Expeditions and Money
How do I join an Expedition?
Firstly contact either the office on 020 8341 9819 or on volunteer@blueventures.org for an application form and within 1 day someone from the office will contact you to chat with you about the expedition, and answer any queries you may have.
Can anyone go on Expedition?
Anyone between the ages of 18 – 60 is welcome on a Blue Ventures Expedition providing they are in a reasonable state of fitness; we demand that volunteers are checked physically by a GP prior to departure to ensure a good level of health. Volunteers must also be comfortable in the water and able to swim 400m confidently and tread water for 2 minutes unaided.
I am an international citizen - can I go on a Blue Ventures Expedition?
Blue Ventures has alumni from all around the world from India to Alaska, and all are welcome on our projects. However applicants must be able to speak and read English, as all literature and lectures are in English.
What is the average age of Blue Ventures Volunteers?
Blue Ventures have had volunteers of all ages from 18 – 55, often the best friendships are formed over the most unlikely of age ranges, we do however insist that all volunteers are at least 18. The average age of our volunteers is 26, the median 24.
When do the expedition dates start throughout the year?
Information about start dates for out expeditions can be found on our website under the expeditions tab.
How long can I stay?
Generally from 6 weeks to 12 weeks, but if you are enjoying yourself, and we are enjoying having you, essentially the stay can be as long as you wish. The longer a volunteer stays, the lower the price of the additional weeks.
If I can't go for the whole 6 weeks, can I still go?
The projects rely on some continuity evolving within groups of volunteers. Science and SCUBA training (if you are not already a diver) can take up to 3 weeks. This may mean that if you attend for a 3-week duration you might not get the opportunity to become so involved with the research surveying work. However, there are terrestrial-based projects that you can also contribute to, so it is worth phoning us to discuss how we can tailor your time on site.
Will I meet my fellow volunteers before the expedition starts?
Volunteers are put in contact with the entire expedition 6 weeks before the expedition and asked to write a short introduction about themselves. This helps to break down some barriers before volunteers even meet each other. It also allows volunteers to co-ordinate their travel movements if someone is unsure of travelling.
What’s included in my expeditions fees?
This price includes all aspects of the expedition on site, from science training, to board and lodging and includes all diving kit (apart from mask, wetsuit and fins).
Can I fundraise to fund my Expedition?
Yes, because Blue Ventures is a not for profit organisation, we have an associated charitable arm. Blue Ventures has also compiled the experiences of our previous volunteers in a Fundraising Guide which can be found on our website.
For a copy of our Fundraising Guide click here.
Who do I make cheques payable to?
Please make all cheques payable to Blue Ventures Expeditions.
How much money do I need to take with me?
Whilst onsite there will be little or no opportunity to spend money - this is one of the benefits of running a remote site. Your main expenditure may be a well deserved Coke after a long hard day in the sun. Time in Madagascar itself will never be too expensive and monies can be tailored to suit the most lavish or the most thrifty traveller. We find a good rule of thumb is €20 per day when travelling and €5 per day when on site. Additional charges that you may need to budget for include sending/receiving emails and phone calls via our satellite system.
If I pull out will I lose all my money?
Blue Ventures asks for an up front £100 deposit which is non-refundable in all circumstances. It is also very important that you sign the Booking Conditions when you pay your deposit. This will guarantee you a place on your chosen expedition. Volunteers who pull out 4 weeks or less before the start of the project will not be refunded at all. Volunteers who pull out before this date will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis. In the unlikely event that you are not able to attend an expedition and you have already paid your balance, your travel insurance company will be able to offer you refund. Please check your policy for more details.
Do I need insurance?
To go on a Blue Ventures Expedition we require you to have two forms of insurance, basic travel insurance and specific diving insurance provided by Divers Alert Network. They are the carriers behind our emergency evacuation plan and as such we insist all BV Volunteers have a DAN insurance policy.
Do I need a Visa?
Most nationalities will need a Visa when entering Madagascar. Please note in most cases this cannot be obtained at the airport, and must be purchased before departure. For further details please read the Volunteer Guide.
Diving
Do I need any diving experience?
No – dive courses are conducted in the first week of a scheduled 6 week expedition period. You can also take additional PADI dive courses whilst on site.
Do I need my own diving equipment?
While many will tell you there are many essentials to go on an expedition where there is scuba diving, scuba gear can be costly and bulky to transport especially for a volunteer. We provide Buoyancy Control Devices (BCDs), scuba tanks, regulators, weights and most other gear you will need on site. What you will need is a wet suit. You will be wearing this daily for 6 weeks, so it's imperative it fits and is comfortable. A mask and fins are essential - these are the most important pieces of kit which need to fit the individual. Dive slates and pencils are also essential for our research work underwater as you record survey data.
Other items you will need include a dive watch or, preferably, a dive computer, a dive knife and a dive torch (if you wish to snorkel or dive at night time - perhaps one of the most exciting dives we do).
What if I have diving accreditation through BSAC, NAUI or another Organisation?
All Volunteers must be trained up to Advanced Open Water (PADI) or equivalent, either contact the organisation you trained with directly to see if they have similar qualifications. If you are unsure feel free to e-mail Blue Ventures on Diving@blueventures.org to confirm.
How much diving will I do in a week?
We dive 5 days out of every 6. You will normally dive once per day, and occasionally twice per day. The majority of our dives are science related - for example, dives might include training sessions, recording fish and benthic transect data, searching for new reef sites, or assessing seagrass meadows.
The maximum allowable diving is 10 dives in a week with a compulsory day off every 6 days. Out of these dives at least 6 of these will serve a scientific purpose. However diving is strictly weather dependent due to safety and subject to logistical restrictions. On average, it is likely that you will manage 1 dive per day.
What dive courses are offered while on expedition.
All expedition members are trained up to PADI Advanced Open Water , although there are the opportunities to reach Rescue Diver and Dive Master.
N.B. Please note that volunteers must be onsite for a minimum of 2 expeditions to compete their Dive Master and must complete in this order: Open Water, Advanced Open Water, Emergency First Rescue, Rescue Diver and finally Dive Master.
Other
What do we have to learn?
BV will take each and every volunteer through a detailed teaching scheme to learn species that are being researched. Each Blue Ventures project will have its own individual material but they are all taught by dedicated research specialists that will endeavour to help you through the information. A high proportion of the material is self-taught, by completing snorkels and dives doing fish, coral and invertebrate “spotting session” with other team members and Blue Ventures research personnel.
What are the tests like?
The tests are there to ensure that the data collected is scientifically viable and that the research we are carrying out is the best available. The tests are not designed to fail you but are there to make sure that you know the different species that you will be researching.
How do I get there?
Flying to Madagascar isn't as difficult as it may seem, there are regular flights from Paris to Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar, and we have links with travel agents to ensure the best possible prices and in order to ensure availability.
When I get there how do I get to Andavadoaka?
Blue Ventures representatives will meet you in Tulear, the regional capital for the south west of Madagascar, the evening before the start of the expedition. To get there is either a simple plane journey from the capital Antananarivo, or we offer a popular overland minibus tour. The tour last 3 days, travels 1,000 kilometres, and stops at some of the most spectactular national parks in Africa. If you're interested in this tour, please let us know at the time of your application, as the trip fills up fast.
What will the weather be like in Madagascar?
Madagascar is a huge island that spans several latitudes, as such weather and temperatures can be heavily variable. There are two main seasonal variations, the Hot / Wet season (October to May) where the temperatures soars, making diving very pleasant due to the water temperature. The Dry season (June to September) where it is slightly cooler, making a wetsuit a necessity.
How safe is travelling in Madagascar?
Madagascar is a safe country to travel in provided the same laws of common sense are obeyed as should be observed when travelling in any developing country.
Will my previous degree be of use to me during my Expedition?
The chances are that you will find aspects of a wide range of environmental courses in the Marine Science Training Programme that is taught out on site, and so any previous experience can be beneficial, however a degree is not a pre-requisite.
How can I be contacted whilst in Madagascar?
Owing to the remoteness of our field sites, communications in the field are difficult and expensive. We have satellite telephones and emails can be relayed via a forwarding service which can send plain text emails. We also have a 24-hour telephone messaging service in case of emergency.
Can I use the data I collect on a BV expedition to write my dissertation?
Absolutely. Please have a look at our suggested dissertation projects and contact our science department:
Do I need previous experience to go on a Blue Ventures Expedition?
No. With an extremely high staff-to-volunteer ratio, Blue Ventures employs fully qualified staff to tutor you in dive training and aspects of marine ecology in which you will be working on a daily basis.
How does Blue Ventures ensure the safety of its volunteers?
Due to the remoteness of Andavadoaka, we must have rigorous safety procedures in place. We employ only professional staff with previous experience of working in the field and in developing countries. On site, the Expedition Manager is in charge of safety for all the expedition volunteers and staff. The expedition Dive Manager is a fully qualified professional capable of dealing with onsite diving emergencies until outside help is reached. The expedition Medic is a fully qualified Medical Doctor who has access to a comprehensive medical station whilst onsite.
What happens in an Emergency?
In the event of an emergency, Blue Ventures has prearranged emergency procedures such as evacuation plans. These emergency action & evacuation plans can be put into action at a moments notice. The Expedition Manager is in 24hr contact with the London office, allowing the staff to liaise directly with their base.
What inoculations will I need when visiting Madagascar?
Before you go on a Blue Ventures expedition you should see your local doctor or an accredited Travel Clinic who will advise you on the relevant inoculations necessary for Madagascar. The standard inoculations are:
- Polio, tetanus and BCG (Tuberculosis)
- Yellow fever (only necessary if staying in sub-Saharan Africa en route to Madagascar)
- Diphtheria
- Meningitis (A & C)
- Typhoid
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Rabies
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