost $45BZ to Sarteneja, and you must request to stop at Sarteneja once on the Thunderbolt, otherwise it will not stop until Corozal. http://ambergriscaye.com/thunderbolt/
Be advised that the Thunderbolt operates on a reduced timetable and will typically only depart from San Pedro at 1500 instead of two departures daily as advertised on their website. Be at the dock by 14.30 to buy your ticket and pleased be advised that the Thunderbolt will only stop in Sarteneja upon request and during periods of bad weather it will not stop at Sarteneja and will continue on to Corozal. From Corozal your only option will be to get a bus to Sarteneja, if you wish to arrive in Sarteneja that day. Please ensure that you have notified us by email or phone if you intend to arrive by Thunderbolt, as there are no taxis in Sarteneja. We will send someone to meet you at the dock to help with your luggage.
Lonely Planet accommodation picks for San Pedro:
Budget: Martha’s Hotel s/d/tr/q BZD $47/70/94/114 tel. 206-2053 www.ambergriscaye.com/marthas Pescador Dr.
Budget: Ruby’s Beachfront s/d BZD $36-50/80-100 tel. 226-2063 www.ambergriscaye.com/rubys Barrier Reef Dr.
Midrange: Hotel del Rio d/cabana BZD $90-130/14-180 tel. 226- 2286 www.ambergriscaye,com/hoteldelrion
Caye caulker is the best location to dive the Blue Hole from. Blue Ventures recommends Frenchie’s Diving (tel. 226-0234 www.frenchiesdivingbelize.com). Blue Hole day trips include three dives at the Blue Hole Natural Monument and Half Moon Caye. The trip normally costs BZD $393. Blue Ventures volunteers receive a 10% discount on all dives with Frenchie’s Diving, making the Blue Hole dive trip BZD $360. Lonely Planet accommodation picks for Caye Caulker:
Budget: Bella’s Hostel dm/d BZD $20/45 tel. 226-0360 [email protected] (Recommended by Blue Ventures volunteers)
Midrange: Leeside Rooms r BZD $77-88 tel. 226-0020 www.cayecaulkerrentals.com
Page 31
10.4. Flying into Cancun, Mexico
Cancun airport is situated 23km/15 miles to the south of Cancun. There are several different ways to leave the airport.
10.4.1. Getting out of Cancun by bus The bus leaves from just outside the terminal. You can get an ADO bus to Cancun for about 30 pesos. Alternatively, you can continue your journey towards Belize by taking the ADO bus to Playa del Carmen, Mexico which is approximately 1hr20min South of Cancun and costs 100-120 pesos. http://www.ado.com.mx/ado/index.jsp
http://www.adogl.com.mx/en/index.htm
The Mexican bus service is excellent, comfortable and air conditioned (take a sweater). However, there are no buses out of Cancun Airport after 23:00, and there are no buses to the airport before 07:00. Taxis are available 24 hours a day, and cost about USD $45 to Cancun.
10.4.2. Cancun to Chetumal, Mexico (near the Belize Border) If you stay overnight in Cancun, you can get a direct bus to Chetumal from the ADO Bus Station. There are frequent buses throughout the day. The journey takes about 6 hours and costs around 300 pesos. There is also an overnight bus that leaves at around 11pm. There is also now an ADO bus that runs from Cancun to Belize City, please check the ADO website for times and prices.
10.4.3. Playa del Carmen to Chetumal, Mexico Once in Playa del Carmen from Cancun airport you will need to take a taxi to the second bus terminal in town which is situated on the corner 20 ave and 12 Street. To find a map of the area use Google maps and type in bus station Playa Del Carmen, it is listed as the new ADO bus station. From here you can catch a bus to Chetumal. The journey takes about 4.5 hours and costs around 230 pesos. It is also possible to pick up the bus that goes all the way to Belize, please check the ADO website for times and prices.
10.4.4. Chetumal to Corozal, Belize At Chetumal you have two options; You can either catch a taxi (25-40 pesos) to the market, where buses depart for Belize City ($7-10 BZD to Orange Walk, $5-7 BZD to Corozal) on a regular basis, the bus will take you over the border and wait while you go through customs with your baggage and then continue on to Corozal/Orange Walk..
The second option is to take a taxi (price is negotiable) directly to the border. However, taxis must stop at the border. There are rarely taxis waiting on the other side of the border, but you will be able to hop on any bus going to Corozal/Orange Walk. Please ensure you have some US dollars in small denominations at this point as Mx Pesos cannot be used in Belize.
Please Note that when you leave Mexico at the Chetumal Border there is an unofficial exit tax of 100 pesos, you do not have to pay this, however they may try to demand it by withholding your passport.
10.4.5. Water taxi: Corozal to Sarteneja Once in Corozal, the easiest and most convenient option is to take the Thunderbolt Water Taxi from Corozal to Sarteneja, which costs $25BZ and takes 30 minutes. Take a taxi to the Thunderbolt Water Taxi Terminal at the
Page 32
Corozal waterfront. The water taxi journey is advertised as a water taxi to San Pedro, but will stop at the pier in Sarteneja upon request unless sea is not too rough. Be advised that the times advertised on the website are incorrect! The Thunderbolt leaves once a day only, and currently this is at 7am. THERE IS NO 3PM THUNDERBOLT FROM COROZAL! However during low season the thunderbolt does not run during the week. Please check their website and contact them to confirm that the Thunderbolt is running on the day you wish to travel.
http://ambergriscaye.com/thunderbolt/
Please ensure that you have notified us if you intend to arrive on the start day of the expedition by Thunderbolt as there are no taxis in Sarteneja; we will send someone to meet you at the dock to help with your luggage. Be advised that expedition staff will not be available before the start date of the expedition
Please also note that although the Mexican/Belize border is open 24hrs, the early buses from Chetumal to Corozal no longer run due to new border procedures. If you get the overnight ADO bus to Chetumal, there is a transfer service that will pick you up at the ADO bus station and deliver you directly to the Thunderbolt for $30US: Moralez Travel Service - GetTransfers, [email protected], +501 422 2485, www.gettransfers.com. Otherwise you might wish to arrive the previous day and stay overnight in Corozal. Lonely Planet accommodation picks for Corozal Budget: Sea Breeze Hotel r BZD $35-55 tel. 422-3051 www.seabreezehotel.com 23 1st Ave Mid-range: Mirador Hotel s/d/tr BZD $70/90/110 with air con BZD $70/90/110 tel. 422- 0189 www.mirador.bz 4th Ave & 3rd St
10.4.6. Bus: Corozal to Sarteneja via Orange Walk If you do not choose to break your journey in Corozal you can continue on the bus to Orange Walk. However, if you are already in Corozal you can get on the bus to Orange Walk for $5 BZD. This leg of the journey takes about an hour. You will arrive in the main bus terminal in Orange Walk, but the Sarteneja bus does not stop at the main terminal. You will need to make your way to the bridge just next to the St. Christopher Hotel, which is a 10 minute walk. A taxi will cost $5 BZD per stop.
Buses to Sarteneja are easy to identify, as they are all light blue in colour, and have Sarteneja written on the front. A ticket from Orange Walk to Sarteneja costs $6 BZD. The trip from Orange Walk will take around 90 minutes, and is quite bumpy as most of it is over poorly maintained dirt roads. There is also one direct bus per day from Corozal to Sarteneja, leaving at around midday or 1pm. Bus times from Orange Walk to Sarteneja:
Monday – Friday: 12:00, 14:00, 16:00*, 18:00 and 19:00
Saturday: 12:00, 14:00, 16:00* and 18:00
Sunday: No Service (see below for alternate route)
*The 16:00 bus is often unreliable and often leaves early at 15:45 if at all
Page 33
On Sundays there is no bus service from Orange Walk to Sarteneja so you will either need to get a taxi from Orange Walk (BZ$100-200 depending on haggling skills & number of people, usually max 4), go to Corozal to get the early morning water taxi (Thunderbolt, departs Corozal at 7am), go to San Pedro to get the afternoon water taxi (Thunderbolt, departs San Pedro at 3pm), or fly with Tropic Air, though for this you need to request them to stop at Sarteneja, which they only do if you pay a lot (volunteers have done in the past!), alternatively you can charter the plane (±BZ$900 from Belize City International Airport, 9 seats), affordable if you get a big group together. Lonely Planet accommodation picks for Orange Walk Hotel de la Fuente s/d BZD $55/120 tel.322-2290 www.hoteldelafuente.com,14 Main St. St Christopher’s Hotel with fan/aircon BZD $60-70/90-100 tel. 322-2420 [email protected], 10 Main St.
10.5. Sarteneja
Once in Sarteneja, the bus will drop you along the main road near where you need to be if not to the door. If you arrive before the expedition start date it is your responsibility to organise accommodation. Be advised that field staff will not be available before the start date of the expedition. Lonely Planet accommodation picks for Sarteneja
Backpacker’s Paradise camping/cabana with shared/private bathroom BZD $5/20/35 tel. 403-2051 www.cabanasbelize.com just before the village, the turn off next to the welcome to Sarteneja sign.
If you arrive on the start date of expedition ask the bus conductor to drop you off at the Blue Ventures house. The Blue Ventures house is located at the entrance to the Sarteneja village, after the ‘Welcome to Sarteneja’ sign. There is a stretch of road before you enter the town, at the first crossroads go straight across into town and we are the first blue and white house (one story building) on the right.
Unless told otherwise you should try and meet at the Blue Ventures house in Sarteneja between 07:30 and 15:00 on the start date of your expedition, so that we can get you settled in your homestay accommodation. After that, all volunteers meet at the Blue Ventures house at 17:00 for a welcome briefing and to go over paper work. Please be advised there are no other scheduled activities planned on the first day so if you are not able to arrive by 17:00, please just let us know.
For more information about your internal travel, we recommend reading The Rough Guide to Belize by Peter Eltringham. This provides an excellent introduction to travelling in Belize. If you are going to take a look around the country before coming on expedition, try to get away from Belize City and into the heart of the country as soon as you can as there is so much to see between the jungles of the Maya Mountains, the Mayan temples, tropical coastline and islands offshore. As Belize is a small country you can travel from the North to the South or coast to the inland border easily in a day.
Page 34
Chapter 11. Visas All entrants to Belize must have a valid entry visa or be eligible for an entry stamp. First and foremost, you must check that your passport is valid and does not expire within six months of your expected departure from Belize. You will not be able to obtain a visa if this is not the case.
11.1. Entry stamp or visa?
EU, US and Canadian passport holders do not need to apply for a visa prior to arrival in Belize and can instead obtain a 30 day tourist pass at immigration on entry to the country. Other passport holders should check on the Belize High Commission’s website to see if they need to apply for a visa before departure. You will only be able to obtain a visa for 30 days. When asked to provide an address for your stay you can simply write ‘Blue Ventures, Sarteneja’ in the available field.
http://www.belizehighcommission.com/visas.htm
To stay beyond this time period you can apply for a 30-day extension to your visa at any immigration office. Most regional centres, including Orange Walk, San Pedro and Belize City, have immigration offices and they will carry out this simple procedure for US$25 per 30 day extension, for up to a year after your first entry to Belize.
Blue Ventures will make arrangements for you to extend your visa for the duration of your expedition once you arrive to site. We are working with the Belizean government to obtain condition stamps. However, until this lengthy process is completed we must pay for extensions like other tourists. If your require a visa extension during the Sarteneja portion of the trip please budget for transportation to the nearby immigration office in Orange Walk, (BZ$12 return) and the extension fee (US$25). While in Bacalar Chico Dive Camp, visa extensions will be timed with the weekly resupply run to San Pedro and there will be no transportation fee.
On leaving Belize, you will be required to pay an exit fee of $30 BZ and a PACT conservation fee of $7.50 BZ which goes to the Protected Areas Conservation Trust.
11.2. The Embassy of Belize in London.
The visa desk is open 10am until 1pm on weekdays. Details of visas and application forms can be obtained from the embassy directly:
Embassy: Email: [email protected] Telephone: + 44 (0)20 7723 3603 Facsimile: + 44 (0)20 7723 9637 Address: Third Floor, 45 Crawford Place, London, W1H 4LP
Page 35
Chapter 12. Carbon offsetting The Blue Ventures Carbon Offsetting programme (www.bvco.org.uk) has been introduced to increase awareness amongst visitors of the link between air travel, climate change and coral reef degradation.
“As baseline sea surface temperatures continue to rise, climate change may represent the single greatest threat to coral reefs worldwide.” Jordan West (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) and Rodney Salm (The Nature Conservancy)
We have invested in a local programme, located in our first programme country of Madagascar, which subsidises the cost of solar and low-fuel stoves for Malagasy families. Traditional wood-burning stoves are not only expensive for poor families to run and put pressure on rare local forest habitats but also cause smoke- related illness. Solar and low-fuel stoves reduce the running costs for families drastically, reduce deforestation and, over time, reduce the incidents of smoke-related health problems.
Details of the programme, and how to offset other aspects of your lifestyle, can be found at www.bvco.org.uk.
Blue Ventures Carbon Offsetting policy requires all staff, volunteers, researchers, tourists and recreational visitors to our research site to offset their carbon costs of the national and international flights that have been used in getting to and from Sarteneja.
Chapter 13. Medical Preparations
13.1. Completing the medical forms
Every volunteer is required to visit a qualified physician to obtain certification of fitness to carry out SCUBA diving, prior to departure. You will find a pdf download of all the forms you are required to submit on the pre- departure pages:
www.blueventures.org/documents.htm
There are 2 medical forms. The first is from the diving body PADI (2 pages) and the second is a Blue Ventures medical form (3 pages). Please complete these with your family physician or GP, ensuring they sign both forms. These must be sent to Blue Ventures London office along, with a certificate of blood type if available, and any other medical issues we should be aware of. It is your responsibility to bring to our attention all past medical issues - these should be detailed on the Blue Ventures medical form.
13.2. Arranging vaccinations and medication
The vaccines you receive and medication you take are completely at your discretion and should be discussed in detail with your physician or local travel clinic.
There have only been one or two reported cases of malaria in Sarteneja and none in Bacalar Chico. However, malaria is present in other parts of Belize, which you may be travelling through before and after the
Page 36
expedition. Please consult your physician before departure to ensure that you are adequately covered for the region.
Ensure that you visit your doctor at least 6 to 8 weeks before your trip to allow sufficient time to take any necessary courses of vaccinations.
13.3. Bringing a medical kit
We require all volunteers to carry their own personal medical kit. This should be used for the treatment of minor cuts or complaints. We have listed our recommended contents for a medical kit at the end of this guide. A good quality medical kit that contains the all-important first aid items is hard to come by.
Recommendations:
Travellers First Aid Kit InterHealth (shop.interhealth.org.uk)
Active Max First Aid Kit First Aid Warehouse: (www.firstaidwarehouse.co.uk)
Both kits come with nearly all items needed for personal first aid. Items that will have to be bought separately are:
• Hand sanitising gel
• After sun lotion
• Anti-bacterial hand wash
• Rehydration salts
• Sore throat lozenges
In the weeks leading up to your project, make sure you keep in good shape – bear in mind you will have to complete a 400m swim test once you get to site. Although this will be fairly relaxed and will not require Olympic swimming standards, you may want to get a little swimming practise in prior to your expedition.
Chapter 14. Blue Ventures forms and travel documents
14.1. Forms to be uploaded
The checklist below lists all the information and documents you will need to provide the Blue Ventures London office before you leave:
Page 37
• Completed booking conditions (done at time of confirmation)
• Completed liability & intellectual property forms (done at time of confirmation)
• Completed PADI Medical Forms (to be uploaded 4 weeks before departure)
• Completed Blue Ventures Medical Forms (to be uploaded 4 weeks before departure)
• Flight/travel details (to be uploaded 4 weeks before departure)
• Photocopy of passport photo page with 6 months validity (to be uploaded 4 weeks before departure)
• Photocopy of Insurance Policies – DAN and Travel (to be uploaded 4 weeks before departure)
• Photocopy of existing dive certificates (if applicable)
These forms can all be found on the links provided to you in your e-mail correspondence with us and can also be uploaded there. Any problems with this please contact [email protected]
It is imperative that we receive these documents at least two weeks before your departure, and your medical forms four weeks prior to expedition start. If our London office has not received your forms you will not be able to take part in expedition activities. You must take a copy of your medical forms, travel insurance, DAN membership and any relevant diving qualifications with you to Belize for the Expedition Manager and also leave a copy with loved ones at home.
For your own piece of mind when travelling around Belize, we also recommend keeping a photocopy of all your insurance details, passport, travellers cheques, and emergency contact telephone numbers with you at all times.
Chapter 15. Packing your bags
Please find a list of items we recommend you bring with you to site detailed below. Volunteers should note that conditions do change throughout the year and certain items relative to weather (such as a warm jumper during the hot season) will not be essential. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
15.1. Travel essentials
• Prescriptions (one set in your hand luggage and one in your check in in case anything goes missing in transit!)
• First aid kit
• Dive certification (if applicable)
• Passport & Belizean visa (if required for your nationality)
• Tickets, ATM card and cash
Page 38
• Photocopies of passport, Insurance cover, DAN membership number, medical forms, booking conditions and liability forms.
15.2. Clothes
The amount of clothing you take is up to you. Clothes can be washed with your host family in Sarteneja but will need to be hand washable for dive camp. The following is a guide:
• Warm sweater for the evenings
• Long-sleeved tops and trousers for protection against mosquitoes and sandflies. Although mosquitoes are not prevalent from February to June they can be prolific from July through January. Sandflies are a problem all year round.
• Lightweight waterproof rain jacket
• Underwear and socks
• T-shirts and shirts
• Shorts, skirts, trousers
• Sturdy pair of shoes/comfortable sandals
• Hat, cap or bandanna
• Sunglasses with high UV filter
• Swim wear. Females, please bring a pair of shorts and vest top to swim in whilst in Sarteneja
• Towel or sarong
• Board shorts/rash vests
We advise volunteers to place essential items, such as a change of clothes, medication, and important travel documents in your hand luggage in case your main luggage gets delayed at the airport.
15.3. Personal kit
The following is a guide:
• Permethrin-impregnated single sand fly net (available to buy in Sarteneja)
• Baby oil (keeps sandflies at bay!)
• 1 litre+ water bottle (camping bottle)
• Sunscreen, sun block and lipscreen (waterproof, ideally reef-safe and a very high factor, the available selection in Belize is poor so bring plenty of your preferred brand)
• Biodegradable soap/ shampoo (e.g. Faith in Nature, Lush, Jason)
Page 39
• Small dry bag to keep your possessions safe when you are on the boat
• Camera (make sure it’s insured), waterproof housing for camera
• Binoculars 8x40 or 7x50
• IPod/music player
• Rechargeable batteries for any electrical items along with charger. There is electricity 4 hours per day at dive camp. US plug sockets are available in your room
• A few good reading books which you won’t mind leaving behind! And maybe some games
• Species identification books
• Favourite hot drinks, spreads, treats
• Gaffer/duct tape for repairs e.g. of sandfly nets
• Sleeping bag if you intend to visit during the winter months, November to March
• Head torch/small hand torch
Blue Ventures has negotiated a 15% discount for volunteers buying from the UK outdoor retailer, Cotswolds. A discount voucher can be requested from the London office and presented at any of Cotswolds stores, by mail order, or by ordering goods online.
Please note: there are new security measures in place in UK & US airports. The measures may also be in place in other countries so my advice is to check before you travel. The change is that all electrical items now need to be charged and able to turn on, it states that it affects both hand luggage and luggage going into the hold.
15.4. Personal medical kit
The following is a guide:
• Vitamin supplements
• Daily disposable contact lenses will save bringing out cleaning fluids
• Insect repellent Antihistamine cream and/or tablets
• Imodium and rehydration salts e.g. Dioralyte
• Canestan and sanitary supplies (females)
• After sun lotion
• Painkillers
• Sore throat lozenges
• Ear drops, e.g. ‘Swim Ear’
Page 40
• Antiseptic wipes and antiseptic cream or dry spray
• Sterile dressing pack and Bandage pack
• Scissors, tweezers, a nail cutter and safety pins
• Waterproof plasters
• Photocopy of your completed Blue Ventures and PADI medical forms (for site Medical Officer)
Please note any prescription medications must be informed to the medical officer both in the UK and at the site.
15.5. Miscellaneous
• USB pen drive (for storing presentations, your camera pictures, friends’ pictures, emails etc.)
• Pictures of your friends, family, the town where you live, things you like to do (each expedition we share an afternoon with the homestay group members and volunteers each prepare a presentation about themselves. For this it is great to have some pictures for this, either in digital format or on paper)
• A travel hammock, so you can relax whilst you learn your fish species (also available for hire in Sarteneja)
• Cards/games for the evenings
15.6. Brownie points
In order to make sure that the site is adequately supplied, every six weeks we may need to send some additional materials out to site. Owing to the fact that there is a highly unreliable postal system to Sarteneja, these materials (which range from supplies of sun cream to chess boards to GPS systems to research papers) have to travel out with our volunteers. Without your help in this matter, we would be unable to keep the site well stocked with all the items you will need during your stay. Please contact our volunteer coordinator if you are able to take any items over – the Belize staff on site will be especially grateful!
Chapter 16. When you return
16.1. What happens when I get home?
When you have returned home from your expedition, there are plenty of opportunities for you to stay in touch with your expedition members and to stay involved with our work. After filling out a post expedition feedback questionnaire we hope that you will add your ideas for improving our volunteer programme.
We will keep you informed of developments in the world of Blue Ventures, both in Belize and the UK. We also produce a quarterly research update with details of our activities. We send this out to everyone that has an interest in following our activities both in Belize and beyond.
Page 41
If you want to get more involved with Blue Ventures in the UK we also have a number of part-time and full time paid and unpaid positions within the UK and overseas.
16.2. Keeping in touch
One of the principal aims of Blue Ventures is to raise awareness of the enormous need for promoting global coral reef conservation and research. Whilst in the field with Blue Ventures, we hope that you will make friends with like-minded people from a diverse range of backgrounds, ages and nationalities, all of whom will share your interest in marine conservation.
Following suggestions from volunteers in the past, we would like to organise formal and informal reunion events for anyone who has worked with us on any of our projects around the world. We are always looking for enthusiastic people to help organise these.
16.3. Check-ups
Our medical staff advise that when you return to your home country you make a visit to your doctor for a routine check-up. This is due to the fact that you may have been exposed to various insects and diseases that are not native to your home country. If you are at all concerned then please mention to the doctor that you would like a referral to the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (www.lshtm.ac.uk), which will be more than happy to do a full check-up. Please contact our home medical staff at [email protected] for more information, or ask your doctor.
16.4. Blue Ventures in the UK
Most of our home-based staff have worked on overseas projects and expeditions with us in the past, either as Expedition Managers, diving or research staff. As such our home staff are ideally placed to answer any questions or queries that you may have relating to an expedition – please feel free to make use of this invaluable information resource! We are always ready to help you with any queries that you might have about our projects.
16.5. Where the money goes
The money you raise for participation in a Blue Ventures project goes towards the running costs of the expeditions, including staff living expenses, research permits, and food. It also goes towards administration costs, and most importantly, towards producing the data and management reports that you will have helped to create. Some of our funds are also used to offer financial and logistical assistance to the marine institute and other organisations involved in marine research and coastal management in the area. Blue Ventures Expeditions is a company working as a not-for-profit. Profits are donated to our sister charity Blue Ventures Conservation. Blue Ventures Conservation is a UK-registered charity.
Page 42