PASSIONATE ABOUT THE OCEAN?

Student reviewing reef monitoring data during the Ecological Monitoring Program (EMP) marine conservation training at Black Turtle Conservation, Koh Tao.
Close-up of a healthy brain coral colony photographed during the Ecological Monitoring Program (EMP) with Black Turtle Conservation in Koh Tao, Thailand.
Group of marine conservation students preparing for their Ecological Monitoring Program (EMP) dive with Black Turtle Conservation on Koh Tao, Thailand.

A 4-day immersive program combining theory and hands-on dives to give you the skills to monitor and protect coral reefs. Whether you’re passionate about the ocean or taking your first step toward a conservation career, the EMP will transform the way you see the underwater world.

Take Your First Step Into the World of Scientific Diving & Marine Conservation

Join our Ecological Monitoring Program (EMP) and take your first step into the world of scientific diving and marine conservation. Across engaging theory sessions and hands-on dives, you’ll build both knowledge and real underwater skills—making every dive purposeful and impactful.

What you’ll learn:

  • Identify corals, fish, invertebrates and other marine species
  • Record and manage ecological data
  • Take part in reef monitoring projects that directly support conservation research

This program is ideal if you want to:

  • Build a solid foundation in marine ecology and scientific monitoring.
  • Prepare for advanced conservation courses and research projects.
  • Actively contribute to the protection of Koh Tao’s reefs and marine life.

The EMP is more than just a course: it’s a hands-on, meaningful experience where every dive has a purpose and every piece of data you collect helps conservation.

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WHY THIS COURSE MATTERS

Koh Tao’s warm, clear waters are home to vibrant coral reefs and a stunning diversity of marine life — but these ecosystems face increasing threats. As divers, we have a unique role to play in understanding and protecting the underwater world.

Through the EMP, you will:

  • Build a solid foundation in coral reef ecology and marine conservation.
  • Learn to monitor reef health scientifically, just like marine researchers.
  • Join a global movement of conservation divers contributing real data to international databases.
  • Take your diving skills to the next level by learning to work underwater with precision and purpose.

For those who want to go further, the EMP is a prerequisite for all advanced Conservation Diver courses, including specialties like Coral Taxonomy, Coral Disease, Coral Restoration, etc.

price

11,900 THB

DURATION

4 days

classes

4 classes

DIVES

6 training dives

CERTIFICATION

Conservation Diver

LEVEL REQUIRED

Advanced Open Water*
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* Not a diver yet? No problem! You can start your journey by learning to dive with us.
Our PADI Open Water and Advanced Open Water courses are the perfect first step before joining our marine conservation programs.

START WITH A DIVING COURSE

COURSE STRUCTURE

Before the course begins, you’ll receive access to our EMP e-learning platform, where you’ll complete interactive modules on reef ecology and monitoring techniques.

EMP

Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4
Morning 09:00 Marine Ecology Lecture EMP Fish Lecture Study time/e-Learning EMP Substrate Lecture
Lunch
Afternoon 12:00 EMP Inverts Lecture Fluid Mechanics Dive EMP Fish Dive Substrate Safari Dive
14:00 Study time/e-Learning Reef Safari Dive EMP Inverts Dive EMP Substrate Dive
Evening 17:00 Debrief Debrief Debrief

* Please note that the following schedule is indicative and may vary.
* Exact times for each session and dive will be confirmed before the course begins.

DAY 1 – MARINE ECOLOGY & INVERTS SURVEY

Your first day begins with an introduction to the Ecological Monitoring Program (EMP) — an internationally recognized methodology for assessing coral reef health. You’ll learn how the program contributes to long-term marine conservation efforts around Koh Tao and how your data can support real scientific research.

During the Marine Ecology presentation, you’ll explore the fascinating dynamics of coral reef ecosystems — from coral biology and symbiotic relationships to trophic interactions and ecological balance. You’ll also discuss the main environmental threats affecting reefs and the importance of responsible diving practices in protecting them.

After a break, you’ll attend the Invertebrate Survey lecture, where you’ll learn to identify key indicator species such as sea cucumbers, urchins, Crown of Thorns star fish, and Drupella snails. These organisms play crucial roles in maintaining ecosystem balance, and their presence or absence provides valuable insight into reef health.

(No dives on Day 1 — this day focuses on building a strong ecological foundation before entering the water.)

DAY 2 – FISH INDICATORS & SURVEY TECHNIQUES

Day two begins with a Fish Survey lecture, introducing you to the fish indicator species used in reef assessments, including butterflyfish, parrotfish, groupers, and snappers. You’ll learn to recognize these species underwater and understand what their abundance or behavior can reveal about the condition of the reef.

In the afternoon, you’ll head to the ocean for your first two dives:

Dive 1: Buoyancy Check & Line Deployment Workshop — refine your buoyancy control and practice laying transect lines accurately, ensuring minimal impact on the reef.
Dive 2: Reef Safari Dive — explore one of Koh Tao’s vibrant reef sites while putting your new identification skills to the test, observing fish and invertebrates in their natural habitat.

By the end of the day, you’ll feel confident with the survey setup and ready to start collecting real data underwater.

DAY 3 – INVERTEBRATE & FISH SURVEYS

Now that you’ve mastered the fundamentals, it’s time to dive into practical fieldwork. Day three is fully dedicated to underwater surveys, allowing you to apply everything you’ve learned so far.

In the afternoon, you’ll complete two dives:

Dive 3: Invertebrate Survey Dive — conduct a full invertebrate transect, recording indicator species and their abundance.

Dive 4: Fish Survey Dive — perform your first official fish count along a transect line, improving your species recognition and data accuracy under real survey conditions.

These dives are designed to strengthen your confidence as a scientific diver, refining your teamwork, positioning, and underwater observation skills.

DAY 4 – SUBSTRATE SURVEY & FINAL ASSESSMENT

Your final day begins with the Substrate Survey lecture, where you’ll learn to identify different benthic categories — including hard coral, soft coral, algae, rubble, sand, and rock — and understand how changes in substrate composition can reflect shifts in reef health.

In the afternoon, you’ll conduct the last two dives of the program:

Dive 5: Substrate Survey Dive — practice identifying and recording the types of substrate along your transect using the point intercept method.

Dive 6: Full EMP Survey Assessment Dive — combine all survey components (fish, invertebrates, and substrate) into a complete ecological assessment, applying all your skills to collect high-quality data.

After the dives, you’ll debrief with your instructor, review your data, and discuss how it contributes to ongoing reef monitoring projects around Koh Tao.

By the end of the program, you’ll have completed the full Ecological Monitoring Protocol, gained practical experience in scientific diving, and earned your Conservation Diver certification as an EMP Surveyor — qualifying you to assist in future research and conservation projects worldwide.

In just four days, you’ll transform your dives into meaningful contributions to marine science — learning to observe, understand, and protect coral reefs with purpose and precision.

Contact us
Price:
11,900 THB
BOOK NOW
Includes:
  • Conservation Diver E-Learning
  • 4 classes
  • 6 guided conservation dives
  • Conservation Diver Certification
  • Diving equipment & dive computer
  • Dive insurance
  • Refreshments & fruit on the boat

Testimonials 

   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 Chee yen Wong 
 
1 days ago
 
 
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+1
This dive shop is highly recommended!
The diving guide Isbella is very professional, enthusiastic and patient in explaining everything.
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 matthias p 
 
1 days ago
 
 
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Ich war jetzt bereits zum wiederholten Male tauchen bei Black Turtle Dive und bin begeistert. Der Service, die Hilfsbereitschaft & Professionalität sind überragend!

Vor allem meine Fun Dives mit den Dive Master Nils und Hailey waren perfekt.

Danke für diese tolle Erfahrung!!
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Amy Burnett 
 
2 days ago
 
 
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+0
If you’re looking to complete your PADI open water course, I could not recommend Black Turtle Dive more. We completed the 3 day course. Learnt so much about the ocean and the safety behind diving, that we can take forward to any future dives.
Our instructors Jaa and Arisa were so encouraging and patient when it came to learning new skills.
As well as the incredible dive locations they take you too.
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Zoe Clark 
 
2 days ago
 
 
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If I could give more than 5 stars I would. The staff were so friendly and welcoming as soon as we stepped through the door.
Our instructors were more than perfect Jaa and arisa. Could not recommend them more. Hope to dive with them again sometime. Highly recommend
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Alya F profile picture 
 
 
 Alya F 
 
3 days ago
 
 
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Ich durfte meinen Open Water Diver hier absolvieren und war wirklich sehr zufrieden. Meine Tauchlehrerin war Nadine, sie ist wirklich mega super! Ich habe mich in der Ausbildung immer sehr wohl und verstanden gefühlt. Sie hat mich immer mit viel Geduld und Passion in meinem Lernprozess begleitet, VIELEN DANK Nadine!
Ich schätze generell bei Black Turtle die Professionalität und Hilfsbereitschaft sehr! Man merkt das sie viel Leidenschaft im Tauchen leben (das ganze Team) und ihnen Sicherheit beim Tauchen sehr wichtig ist. Ich habe mich vom Empfang bis zur letzen Ausbildungseinheit gut betreut und beraten gefühlt. Komme gerne wieder 🤟🏼
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Federico Bertorello 
 
4 days ago
 
 
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Hice el curso de open water, la atención de las chicas 10! Mi instructora Rhi excelente!
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Toby profile picture 
 
 
 Toby 
 
4 days ago
 
 
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If your looking for low cost, high quality dive school to do your scuba open waters and/or more through, black turtle is the place to go.  Ask around for an instructor named Naim and a soon-to-be instructor named Annie.  They were great company and even better instructors.  Strongly recommend.
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Miriam schlenker 
 
4 days ago
 
 
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 Michael Clarke profile picture 
 
 
 Michael Clarke 
 
4 days ago
 
 
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Chae was awesome. Super patient and helpful with the refresher course we did together.

I had some serious trouble equalising and he kept me calm, was really understanding, and managed to get me down for two great experiences.

Totally recommend him and the whole staff.
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Mats Lory 
 
5 days ago
 
 
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Amazing dive center, super professional and chill people!
Group of marine conservation divers on the boat during the Ecological Monitoring Program (EMP) course with Black Turtle Conservation on Koh Tao, Thailand.

Keep Learning After Your EMP

Once you complete the Ecological Monitoring Program (EMP), the learning doesn’t stop!
We offer a variety of advanced courses so you can continue developing your skills based on your interests..

You can also customize your program to focus on the areas that excite you most, creating a learning journey that’s truly your own. Every course builds on what you’ve learned in the EMP, giving you practical experience and a deeper understanding of marine conservation.

Scuba diver conducting an ecological monitoring survey along a transect line during the EMP marine conservation course with Black Turtle Conservation in Koh Tao, Thailand.

ECOLOGICAL MONITORING PROGRAM

Prerequisites: AOW

The Ecological Monitoring Program (EMP) introduces reef survey methods and scientific diving techniques. You’ll learn to assess fish, invertebrates, substrate, and coral health, and report your findings to an international database.

4 days 6 dives 11,900 ฿
Close-up photo of branching coral polyps used in the Coral Taxonomy I course at Black Turtle Conservation, Koh Tao, Thailand.

Coral Taxonomy & Identification

Prerequisites: AOW + EMP

Learn to identify coral species based on skeletal and anatomical characteristics, both on land and underwater.

This course builds essential skills for research, restoration, and monitoring projects.

1 day 2 dives 6,000 ฿
Sea slug (Costasiella sp.) photographed during the Sea Slug Ecology course at Black Turtle Conservation, exploring nudibranch identification and behavior in Koh Tao, Thailand.

NUDIBRANCH & SEA SLUG ECOLOGY

Prerequisites: AOW + EMP

Dive into the world of nudibranchs and sea slugs, key indicators of reef biodiversity and water quality. You’ll explore their taxonomy and ecology while participating in an ongoing research project at Black Turtle Conservation.

1 day 2 dives 6,000 ฿
Diver restoring corals by attaching fragments on artificial reef structures during the Coral Restoration course with Black Turtle Conservation in Koh Tao, Thailand.

CORAL RESTORATION THEORY & TECHNIQUES

Prerequisites: AOW + EMP

Explore the science behind coral restoration.

You'll learn about restoration strategies, site selection, coral health assessment, and attachment methods.

1 day 2 dives 8,000 ฿
Marine conservation divers assembling artificial reef modules underwater during the Artificial Reefs course at Black Turtle Conservation, Koh Tao, Thailand.

ARTIFICIAL REEF THEORY & TECHNIQUES

Prerequisites: AOW + EMP + Coral Restoration

Artificial reefs help restore damaged habitats and provide alternative dive sites. You’ll explore the science behind their design and even create your own reef project as a classroom exercise.

1 day 2 dives 6,000 ฿
Crown-of-thorns starfish (Acanthaster planci), a major coral predator, documented during the Coral Predators course with Black Turtle Conservation in Koh Tao, Thailand.

CORAL PREDATORS: POPULATION MANAGEMENT & MONITORING

Prerequisites: AOW + EMP

Identify and monitor coral predators such as crown-of-thorns starfish and Drupella snails, and understand their impact on reef health.

This course teaches practical techniques for population control and long-term reef protection.

1 day 2 dives 6,000 ฿
Detailed macro image of coral polyps used in the Advanced Coral Taxonomy course to teach species-level identification with Black Turtle Conservation in Koh Tao, Thailand.

ADVANCED CORAL TAXONOMY

Prerequisites: AOW + EMP + Coral Taxonomy

Expand your coral identification skills by learning to recognize more challenging and rare genera.

This course deepens your knowledge of skeletal and anatomical traits, strengthening your abilities for advanced research and monitoring.

2 days 4 dives 10,000 ฿
Bleached coral branch showing disease patterns used for training during the Coral Disease course at Black Turtle Conservation in Koh Tao, Thailand.

CORAL DISEASES & COMPROMISED HEALTH

Prerequisites: AOW + EMP + Coral Taxonomy

Discover how to identify and record common coral diseases and signs of stress in reef ecosystems.

This course equips you with the skills to assess reef health and contribute valuable data to monitoring efforts.

1 day 2 dives 6,000 ฿
Green sea turtle resting on a coral reef while snorkelers observe from the surface during the Sea Turtle Ecology and Identification course at Black Turtle Conservation, Koh Tao, Thailand.

ADVANCED EMP

Prerequisites: AOW + EMP + Coral Taxonomy + Coral Disease + 3 Monitoring Courses

Gain experience using additional monitoring techniques, including quadrants, transects, and advanced survey methods. This course enhances your ability to collect accurate data and analyze long-term changes in reef ecosystems.

1 day 2 dives 6,000 ฿
Scientific diver performing advanced coral reef monitoring using quadrats during the Advanced Ecological Monitoring Program (EMP) course with Black Turtle Conservation in Koh Tao, Thailand.

SEA TURTLE ECOLOGY & MONITORING

Learn about the ecology, behavior and threats facing sea turtles, all of which are endangered. Develop skills in turtle ID and data collection, allowing you to contribute to real conservation initiatives by recording sightings to support ongoing monitoring efforts in Koh Tao and internationally.

1 day 1 snorkel 6,000 ฿
Group of marine conservation divers studying shark behavior and population ecology during the Shark Ecology course at Black Turtle Conservation, Koh Tao, Thailand.

SHARK ECOLOGY & POPULATION STUDIES

Sharks play a crucial role as apex predators, yet many species are now critically endangered. Explore their evolution, anatomy, and ecological role. Learn population monitoring techniques and how to contribute to local and global shark databases to aid conservation efforts.

1 day 1 snorkel 6,000 ฿
Coral Watch coral health chart being used to assess coral bleaching levels during the Coral Watch course with Black Turtle Conservation on Koh Tao, Thailand.

CORAL WATCH SPECIALITY

Learn how to assess coral health and contribute to a global monitoring effort using a powerful method developed by CoralWatch and supported by PADI AWARE. Gain insight into coral biology, bleaching, and climate change, while participating in real reef surveys.

1 day 1 snorkel or 2 dives 6,000 ฿
Students conducting a beach microplastic survey using quadrats during the Plastic Pollution Monitoring & Assessment course at Black Turtle Conservation, Koh Tao, Thailand.

PLASTIC POLLUTION: MONITORING & ASSESSMENT

Learn about the scale and impact of plastic pollution in the ocean. Gain hands-on experience monitoring microplastics and help protect reef ecosystems by removing macroplastics.

1 day 1 beach clean up, 1 snorkel or 2 dives 6,000 ฿
Open Water Diver training session in clear tropical waters, ideal conditions for learning safe and controlled scuba diving in Koh Tao.

3 DAY PADI OPEN WATER DIVER

3 days 5 Confined Dives, 4 Ocean Dives 12,950 ฿
Advanced Open Water Diver training with a strong focus on safety, control, and relaxed diving techniques in Koh Tao, Thailand.

PADI ADVANCED OPEN WATER DIVER

2 days 5 Adventure Dives in the Ocean 11,900 ฿
Rescue Diver student practicing underwater emergency response skills and regulator management in a controlled training environment in Koh Tao.

PADI RESCUE DIVER + EMERGENCY FIRST RESPONSE (EFR)

3-4 days Focus: Self-rescue diver assistance, emergency management 18,000 ฿
Contact us

Grow Your Skills with Our Conservation Programs

All our marine conservation programs begin with the Ecological Monitoring Program (EMP), providing a solid foundation in scientific diving and hands-on conservation.

From there, you can continue learning through our carefully designed programs, which follow a progression we’ve developed to maximize learning and practical experience. Each course builds on the last, helping you develop your skills step by step while contributing to meaningful conservation projects.

Whether your goal is to specialize in coral restoration, turtle research, or broader reef monitoring, our programs guide you along a clear path, so you can grow as a marine conservationist while enjoying every step of the journey.

Marine conservation students conducting coral reef surveys during the Core Conservationist one-week program with Black Turtle Conservation in Koh Tao, Thailand.

CORE CONSERVATIONIST

  • EMP
  • Coral Taxonomy
1 week 19,900 ฿
Two marine conservation divers collecting coral reef monitoring data underwater during the Conservation Specialist two-week program at Black Turtle Conservation, Koh Tao, Thailand.

CONSERVATION SPECIALIST

  • EMP
  • Coral Taxonomy
  • Sea turtles
  • BTD Sea slugs
2 weeks 33,000 ฿
Diver inspecting coral restoration structures during the Reef Conservationist four-week program with Black Turtle Conservation in Koh Tao, Thailand.

REEF SPECIALIST

  • Coral Restoration
  • Artificial Reefs
  • Coral Taxonomy III
  • BTC Marine Pollution
+ 2 weeks 30,000 ฿
Marine conservation divers conducting advanced ecological monitoring surveys during the Master Conservationist six-week program at Black Turtle Conservation, Koh Tao, Thailand.

MASTER CONSERVATIONIST

  • Giant Clams
  • BTD Cleaning Stations
  • BTD Coral Predators
  • Sharks
+ 2 weeks 30,000 ฿
Marine scientists and conservation divers conducting long-term reef monitoring and research as part of the Scientific Diver eight-week program with Black Turtle Conservation, Koh Tao, Thailand.

SCIENTIFIC DIVER

  • Image J
  • Coral Disease
  • Advanced EMP
+ 2 weeks 30,000 ฿

Learning Pathway

← Scroll horizontally to see full pathway →

courses

ANY LEVEL

Open to Divers & Non-Divers
  • Sea Turtle Ecology & Monitoring
  • Coral Watch Speciality
  • Shark Ecology & Population Studies
  • Plastic Pollution: Monitoring & Assessment

ADVANCED DIVERS

AOW Required
Ecological Monitoring Program (EMP)
  • Coral Taxonomy & Identification
    • Advanced Coral Taxonomy
    • Coral Disease Monitoring
  • Nudibranch & Sea Slug Ecology
  • Coral Restoration Theory & Techniques
    • Artificial Reefs Theory
  • Coral Predators Monitoring & Mgmt
Advanced
EMP

programs

ANY LEVEL

Open to Divers & Non-Divers
3 days

CITIZEN SCIENCE

  • Coral Watch Speciality
  • Citizen Science Initiatives
  • Marine Ecology

This infographic shows the progression of the different marine conservation courses and programs we offer at Black Turtle Conservation.

Developed in collaboration with Conservation Diver, PADI AWARE, and our own in-house certifications, these courses and programs provide hands-on opportunities to learn, dive, and actively contribute to real conservation and research efforts.

ADVANCED DIVERS

AOW Required
1 week

CORE CONSERVATIONIST

  • EMP
  • Coral Taxonomy I
2 weeks

CONSERVATION SPECIALIST

  • EMP
  • Coral Taxonomy I & II
  • Sea Turtles
  • BTD Sea Slugs
+ 2 weeks

REEF SPECIALIST

  • Coral Restoration
  • Artificial Reefs
  • Coral Taxonomy III
  • BTD Marine Pollution
+ 2 weeks

MASTER CONSERVATIONIST

  • Giant Clams
  • BTD Cleaning Stations
  • BTD Coral Predators
  • Sharks
+ 2 weeks

SCIENTIFIC DIVER

  • Image J
  • Coral Disease
  • Advanced EMP

pro

PROFESSIONAL LEVEL

Dive Master Required

RESEARCH
ASSISTANT

INSTRUCTOR
DEVELOPMENT
COURSE (IDC)

EMP
INSTRUCTOR

EMP

SPECIALITY
INSTRUCTOR

EMP + ≥5 courses

MASTER
INSTRUCTOR

EMP + ≥10 courses

INSTRUCTOR
TRAINER

← Scroll horizontally to see full pathway →
Contact us

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the Ecological Monitoring Program (EMP) marine conservation course in Koh Tao?

The Ecological Monitoring Program (EMP) is a 4-day marine conservation course in Koh Tao, Thailand, designed to teach divers how to monitor coral reefs scientifically.

You’ll learn to identify reef fish, invertebrates, and substrate types, conduct ecological surveys, and collect real data that contributes to long-term marine conservation projects across the Gulf of Thailand.

Why should I take a marine conservation course in Koh Tao, Thailand?

Koh Tao is one of the best places in the world to study coral reef conservation, thanks to its rich biodiversity, warm waters, and active marine research community.

By joining our Ecological Monitoring Program, you’ll gain hands-on experience in reef monitoring, coral health assessment, and marine ecology, while diving in Thailand’s beautiful coral reefs.

Who can join the Ecological Monitoring Program (EMP) on Koh Tao?

The Ecological Monitoring Program is open to all Advanced Open Water divers (or equivalent) who are passionate about marine science and ocean protection.

If you’re not yet at this level, you can complete your PADI Advanced Open Water course with us before starting your EMP training.

If you haven’t dived recently, a refresher session can be arranged before the program begins.

What will I learn during the marine conservation program in Koh Tao?

During this 4-day marine conservation course in Thailand, you will:

  • Learn coral reef ecology and identify key fish, invertebrates, and substrates.
  • Conduct underwater surveys using real scientific diving techniques.
  • Understand coral bleaching, ecosystem dynamics, and environmental threats.
  • Record and analyze ecological data used in conservation research.

By the end of the course, you’ll have the skills to monitor coral reefs like a scientist and contribute to marine conservation efforts worldwide.

How long does the Ecological Monitoring Program (EMP) last?

The EMP marine conservation course runs over 4 consecutive days, combining both classroom learning and in-water practice.

You’ll attend 4 instructor-led lectures and complete 6 dives focused on fish, invertebrate, and substrate surveys, as well as a final full reef assessment.

Do I need to be a marine biologist to join the EMP course in Koh Tao?

No! The Ecological Monitoring Program is suitable for divers of all backgrounds.

Whether you’re a recreational diver or aspiring conservation professional, our instructors will guide you step by step through every concept and skill — no previous scientific experience required.

Where will I dive during the Ecological Monitoring Program in Thailand?

Training dives for the EMP course take place at Koh Tao’s best coral reef sites, such as Aow Leuk, Mango Bay, Tanote Bay, and Twins.

Each site is chosen based on visibility, depth, and reef diversity to give you a well-rounded understanding of local coral ecosystems and their conservation challenges.

What certification will I receive after completing the EMP marine conservation program?

Upon successful completion, you’ll earn the Conservation Diver Ecological Monitoring Program Certification.

This internationally recognized certification qualifies you to participate in reef monitoring and coral restoration projects globally and serves as the foundation for advanced courses such as:

  • Coral Taxonomy & Identification
  • Coral Restoration Theory & Techniques
  • Coral Disease & Compromised Health
  • Artificial Reef Design & Monitoring

How much does the marine conservation course in Koh Tao cost and what’s included?

The Ecological Monitoring Program costs 11,900 THB and includes:

  • Conservation Diver e-learning access
  • 4 classroom presentations & workshops
  • 6 guided scientific dives
  • Certification & instructor fees
  • Dive gear, dive computer, and insurance
  • Fresh fruit & refreshments on the boat

Not included: Accommodation, meals, and transportation — but we’ll gladly help you find the best options near our dive center.

Can I combine the EMP course with other marine conservation programs in Thailand?

Absolutely! The Ecological Monitoring Program is the foundation of all our marine conservation programs in Koh Tao.

Most students continue with our Core Conservationist, Conservation Specialist, or Reef Specialist Programs, which build on the EMP and include advanced topics like coral taxonomy, coral restoration, turtle ecology, and marine pollution monitoring.

Where does my EMP data go after completing the course?

All data collected during the Ecological Monitoring Program contributes to our local reef monitoring database and is shared through the global Conservation Diver network.

This ensures that your work directly supports marine conservation research and coral reef management efforts in Thailand and around the world.

Can I take the Ecological Monitoring Program if I’m not a certified diver yet?

If you’re not a diver yet, you can start with our PADI Open Water and Advanced Open Water courses first.

Once certified, you’ll be ready to join the Ecological Monitoring Program and start your journey into scientific diving and marine conservation.

What makes Black Turtle Conservation the best place to take a marine conservation course in Koh Tao?

At Black Turtle Conservation, our team of marine biologists and Conservation Diver Instructor Trainers provides world-class conservation training backed by real scientific research.

You’ll learn on thriving coral reefs, work on active monitoring projects, and join a community of divers dedicated to protecting Thailand’s marine ecosystems — making this one of the most comprehensive and impactful marine conservation programs in Koh Tao.

Beyond ensuring that every student enjoys a meaningful and inspiring experience, our top priorities are quality education and safety.

We take pride in maintaining the highest training standards while teaching responsible and environmentally conscious diving practices — ensuring that every dive contributes to the protection and preservation of our marine ecosystems.

Still have questions?

contact us