Strengthen your in-water research skills in coral reef monitoring and management while living, learning, and diving in the world-class reef environments of Little Cayman, Cayman Islands. Join CCMI for an immersive seven-day residential field course based at our remote research station, where you will gain hands-on training in coral restoration techniques leveraging CCMI’s decades-old experience in its coral nursery facility, alongside rapid reef assessment and environmental monitoring methods. You will learn from CCMI scientists who have been collecting one of the longest continuous records of coral reef health data in the Caribbean. The course also includes valuable PADI specialty certifications, taught by CCMI dive instructors, that are relevant to careers in coral reef management and marine conservation.
This course is designed for university graduates and advanced undergraduates with a background in marine science, as well as professionals working or with an interest in tropical coastal management.
Experienced Open Water divers (a minimum of 12 dives; a minimum of 2 dives in the last 12 months). Additional dive experience or certifications welcome but not required. A basic knowledge of marine ecology is expected.
This immersive field-based course introduces students to the science and practice of coral reef resilience and restoration, combining ecological theory with hands-on training in one of the Caribbean’s most remote, least developed, and best protected reef systems.
Based at CCMI’s research station on Little Cayman, a Mission Blue Hope Spot, students will explore how coral reef ecosystems function, how they respond to disturbance, and how targeted management and restoration interventions can enhance reef recovery. This intensive eight-day course combines classroom learning, ample in-water training, independent research, and hands-on restoration work.
CCMI’s remote research station provides exceptional access to some of the Caribbean’s healthiest coral reefs and a regionally recognized coral restoration programme. Students are taught by marine scientists and conservation practitioners with decades of experience. They will gain insight into conducting research in resilience-based management while actively contributing to coral reef conservation.
By completing this course, students will be able to:
If you are unsure if you meet the pre-requisites, please contact us, and we’ll be happy to discuss if this course if appropriate for you
Get out of the board room – and dive into nature for your next retreat! This immersive 4-day residential programme equips corporations and institutions (their leaders and employees) with evidence-based understanding of why marine sustainability and coral reef resilience matters to business continuity and ESG performance. Participants will explore coral reef ecology, resilience science, climate impacts, and marine governance while gaining practical frameworks for corporate action that meets your company’s stated goals.
This immersive experience goes beyond traditional team building. Participants learn to design actionable 12–24 month Corporate Marine Action Plans that strengthens ESG performance while benefiting local marine ecosystems and communities. This roadmap includes capacity building and knowledge transfer for new employees as well as pathways for creating partnerships with local communities on coral reef restoration, MPAs surveillance, blue-carbon initiatives, and other marine conservation outcomes.
CCMI will work with your company to create a tailored syllabus to meet your goals for your retreat. You will receive the three core modules below PLUS one optional module to complete your course. Additional modules can be added for an additional cost, and they would require extra days added to the course.
Course modules include:
Set against the extraordinary backdrop of Little Cayman, a Mission Blue Hope Spot, this retreat builds stronger teams while positioning your company as a true environmental leader in the Cayman Islands.
Participants learn to design actionable 12–24 month Corporate Marine Action Plans that strengthens ESG performance while benefiting local marine ecosystems and communities. Such roadmap includes capacity building and knowledge transfer for new employees, as well as pathways for creating partnerships with local communities on coral reef restoration, MPAs surveillance, blue-carbon initiatives, and other marine conservation outcomes.
The course will be presented using a variety of instructional methods, including: lectures, direct field observations (e.g., snorkelling in healthy vs. degraded coral reefs around Little Cayman; observing a coral nursery and its upkeep), group field activities (e.g., building reef restoration field tools; beach cleanups), field notebooks (participants are asked to keep a field notebook to record field observations and reflections), literature reviews and class discussions, and small group presentations.
Participants will liaise with local businesses, government agencies with direct responsibility for marine ecosystem monitoring, and conservation NGOs on Little Cayman.
There will also be time during your visit to CCMI to explore the beauty of Little Cayman through the use of our bicycles and kayaks. Life at the field station is a truly unique experience, complete with nightly stargazing, beach BBQs, and an ocean view of the Bloody Bay Marine Park just steps from your bedroom door!
Fee includes full room and board (3 meals/day, 4 days/3 nights in shared dorm-style accommodation with bunk beds), CCMI team instruction and support, ground transportation in Little Cayman, dives/snorkels for each module, and snorkel gear. SCUBA participants are advised to bring their own dive gear, if possible, for enhanced comfort.
Fee does not include flights or DAN insurance for divers.
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