PRE-REQUISITES

WHO SHOULD APPLY?
Our school programs teach young people about various aspects of coral reefs and their inhabitants. For example, our high school marine ecology camp is an academically oriented program to enrich the student's educational experience in conservation and marine ecology. Fun activities include diving, snorkeling, hiking, biking, sea kayaking, boat building, community service activities, and enjoying being in residence at the Little Cayman Research Center.

Our college programs are intended for students looking for research field experience. Students with previous biology field experience and scuba certification will be given priority. However, there are shallow reef data collection objectives and historically, a few highly-motivated non-certified, non-majors have collected useful data and have been successful members of the overall research team.

Our Dive With a Researcher (DWAR) programs are an opportunity for advanced SCUBA divers to join a scientist and assist in field research while learning about the major conservation concerns of today. Previous attendees have included doctors, physicists, engineers and ordinary divers. U/W photographers are especially welcome as team members typically gather a great deal of photographic data.

Our special training programs vary in scope and may include specialized training and/or workshops on a variety of marine and coral reef related topics for teachers, scientists, and other professionals.

WHAT QUALIFICATIONS DO I NEED?
Qualifications vary for each CCMI field program. Please see the appropriate web page for the field program in which you will participate. Participants who plan to dive need to be SCUBA certified.

MEDICAL CONDITIONS AND DISABILITIES?
Anyone with a medical condition or disability will require a doctor's note stating that they are capable of participating in the program.

We would like for everyone to have an opportunity to participate in our programs. However, since we are working and living on a remote island, we may not have all the resources available to provide for certain disabilities. For example, a wheelchair ramp has been incorporated into the main building of the Little Cayman Research Center. However the facility is not entirely accessible.

Please contact the Little Cayman Research Center Station Manager (Contact Us) if you are interested in one of our programs and we will determine if participation is possible.

ARE THERE OTHER REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS?

(a) Forms & Waivers
All required registration forms and waivers must be completed and mailed to us (see specific individual course requirements).

(b) DAN Insurance
All divers must have DAN insurance. We recommend the Preferred plan for international divers. Cayman Islands residents, however, cannot obtain the Preferred plan so we recommend they obtain the Master plan instead.

CAN I GET COLLEGE CREDIT?
Academic undergraduate and graduate credit may be earned through our participating universities. Academic credit is generally transferable and can be arranged through the credit granting institution (e.g. Kean University or Rutgers University).

ARE THERE ADDITIONAL COSTS?
Tuition, fees, housing, food, and excursions are included in the cost of our programs. Travel (airfare, etc.), major medical insurance, and all personal expenses are not included in this fee. Diving gear is not included but is available for rent at the Little Cayman Research Center.