Summary
Voluntary work at a project to research and protect marine life.
Project location
Koh Phangan island just north of Koh Samui, off the Eastern coast of Thailand.
Length of project
From 2 weeks – 12 weeks.
Group/individual basis
You will travel as an individual, but join a group of other volunteers from around the world.
Support
Help and advice from our UK office throughout. Local support from nominated staff member at the project.
Includes
- Voluntary work at a project to research and protect marine life
- Pre-departure information covering work issues and advice about life in Thailand
- Transfer from Thongsala pier to your accommodation
- Accommodation
- Donation to the project
- Full orientation and induction before you begin
- Expert diving tuition (as necessary)
Not included
- Flights
- Travel and medical insurance
- Any home country transport (eg. taxis and buses)
- Food
- Transfer from/to the airport (this should be included by the ferry company)
Accommodation
Comfortable accommodation in the volunteer house.
Travel arrangements
Fly to Koh Samui (USM). Oyster will arrange your airport transfer to the island. You will be met by a representative of the marine organisation at the port.
Information
You will receive thorough information on your My Oyster account covering project expectations, preparation, health and safety, responsible travel and arrival arrangements at least 4 weeks before departure
Medical
Vaccinations may be required. We recommend that you visit your doctor or travel nurse as soon as possible to discuss what you might need to have. Please be aware that Oyster staff are not able to give advice on your medical background or the type of vaccinations that you might need. You can get useful medical advice relating to your destination on the ‘Fit For Travel’ website – http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/.
You must inform Oyster of any pre-existing physical or mental health conditions. Oyster staff may ask for you to provide a letter from your doctor before continuing with your booking.
Insurance
You must take out a full travel insurance policy as soon as you can before departure. This must cover you for personal accident, medical, cancellation, emergency evacuation, lost luggage etc. We strongly recommend that you organise your travel insurance upon booking your place. We can introduce a policy with Global Travel Insurance to UK citizens, details of which can be found in your My Oyster account, once you have completed your booking. If you are not eligible for this insurance, please read through it to have an idea of what you need to be covered for.
Any risk factors
Diving carries risks and Oyster cannot be held responsible for your actions. You must take out appropriate insurance. You will always be accompanied by a member of staff when diving. In general safety standards are lower in the developing world (eg. for transport) but our pre-departure briefing gives advice on staying safe and making wise choices. Thai road safety standards are much lower than at home. We brief you to be aware and avoid risks.The risk from local crime is low, as the island does not have large resorts. However, participants should take the normal precautions when travelling to popular tourist areas on the mainland. There are occasional political demonstrations in Bangkok and other populated areas. Oyster monitors Foreign Office advice closely and will inform you straight away of any key developments.
Downtime
Participants will be able to travel independently during their time off, as long as they accept that they will be outside Oyster’s jurisdiction, make appropriate insurance provision and inform others. It is important to let staff know when you are due to return and keep them updated if your plans change.
Accessibility
This project could accommodate those with minor physical disabilities. Please discuss with destination manager before booking.
Financial Security
When you book with Oyster you can rest assured that your money will be protected and you will not be stranded abroad in the very unlikely event that our company becomes insolvent. If your booking includes a flight arranged by us, your whole trip will be subject to ATOL protection. If we have not booked your flight then your trip will be just as safe, since it will be insured through International Passenger Protection Ltd.
