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Our 6-day Snorkelling for Marine Biology residential is aimed at 16-25 years old and will allow you to explore the under-appreciated UK waters which are full of amazing marine life.
This course will give you a taste of our fascinating underwater world and will qualify you as a British Sub Aqua Club Snorkel Diver as well as meeting the criteria for the Gold DoE Residential. Aimed at beginners, this progressive course will cover practical skills and theory sessions.
It is run in partnership with the Marine Biological Association (MBA), for young people between 16 and 25 years old who are interested in marine biology and marine science.
Each day will take you on a new adventure at a magnificent Pembrokeshire coastal site. Time out of the water will be spent learning about marine habitats and species, marine conservation and current threats to our oceans. Talks will be from centre staff and guest speakers.
Our residentials also give you the chance to develop a range of transferable skills. These types of skills help across many areas of life and are particularly good for including in job or education applications. Here are some of the transferable skills that are likely to be covered in this residential:
- Communicating with others
- Working as a team
- Managing your time
- Reliability
- Keeping focused
- Problem solving
If these course dates do not suit you, we run similar courses at many of our other centres.
This course is open to young people aged 16-25. When you book, it is essential that you enter the age and attendees name in the Order Notes at the checkout. If the attendee is under 18, the booking must be made by a parent/guardian.
Tutor: Field Studies Council Staff
Courses are led by experienced Field Studies Council staff.
Our centres are operated in a fully Covid-secure way and accommodation will be in suitably shared rooms based on the current government guidance.
Example Timetable
Example Timetable
Day 1
Arrive at 1600. Welcome to the Centre and introductions
Day 2
Introduction to snorkelling equipment, get kitted out with wetsuits and masks. The first snorkel session will be at Castle Beach, a short walk away from the field centre. This first snorkel is a chance to get used to the water, and check equipment all fits correctly. During the day there will be a lecture on rocky shore ecosystems.
Day 3
Snorkel theory sessions on buoyancy and pressure, followed by a snorkel session at St. Brides Bay. This site is great for spider crabs and snorkelling over rocky outcrops and through sheltered inlets. In the afternoon learn how to collect marine plankton samples and practice microscopy skills identifying the different species.
Day 4
Martins Haven - A rocky bay in the Skomer Marine Conservation Zone. Snorkel through kelp and over boulders in search of shore fish and sand eels. Later in the day there will be talks on the biology and ecology of marine life found in the Marine Conservation Zone.
Day 5
Using all your knowledge and skills, you will help plan and lead your own guided snorkel session. This will be a full day out at the beautiful West Angle Bay. This site has a lovely sandy substrate with rocky outcrops along the edges, great for anemones, blennies and crabs.
Day 6
Review of the course and presentation of certificates. Talk on how to further your marine interests, education or careers.
Depart 1200
Please note: to ensure safe and quality learning experiences for students, the timetable may alter depending on weather conditions and local factors at centres.
What's Included
As part of the course you will get a 1-year membership with the MBA.
Before You Attend
A kit list will be sent out via email. All technical equipment will be provided.
This course is open to young people aged 16-25. When you book, it is essential that you enter the age and attendees name in the Order Notes at the checkout. If the attendee is under 18, the booking must be made by a parent/guardian.
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