{"id":788,"date":"2024-09-04T09:41:10","date_gmt":"2024-09-04T09:41:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/?page_id=788"},"modified":"2026-04-15T10:35:54","modified_gmt":"2026-04-15T10:35:54","slug":"coral-watch-course","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/marine-conservation-courses\/coral-watch-course\/","title":{"rendered":"Coral Watch Course"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wpb-content-wrapper\"><p>[vc_section has_dark_background=&#8221;yes&#8221; full_width=&#8221;stretch_row&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_123456789{background-color: #192753 !important;}&#8221;][vc_row boxed_layout=&#8221;yes&#8221; equal_height=&#8221;yes&#8221;][vc_column width=&#8221;2\/3&#8243;]<ul id=\"breadcrumbs\" class=\"breadcrumbs\"><li class=\"item-home\"><a class=\"bread-link bread-home\" href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/\" title=\"Home\">Home<\/a><\/li><li class=\"separator separator-home\"> &gt; <\/li><\/ul><div class=\"course-price-wrapper\"><h3>Coral Watch Specialty course on Koh Tao<\/h3><div class=\"bt-course-price\"><a href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/prices\/#conservation\" class=\"button fasc-button\">BOOK NOW<\/a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong>PRICE<\/strong>: 6,000&nbsp;THB<\/div><\/div>[vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<em>The Coral Watch Course is a citizen science program that monitors coral reef health using a standardized color chart to identify bleaching events. Isla Tortuga Divers integrates this program into its marine conservation curriculum to teach divers how to collect and submit data to global databases. Our focus is on practical reef monitoring and the preservation of coral ecosystems in the Gulf of Thailand.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3>Learn to Monitor Health of Coral Reefs<\/h3>\n<p>You can become a marine protector and help to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S2772577423000010\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">monitor the health of corals<\/a> reefs using the Coral Health Chart and earn yourself a PADI Distinctive Specialty course certification.<\/p>\n<p>This <a href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/padi-specialty-courses\/\">PADI Distinctive Specialty course<\/a> is a collaboration between PADI AWARE and <a href=\"https:\/\/coralwatch.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Coral Watch<\/a>, both non-profit organisations, and the 1-day course helps students learn how to become citizen scientists by contributing data on reef health to a global database.<\/p>\n<h4>Become a Marine Protector<\/h4>\n<p>CoralWatch aims to get more people involved in collecting data on Coral Reef health, and to help increase awareness of the plight of Coral Reefs, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thefunkyturtle.com\/conservation\/marine-conservation\/coral-bleaching\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">coral bleaching<\/a>, and climate change.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_1345\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1345\" style=\"width: 1260px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1345\" src=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/islatortugadivers.com-padi-coral-health-monitoring-thailand.jpeg\" alt=\"coral watch course koh tao\" width=\"1260\" height=\"840\" srcset=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/islatortugadivers.com-padi-coral-health-monitoring-thailand.jpeg 1260w, https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/islatortugadivers.com-padi-coral-health-monitoring-thailand-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/islatortugadivers.com-padi-coral-health-monitoring-thailand-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/islatortugadivers.com-padi-coral-health-monitoring-thailand-768x512.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1260px) 100vw, 1260px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-1345\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Coral Watch Specialty Course<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a class=\"fasc-button fasc-size-medium fasc-type-flat\" style=\"background-color: #33809e; color: #ffffff;\" href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/prices\/#conservation\">BOOK ONLINE<\/a><\/p>\n<h3>Included in our Coral watch Health course<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>CoralWatch Health Chart<\/li>\n<li>Coralwatch data sheet<\/li>\n<li>AWARE Manual, Our World, Our Water<\/li>\n<li>Coral Reef &amp; Climate Change workbook<\/li>\n<li>PADI AWARE &#8211; 10 ways divers can protect the marine environment<\/li>\n<li>PADI AWARE &#8211; 10 tips for underwater photography<\/li>\n<li>2 Open Water training dives<\/li>\n<li>Dive Insurance<\/li>\n<li>Max 4 students per <a href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/pro-level\/padi-diving-instructor-course\/\">PADI Dive Instructor<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Full set of Aqualung rental equipment including a Dive Computer for your course<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/about-us\/\">Official Isla Tortuga Divers<\/a> T-shirt<\/li>\n<li>PADI certification card<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Prerequisites for the Coral Watch Specialty course<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Minimum certification: Junior <a href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/padi-diving-courses\/open-water-course\/\">Open Water Diver<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Minimum Age: 10 years<\/li>\n<li>Maximum Depth: 18 metres\/60 feet<\/li>\n<li>Recent diving experience \u2013 <a href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/padi-diving-courses\/scuba-review\/\">scuba review<\/a> if you have not dived in the last 12 months<\/li>\n<li>Medically fit to dive<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>** For a non-diver, we can complete this certification course by completing the practical element with snorkel sessions instead of <a href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/fun-diving\/\">scuba dives<\/a>.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_1347\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1347\" style=\"width: 1260px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1347\" src=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/islatortugadivers.com-coral-reef-conservation-course-thailand.jpg\" alt=\"padi coral watch course in Thailand\" width=\"1260\" height=\"840\" srcset=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/islatortugadivers.com-coral-reef-conservation-course-thailand.jpg 1260w, https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/islatortugadivers.com-coral-reef-conservation-course-thailand-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/islatortugadivers.com-coral-reef-conservation-course-thailand-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/islatortugadivers.com-coral-reef-conservation-course-thailand-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1260px) 100vw, 1260px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-1347\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Coral Watch Course in Thailand<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a class=\"fasc-button fasc-size-medium fasc-type-flat\" style=\"background-color: #33809e; color: #ffffff;\" href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/prices\/#conservation\">BOOK ONLINE<\/a><\/p>\n<h3>1 Day Coral Watch Specialty course<\/h3>\n<p>The Coralwatch Specialty course is conducted over two sections; theory and practical.<\/p>\n<h4>Knowledge Development<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p style=\"display: inline;\">Students need to attend all the presentations and instructor-led knowledge development<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>Create a Coralwatch profile on the Coralwatch website to submit survey data<\/li>\n<li>Learn how to conduct and complete a full survey, submit the data and compare data with existing data<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4>Open Water training sessions &#8211; 2 Open Water dives<\/h4>\n<h3>Learning objectives for Coral Watch Health specialty course<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Coral Reef Knowledge: Gain a solid understanding of coral reef ecosystems, their vital role in the ocean, and the current threats they face.<\/li>\n<li>Coral Health Monitoring: Learn how to identify different coral growth forms and recognize signs of coral bleaching, which is a major threat to their health.<\/li>\n<li>Coral Watch Methodology: Master the technique of conducting a Coral Health Survey using the CoralWatch Coral Health Chart, a tool for assessing coral health.<\/li>\n<li>Data Contribution: Understand the importance of contributing your collected data to the global CoralWatch database, which is critical for scientific research and <a href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/marine-conservation-courses\/\">marine conservation efforts<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>Explain the ecological importance of coral reefs and their role in marine biodiversity.<\/li>\n<li>Identify various coral morphologies (shapes and structures) commonly found in reefs.<\/li>\n<li>Recognize the signs and causes of coral bleaching.<\/li>\n<li>Describe the different categories on the CoralWatch Coral Health Chart used to assess coral health.<\/li>\n<li>Demonstrate proper survey techniques for effectively evaluating coral health using the CoralWatch Chart.<\/li>\n<li>Explain the data collection process and how to upload your findings to the CoralWatch database.<\/li>\n<li>Understand the significance of contributing data to the global database for coral reef research and conservation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>By achieving these objectives, you will become a citizen scientist empowered to contribute valuable information to coral reef conservation efforts.<\/p>\n<h3>Open Water training dives for CoralWatch<\/h3>\n<p>Your CoralWatch Open Water training dives will be conducted at suitable <a href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/dive-sites\/\">dive sites around Koh Tao<\/a>. The choice of dive sites will depend on multiple environmental factors including weather and our current diving schedule.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_1343\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1343\" style=\"width: 1260px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1343\" src=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/islatortugadivers.com-padi-coral-watch-training-thailand.jpeg\" alt=\"Marine conservation coral watch course Koh Tao\" width=\"1260\" height=\"840\" srcset=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/islatortugadivers.com-padi-coral-watch-training-thailand.jpeg 1260w, https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/islatortugadivers.com-padi-coral-watch-training-thailand-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/islatortugadivers.com-padi-coral-watch-training-thailand-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/islatortugadivers.com-padi-coral-watch-training-thailand-768x512.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1260px) 100vw, 1260px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-1343\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Coral Watch &#8211; Monitor Coral Reef Health<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a class=\"fasc-button fasc-size-medium fasc-type-flat\" style=\"background-color: #33809e; color: #ffffff;\" href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/prices\/#conservation\">BOOK ONLINE<\/a><\/p>\n<h3>Information for PADI AWARE CoralWatch Specialty course<\/h3>\n<p>This marine conservation specialty course equips students with the knowledge and skills to independently complete CoralWatch surveys, as a diver or as a snorkeler.<\/p>\n<h3>PADI AWARE CoralWatch Specialty Course Schedule<\/h3>\n<p>You will meet your instructor at 9am ready for the class presentations and instructor-led orientation that includes completion of your paperwork and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.padi.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">PADI<\/a> medical statement.<\/p>\n<p>09:00 &#8211; 11:00: Orientation &amp; Knowledge Development<\/p>\n<p>12:15 &#8211; 17:00: Two Open Water training dives to conduct two surveys and collect data<\/p>\n<p>17:00 \u2013 18:00: Complete the steps to report your data from both surveys and upload to the global CoralWatch database.<\/p>\n<p>Upon completion of all the course requirements you will be certified as a PADI AWARE CoralWatch diver.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_1342\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1342\" style=\"width: 1260px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1342\" src=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/islatortugadivers.com-coral-watch-course-koh-tao.jpeg\" alt=\"coral watch course koh tao\" width=\"1260\" height=\"840\" srcset=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/islatortugadivers.com-coral-watch-course-koh-tao.jpeg 1260w, https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/islatortugadivers.com-coral-watch-course-koh-tao-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/islatortugadivers.com-coral-watch-course-koh-tao-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/islatortugadivers.com-coral-watch-course-koh-tao-768x512.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1260px) 100vw, 1260px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-1342\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Coral Watch Conservation Course<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a class=\"fasc-button fasc-size-medium fasc-type-flat\" style=\"background-color: #33809e; color: #ffffff;\" href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/prices\/#conservation\">BOOK ONLINE<\/a><\/p>\n<h3>CoralWatch Specialty courses Open Water training dives<\/h3>\n<p>CoralWatch training dives are scientific dives, and dives can be longer than recreational dives, and students will be task-loaded with a coral health chart, a data slate, dive torch, and be expected to manage their buoyancy impeccably.<\/p>\n<h4>CoralWatch Survey Dive 1 in Open Water<\/h4>\n<p>On dive 1 your <a href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/pro-level\/master-scuba-diver-trainer\/\">specialty diving instructor<\/a> will assess your buoyancy to ensure your diver skills are good enough to be collecting data around coral reefs.<\/p>\n<p>After evaluation of your <a href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/padi-specialty-courses\/peak-performance-buoyancy\/\">buoyancy skills<\/a>, and we are confident they are good enough, the first random survey can begin and using the coral health chart, you will be asked to identify suitable corals, their growth forms, and their color to help determine if any bleaching is evident.<\/p>\n<p>We will ask you to conduct a random survey in a selected area and using the slate provided, to document the level of bleaching on corals that you find.<\/p>\n<p>Throughout the training dives, you will be asked to remain a safe distance from the coral reefs to demonstrate proper buoyancy while conducting the survey and taking notes.<\/p>\n<h4>CoralWatch Survey Dive 2 in Open Water<\/h4>\n<p>On dive 2 you will conduct a second survey to collect data on coral growth forms, the level of coral bleaching seen, whilst demonstrating a high level of best practice diving skills.<\/p>\n<p>Both dives include collecting data on healthy corals in addition to bleached corals, and your dive instructor will discuss the level of bleaching observed, reef health, and how to use the coral health chart to measure this.<\/p>\n<p>After completing both dives, your instructor will also debrief on everything learned and discuss any problems encountered on the dives and how it can be improved next time.<\/p>\n<p>Upon completion of two CoralWatch Open Water dives (or an extended snorkeling session) and submission of your data, you will be certified as a <span style=\"color: #ffff00;\">PADI AWARE CoralWatch specialty diver<\/span>.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_1309\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1309\" style=\"width: 1200px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1309\" src=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/islatortugadivers.com-underwater-adventures-koh-tao.jpeg\" alt=\"Koh Tao Tropical Island Paradise in Thailand\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/islatortugadivers.com-underwater-adventures-koh-tao.jpeg 1200w, https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/islatortugadivers.com-underwater-adventures-koh-tao-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/islatortugadivers.com-underwater-adventures-koh-tao-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/islatortugadivers.com-underwater-adventures-koh-tao-768x512.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-1309\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Abundant Marine Life on Koh Tao<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a class=\"fasc-button fasc-size-medium fasc-type-flat\" style=\"background-color: #33809e; color: #ffffff;\" href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/prices\/#conservation\">BOOK ONLINE<\/a><\/p>\n<h3>PADI AWARE CoralWatch \u2013 Learn about Coral Bleaching<\/h3>\n<p>CoralWatch work alongside volunteers worldwide and through education ensure that present and future generations understand the importance of coral reefs and how climate change is affecting this.<\/p>\n<p>The Coral Health chart is an easy-to-use tool to help monitor the health of coral reefs by using color as a guide to determine the health of different coral species.<\/p>\n<p>The chart uses different colors and numbers to represent the different stages of coral bleaching and coral reef recovery.<\/p>\n<p>All certified divers should take their responsibility towards coral reefs one step further and become a certified <a href=\"https:\/\/www.padi.com\/aware\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">PADI AWARE<\/a> CoralWatch specialty diver.<\/p>\n<p>Join the global movement and submit your coral reef health survey data now.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/koh-tao\/\">Koh Tao<\/a> is a great location to go fun diving and explore our PADI Specialty courses. With our expert PADI diving instructors and <a href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/pro-level\/padi-divemaster-course\/\">divemasters,<\/a> custom dive boat and quality dive equipment,<a href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/\">&nbsp;Isla Tortuga Divers<\/a>&nbsp;can meet the needs of all certified divers.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/contact-us\/\">Contact us<\/a>&nbsp;for&nbsp;fun&nbsp;dive <a href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/prices\/\">pricing<\/a>, our&nbsp;Air Conditioned Rooms&nbsp;or<a href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/accommodation\/\"> Shared Rooms<\/a> and our daily dive site schedule.[\/vc_column_text]<div class=\"course-price-wrapper\"><h3>Book Coral Watch Course<\/h3><div class=\"bt-course-price\"><a href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/prices\/#conservation\" class=\"button fasc-button\">BOOK NOW<\/a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong>PRICE<\/strong>: 6,000&nbsp;THB<\/div><\/div>[\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243; el_class=&#8221;pl-lg sticky-col&#8221;]<div class=\"sticky-sidebar-wrapper\">\r\n                    <div class=\"sticky-sidebar\">[vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id=&#8221;sidebar-page&#8221;]<\/div>\r\n                <\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][\/vc_section][vc_section][vc_row][vc_column]<div class=\"section-heading-wrap\" style='max-width: 991px;text-align: center;'><h3 class=\"section-heading\">What to expect<\/h3><h3 class=\"section-subheading\">Watch Our Video<\/h3><\/div><div class=\"custom-container\" style=\"max-width:1280px; margin: 0 auto;\">[vc_video link=&#8221;https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=Vx7OqQcJZlk&#8221;]<\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][\/vc_section][vc_section][vc_row][vc_column]<div class=\"section-heading-wrap\" style='max-width: 991px;text-align: center;'><h3 class=\"section-heading\">GALLERY<\/h3><h3 class=\"section-subheading\">Check Out Our Pictures<\/h3><\/div><div class=\"custom-container\" style=\"max-width:1320px; margin: 0 auto;\"><div class=\"gallery popup-gallery\" id=\"gallery-3907\"><div class=\"gallery-img\"><span  title=\"\" data-caption=\"Coral Watch Specialty Course\" data-description=\"\">\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/islatortugadivers.com-padi-coral-health-monitoring-thailand-1024x683.jpeg\">\n                          <\/span><\/div><div class=\"gallery-img\"><span  title=\"\" data-caption=\"Coral Watch Conservation Course\" data-description=\"\">\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/islatortugadivers.com-coral-watch-course-koh-tao-1024x683.jpeg\">\n                          <\/span><\/div><div class=\"gallery-img\"><span  title=\"\" data-caption=\"Monitoring Coral Reefs on Koh Tao\" data-description=\"\">\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/DSC04755-1024x683.jpg\">\n                          <\/span><\/div><div class=\"gallery-img\"><span  title=\"\" data-caption=\"Coral Watch - Monitor Coral Reef Health\" data-description=\"\">\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/islatortugadivers.com-padi-coral-watch-training-thailand-1024x683.jpeg\">\n                          <\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><a href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/prices\/#conservation\" class=\"button center\">Book A Course<\/a>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][\/vc_section][vc_section][vc_row][vc_column]<div class=\"section-heading-wrap\" style='max-width: 991px;text-align: center;'><h3 class=\"section-heading\">FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS<\/h3><\/div><div class=\"accordion\" id=\"faq\"><div class=\"accordion-item\">\r\n                    <h3 class=\"accordion-header\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#faq0\" aria-expanded=\"true\">\r\n                        What is the cost of the PADI Coral Watch Specialty course?\r\n                    <\/h3>\r\n                    <div id=\"faq0\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse show\" data-bs-parent=\"#faq\">\r\n                      <div class=\"accordion-body\">\r\n                        <\/p>\n<p>The course is priced at 6,000 THB and includes the CoralWatch Health Chart, data sheets, manuals, two Open Water training dives, dive insurance, and more.<\/p>\n<p>\r\n                      <\/div>\r\n                    <\/div>\r\n                <\/div><div class=\"accordion-item\">\r\n                    <h3 class=\"accordion-header\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#faq1\" aria-expanded=\"true\">\r\n                        What are the prerequisites for the CoralWatch Specialty course?\r\n                    <\/h3>\r\n                    <div id=\"faq1\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse show\" data-bs-parent=\"#faq\">\r\n                      <div class=\"accordion-body\">\r\n                        <\/p>\n<p>You must be at least a Junior Open Water Diver, minimum age 10 years, maximum depth 18 metres\/60 feet, with recent diving experience. Non-divers can complete the practical element with snorkel sessions instead of scuba dives.<\/p>\n<p>\r\n                      <\/div>\r\n                    <\/div>\r\n                <\/div><div class=\"accordion-item\">\r\n                    <h3 class=\"accordion-header\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#faq2\" aria-expanded=\"true\">\r\n                        How long does the CoralWatch Specialty course take?\r\n                    <\/h3>\r\n                    <div id=\"faq2\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse show\" data-bs-parent=\"#faq\">\r\n                      <div class=\"accordion-body\">\r\n                        <\/p>\n<p>The course takes 1 day to complete, including knowledge development sessions and two Open Water training dives.<\/p>\n<p>\r\n                      <\/div>\r\n                    <\/div>\r\n                <\/div><div class=\"accordion-item\">\r\n                    <h3 class=\"accordion-header\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#faq3\" aria-expanded=\"true\">\r\n                        What will I learn during the CoralWatch Specialty course?\r\n                    <\/h3>\r\n                    <div id=\"faq3\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse show\" data-bs-parent=\"#faq\">\r\n                      <div class=\"accordion-body\">\r\n                        <\/p>\n<p>You will learn how to monitor coral reef health, identify signs of coral bleaching, conduct CoralWatch surveys, and contribute data to the global database.<\/p>\n<p>\r\n                      <\/div>\r\n                    <\/div>\r\n                <\/div><div class=\"accordion-item\">\r\n                    <h3 class=\"accordion-header\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#faq4\" aria-expanded=\"true\">\r\n                        Why should I take the CoralWatch Specialty course?\r\n                    <\/h3>\r\n                    <div id=\"faq4\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse show\" data-bs-parent=\"#faq\">\r\n                      <div class=\"accordion-body\">\r\n                        <\/p>\n<p>By becoming a CoralWatch diver, you contribute to global coral reef conservation efforts and become a citizen scientist helping to protect marine ecosystems.<\/p>\n<p>\r\n                      <\/div>\r\n                    <\/div>\r\n                <\/div><div class=\"accordion-item\">\r\n                    <h3 class=\"accordion-header\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#faq5\" aria-expanded=\"true\">\r\n                        What exactly is CoralWatch and how does it work?\r\n                    <\/h3>\r\n                    <div id=\"faq5\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse show\" data-bs-parent=\"#faq\">\r\n                      <div class=\"accordion-body\">\r\n                        CoralWatch is a global citizen science program developed by the University of Queensland that uses a non-invasive tool called the Coral Health Chart to monitor coral bleaching and recovery.<\/p>\n<p>The chart features a series of colors representing different stages of coral health based on chlorophyll levels.<\/p>\n<p>At Isla Tortuga Divers, we teach you how to compare these colors to real coral colonies underwater, allowing you to collect scientific data without touching or harming the reef.\r\n                      <\/div>\r\n                    <\/div>\r\n                <\/div><div class=\"accordion-item\">\r\n                    <h3 class=\"accordion-header\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#faq6\" aria-expanded=\"true\">\r\n                        Do I need a background in marine biology to take this course?\r\n                    <\/h3>\r\n                    <div id=\"faq6\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse show\" data-bs-parent=\"#faq\">\r\n                      <div class=\"accordion-body\">\r\n                        Not at all. The beauty of the CoralWatch program is that it simplifies complex marine monitoring into a system that any diver can master.<\/p>\n<p>Our elite PADI Professionals will teach you the basics of coral anatomy, the symbiotic relationship between coral and zooxanthellae, and how to identify different coral growth forms.<\/p>\n<p>We provide all the necessary training to ensure your data collection is accurate and scientifically valuable, regardless of your previous education.\r\n                      <\/div>\r\n                    <\/div>\r\n                <\/div><div class=\"accordion-item\">\r\n                    <h3 class=\"accordion-header\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#faq7\" aria-expanded=\"true\">\r\n                        How does the data I collect help the reefs in Koh Tao?\r\n                    <\/h3>\r\n                    <div id=\"faq7\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse show\" data-bs-parent=\"#faq\">\r\n                      <div class=\"accordion-body\">\r\n                        Every time you complete a CoralWatch survey with us, the data is uploaded to a global database used by scientists to monitor reef health trends worldwide.<\/p>\n<p>Locally, this helps us track how Koh Tao\u2019s reefs respond to seasonal temperature changes and human impact.<\/p>\n<p>By identifying early signs of bleaching at sites like White Rock or Japanese Gardens, your contribution helps provide the evidence needed for local and global conservation strategies.\r\n                      <\/div>\r\n                    <\/div>\r\n                <\/div><div class=\"accordion-item\">\r\n                    <h3 class=\"accordion-header\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#faq8\" aria-expanded=\"true\">\r\n                        What will I do during the two training dives?\r\n                    <\/h3>\r\n                    <div id=\"faq8\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse show\" data-bs-parent=\"#faq\">\r\n                      <div class=\"accordion-body\">\r\n                        The first dive focuses on mastering the identification of different coral types &#8211; such as branching, massive, and plate corals &#8211; and practicing the color-matching technique with the chart.<\/p>\n<p>On the second dive, you will conduct a formal survey, recording data on multiple colonies along a transect or designated area.<\/p>\n<p>At our 5-Star PADI IDC facility, we prioritize buoyancy control during these dives to ensure that while you are focused on the science, you are maintaining perfect eco-friendly trim.\r\n                      <\/div>\r\n                    <\/div>\r\n                <\/div><div class=\"accordion-item\">\r\n                    <h3 class=\"accordion-header\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#faq9\" aria-expanded=\"true\">\r\n                        Can I continue to do CoralWatch surveys after I finish the course?\r\n                    <\/h3>\r\n                    <div id=\"faq9\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse show\" data-bs-parent=\"#faq\">\r\n                      <div class=\"accordion-body\">\r\n                        Absolutely &#8211; and we highly encourage it! Once you are trained, you can take a Coral Health Chart with you on any dive, anywhere in the world.<\/p>\n<p>As an industry authority on conservation, Isla Tortuga Divers supports our graduates by providing charts for their future fun dives.<\/p>\n<p>By becoming a CoralWatch member, you turn every future scuba adventure into a purposeful mission to monitor the health of the rainforests of the sea.\r\n                      <\/div>\r\n                    <\/div>\r\n                <\/div><\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][\/vc_section]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[vc_section has_dark_background=&#8221;yes&#8221; full_width=&#8221;stretch_row&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_123456789{background-color: #192753 !important;}&#8221;][vc_row boxed_layout=&#8221;yes&#8221; equal_height=&#8221;yes&#8221;][vc_column width=&#8221;2\/3&#8243;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]The Coral Watch Course is a citizen science program that monitors coral reef health using a standardized color chart to identify bleaching events. Isla Tortuga Divers integrates this program into its marine conservation curriculum to teach divers how to collect and submit data to global databases. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1342,"parent":408,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-788","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Coral Watch Marine Conservation Specialty Course | Isla Tortuga Divers<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Coral watch marine conservation specialty course is a one day course including two dives to learn more about coral reef health and monitoring\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/marine-conservation-courses\/coral-watch-course\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" 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