Coral Reef Institute

Certificate Program in Underwater Research
Spend one semester of your college experience underwater learning with the peaceful Whale Sharks, Manta Rays, and Seahorses in the beautiful turquoise colored waters of the Andaman Sea while being surrounded by the culture, people, and beauty of Thailand. Students learn advanced scuba skills and then participate in underwater research projects. Students will participate in 120 dives during their ‘semester at sea’ while learning subjects such as:

Research projects: underwater photography and identification of species, conducting reef surveys, underwater mapping, documenting degradation of coral reefs, and underwater ecology in action.

You may be eligible for up to 12 college credit hours in one semester PADI Courses Recommended for College Credit by the American Council on Education

Marine research projects conducted by:

Professor Henry Aruffo - Dean of Environmental Studies
Fellow of the Royal Geographic Society
11 years - Instructor - Lecturer - University of South Florida - Global Conservation / Geography
10 years - Instructor - Hillsborough Community College - Earth Sciences / Astronomy / Meteorology
18 years - United States Coast Guard Licensed Ship’s Captain
Professional Association of Diving Instructors - PADI - IDC Staff Instructor #480218

Divers and non-divers are eligible to attend as well as students from all fields of study. This one semester Certificate Program in Underwater Research may be applicable to students in the following fields of interest and study; marine science, earth sciences, marine archaeology, history, research, education, photography, videography, search and recovery, exploration, oceanography, geography, marine biology, conservation, and many more.