Safety, Dive & Travel Insurance:
We won't do any deep dives. For safety reasons we set a limit of max. 30m on fun dives, 15m on Reef Check dives. The nearest recompression facility is in Phuket, Thailand, which is pretty far away. First aid kit and oxygen set is onboard.: Neither Europe Conservation nor Reef Check take any responsibility for damage to persons or material during this cruise. We will ask you to sign a liability release before leaving the port (the text is attached below). Without signing this you may not take part in the Reef Check surveys. We also require that all volunteers obtain a Dive Injury Insurance, such as provided by DAN (Divers Alert Network) or DiveAssure, to cover their diving. DAN is aware of our research and is therefore able to efficiently evacuate anyone in the case of emergency. We recommend a minimum of DAN Basic Membership cover (this will cover you for a year). This will cost 65 Euro and can be ordered on line at: http://www.daneurope.org The best-known providers of this type of insurance are DAN and the Dive Assurance Association. Please check the following websites: DAN USA: www.diversalertnetwork.org
DAN Europe: www.daneurope.org
DAN Asia Pacific: www.danseap.org
Dive Assure: www.diveassure.com
Our main reason for making insurance mandatory is that due to the remoteness of the area, it is possible that one of our volunteers may need air-evacuation in case of sudden illness or an accident.
While on the subject of insurance, we also STRONGLY RECOMMEND, that all our clients take cancellation insurance. Our cancellation conditions apply no matter what tragedy befalls you or your relatives. We simply cannot bear the financial risk of having to refund people who cancel because of the illness or death of a family member shortly before their cruise departs.
Do yourself and us a favour by getting all the insurance you can. In the end, that is the cheapest option. Because of the remoteness of the field site and the nature of the work which you will be undertaking with us, we recommend not purchasing the cheapest travel insurance that you can find but ensuring that the company has a good reputation and is reliable. It is essential that you forward us details of both your travel insurance and DAN insurance policies before departure.
Forms to be sent:
Liability & copyright releases signed
PADI Medical Forms
4 Passport-sized photos
Photocopy of back page of passport
Photocopy of Insurance Policies
Photocopy of existing dive certificates
Programme:
Departure: from Ranong (Thailand)
Return: to Ranong (Thailand)
The programme of the trip is to sail from Ranong (Thailand) to the North. Weather permitting, we will reach Mergui City. The main goal of the expedition is to try to survey as many coral reefs as we can on the way, according to the Reef Check methods (for details see http://www.reefcheck.org). In the first two days we will conduct a short training session in these methods. Later we will carry out the actual surveys. We will also have the chance to visit islands, coastal settlements and cities in Myanmar. Besides the surveys we will also have fun dives. There is no preset daily schedule; we will make plans on the way, as many things are unforeseeable. We intend to make two dives per day, although some days we may dive more and some days less than this. We assure you that all this will be great fun and even the Reef Check "work" dives are exciting.
If time allows, we will enter data collected during the surveys and make a preliminary analysis of the results during the cruise.
The Andaman Sea, where we will be sailing, is a great place for underwater photography, particularly for close-ups. There will be enough time for pleasure dives.
NOTICE from the skipper, Oct 2004:
Welcome participants to our 4th Reef Check Cruise in Burma
The Reef Check expedition to the Mergui Archipelago in Burma early next year will be special, as we shall have a longer Cruise including visits to normally not accessible islands in the northern part of the Archipelago and to the town of Mergui (Myeik) itself.
Some of the 800 unspoilt, jungle-clad islands in tropical waters are still waiting to be explored.
Rounding a jungle covered island and seeing Mergui at sunset with the golden pagoda sparkling in the sun has been the highlight of 20 years of sailing. Apologies for not being able to describe it as Conrad did.
The Archipelago is only accessible to few tourists from its southern border town of Kaw Thaung (formerly Victoria Point), which faces the Thai town Ranong across the estuary of the Pakchan River. This is the Isthmus of Kra: the narrowest point of the Malay Peninsula, also an important geological and biological divide. You should know that the Burmese Archipelago is one of the few remote places left in the world. By choice I do not have satellite communication on board, and your cellphones wont work after we lose sight of Thailand. We might not meet a white face until we sail into Mergui. Only local fishermen and Moken sea-gypsies inhabit the islands.
As before, we shall sail on the SEANOMAD, a cruising catamaran that, with its shallow draft and enormous deck for a boat of only 12m (7m wide!), is an ideal platform for such exploration. SEANOMAD is a very spartan yacht, so do not expect luxury: 10 people share one toilet. Crew-members are often seen to have an early morning or evening swim or a walk into the jungle to communicate with nature!
There is no air conditioning, but the cabins are spacious and well ventilated. The deck provides ample space for equipment, sitting around or sunbathing, even during navigation.
The shady centercockpit, where meals are eaten, has plenty of sitting space for the whole crew. It is also used for lessons, discussions and data analysis after dives.
For smokers we have reserved the back balcony below the wind; it is a favourite place for sunset watching, when the compressor is not running.
The food is very varied, with both local (thai-burmese) and international plus italian cuisine when the skipper is in the mood. He then also likes to mix a sunset-cocktail. Fruit and non-alcoholic beverages as well as coffee and tea are free and plentiful on a self-help basis.
The halfway stop in Mergui will allow us to have fresh vegetable and meat and the 3 fishing villages on the way will allow us to replenish fish and ice supplies.
The boat has been fitted with new engines but sailing with the wind is always a nice option.
Apart from myself and Dr Georg Heiss, the RC course leader, we shall have a cook plus a local guide and helper on board, possibly also a Burmese scientist. Everybodys help is always welcome, from lifting anchor to cooking or dishwashing and contributing to the good atmosphere on board. This year we shall try to better prepare for diving before actually reaching the divespots, to be able to do more dives and visit more places. We shall dive on a few sites visited in previous years to see if there are any changes, but more than half the trip will be to new and rarely visited Islands in the northern part of the Mergui Archipelago. We shall sail through the night at least once, which is an experience by itself.
If you love unspoilt nature, are adventurous, outgoing and adaptable, I look forward to welcoming you on board for a very special cruise!
Luca Schueli, Skipper, EcoSwiss
Useful Information:
Visa:
For Thailand:
Please check the visa requirements for your nationality at the Thai embassy in your country.
Some information may be found at: http://www.imm.police.go.th
For Germans:
You will get a 30-day tourist visa at the airport of entry.
More information:
http://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/www/de/laenderinfos/laender/laender_ausgabe_html?land_id=169&type_id=5
For Myanmar:
A visa for Myanmar will be arranged when you arrive. Please send your passport data (Name, date of birth, nationality, passport no., place of issue, date of issue, date of expiry) t
marinasia2003@hotmail.com. Please bring four passport photos and four copies of the photo and data pages of your passport. Further information:
Ministry of Foreign affairs
http://www.myanmar.com/Ministry/mofa
For Germans:
http://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/www/de/laenderinfos/laender/laender_ausgabe_html?land_id=117&type_id=5
Bangkok:
Some hotels:
Airport Hotel in Bangkok:
http://www.asiahotel.co.th/asia_airport.html
Nana Inn
13/9 Nana Nua, Sukhumvit Soi 3, Tel: +662 255-4404/5, +662 255-4408/9; Fax +662-254-4317, (ca. 1000 Baht).
Malaysia Hotel
54 Soi Ngam Duplee, Rama 4 Road, Sathon, Bangkok 10120 Thailand
Tel. 66(2) 679-7127 to 36, Fax. 66(2) 287-1457
http://ksc15.th.com/malaysia/index.html
Phuket:
There are hundreds of hotels in all price categories in Phuket. Here a nice one where we stayed in 2004:
Nerntong Resort (small pool, garden, very nice bungalows, low season 1300 Baht incl. breakfast)
60/4 Moo 5 Kalim Beach Patong Beach, Phuket, 83150
Manager : Khun Mussuree Chumpada
Tel : +66(076) 340-571-2
How to get to Ranong:
Most international flights arrive in Bangkok or Phuket.
From Bangkok:
Estimated cost from Bangkok to Ranong (cost to be covered by participants):
Night bus (10 USD + Taxi in BKK ca 10 USD),
Train (10 USD + Taxi plus minibus, ca 25 USD)
Flights Bangkok Ranong:
Phuket Airlines: http://www.phuketairlines.com (return trip: 4000-5000 Baht, ca 80-100 Euro).
or Thai Airways: http://www.thaiairways.com (return trip: 4940 Baht, ca 100 Euro).
From Phuket there are buses to Ranong.
The Royal Princess Hotel in Ranong has a shuttle bus from the airport. Meeting place:
Royal Princess Hotel in Ranong http://ranong.royalprincess.com.
We will meet on Sunday evening, and leave from the hotel on Monday, 10 a.m.
This is also a recommended Hotel, nice, with pool etc, and also has a minibus from the airport. We are trying to negotiate a reduced price for participants (Baht 1100 (in Feb 2004 it was ca. 23 Euro) per room (also double) including breakfast. We can make reservations for you.
Dive gear: - You must bring your own diving equipment. (Rental of dive gear possible in Phuket, but not in Ranong)
- 3 mm wet suit should be enough (water temperature 26-27°C).
- At least 10 tanks will be on board. Valves for dive tanks are K-valves (yoke-type or International), if your 1st stage is DIN, you need an adaptor. We are using a Bauer Compressor (Diesel).
- If you want to dive, bring a valid certificate. (Not necessary for snorkelers).
Equipment of the boat, general information etc
There will be a 1000W generator onboard, AC current, 220V/12V outlet. There are single berths in double cabins, if a couple signs up, we can easily prepare a double bed. All linen and 2 towels are provided. There is fresh water for showers available, but due to limited storage capacity participants are asked to save water. Conditions onboard can be very basic. Dont expect a luxury cruise. The distance to supplies can be a few days. During tank filling it will be quite noisy, but otherwise there is hardly anything to hear.
In addition to diving and other research work, all volunteers are asked to help in a wide range of aspects of the day to day running of the expedition, from anchor pulling to dive planning. There are a multitude of tasks each day that can make expedition life extremely busy, but at the same time ensure that it will be a fascinating learning experience for all.
Preparation at home:
We suggest that you download and print the NEW Reef Check Instruction Manual 2004 from
http://www.reefcheck.org/infocenter/publications/instruction_manual_2004.pdf
and read it thoroughly during your travel so as to familiarize yourself with the methods.
More information about the method and pictures of the indicators can be found on the International Reef Check web site
http://www.reefcheck.org/methods/instructions.asp, http://www.reefcheck.org/methods/speciesid.asp,
and on the German website http://www.riffe.de/reefcheck/methods_de.shtml.
Field guide books:
Coral Reef Fishes: Indo-Pacific and Caribbean (Princeton Pocket Guides)
by Ewald Lieske, Robert Myers
List Price: $24.95
(very good fish guide with excellent drawings):
Myers R (2001) Collins Pocket Guide: Coral Reef fishes
A classic and good general coral reef guide:
Indo-Pacific Coral Reef Field Guide
by Gerald R. Allen, Roger Steene
Liability release (2 parts: 1.Reef Check, 2.University of California)
Before leaving Ranong we will ask you to sign these liability releases. Without signing them you cannot take part in diving and Reef Check surveys (but you can still join the trip).
I acknowledge that Reef Check is a volunteer program. I recognize that I do not have to participate. I acknowledge that I have chosen to follow the Reef Check survey methodology because it provides one suitable way of collecting scientific information, and not because it minimizes any of the risks of SCUBA diving. I recognize that SCUBA diving is an inherently risky activity and I expressly assume all risk associated with SCUBA diving in any way affiliated with Reef Check. Moreover, I hereby release and hold Reef Check harmless for any and all negligent acts in any way related to Reef Check activities. I acknowledge that diving and sailing into the Mergui Archipelago amounts to adventure travel as no coastguard or organised rescue services are available. I have chosen to do this volunteer work of my own free will for the purpose of contributing to science and coral reef conservation and I agree that I, and only I, shall be responsible for my safety, and any injuries I may sustain. I agree that I will not hold liable or responsible Luca Schueli, Europe Conservation Switzerland and Marinasia Ltd, Phuket, Georg Heiss, Reef Check e.V., Gregor Hodgson, the Institute of the Environment, University of California or any personnel associated with any of the above, whether employees, agents, independent contractors, team leaders or other volunteers. I absolve all of them from any responsibility for my safety or any injuries, which I may suffer in the process of following the Reef Check survey methodology, or any deviation from it.
Signature: _________________________________________ Date: ____________
Full name (in block letters): _____________________________________________
Participant's name: _________________________________ (Please Print)
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, Los Angeles
Reef Check-UCLA
Waiver of Liability, Assumption of Risk, and Indemnity Agreement
Waiver: In consideration of being permitted to participate in any way in Reef Check-UCLA herein after called "The Activity", I, for myself, my heirs, personal representatives or assigns, do hereby release, waive, discharge, and covenant not to sue The Regents of the University of California, its officers, employees, and agents from liability from any and all claims including the negligence of The Regents of the University of California, its officers, employees and agents, resulting in personal injury, accidents or illnesses (including death), and property loss arising from, but not limited to, participation in The Activity.
_________________________________ Signature of Participant, Date
Assumption of Risks: Participation in The Activity carries with it certain inherent risks that cannot be eliminated regardless of the care taken to avoid injuries. The specific risks vary from one activity to another, but the risks range from 1) minor injuries such as scratches, bruises, and sprains 2) major injuries such as eye injury or loss of sight, joint or back injuries, heart attacks, and concussions to 3) catastrophic injuries including paralysis and death. I have read the previous paragraphs and I know, understand, and appreciate these and other risks that are inherent in The Activity. I hereby assert that my participation is voluntary and that I knowingly assume all such risks.
Indemnification and Hold Harmless: I also agree to INDEMNIFY AND HOLD The Regents of the University of California HARMLESS from any and all claims, actions, suits, procedures, costs, expenses, damages and liabilities, including attorneys fees brought as a result of my involvement in The Activity and to reimburse them for any such expenses incurred.
Severability: The undersigned further expressly agrees that the foregoing waiver and assumption of risks agreement is intended to be as broad and inclusive as is permitted by the law of the State of California and that if any portion thereof is held invalid, it is agreed that the balance shall, notwithstanding, continue in full legal force and effect.
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