A: Not at all: UCME welcomes mature volunteers. We have a minimum age requirement of 20 but provided prospective participants can complete the PADI medical questionnaire satisfactorily and arrange suitable travel insurance, we have no upper age limit.

Q: Do I have to dive to participate in the marine ecology programme?

A: A significant proportion of UCME's research involves underwater data collection and volunteers will gain maximum fulfilment from the programme if they can dive. We offer comprehensive dive training to PADI Advance Open Water standard but if for some reason, you cannot dive you would still be able to participate in the boat based and terrestrial ecology research

Q: Should I bring a mosquito net?

A: These are not absolutely necessary but you may want to bring one for your own peace of mind especially during September and October which is peak mosquito season.

Q: Should I bring my own dive equipment or is it provided?

A: UCME can provide everything including wet suits (3mm long or short) but many divers prefer their own gear and bring some of it with them. UCME also has digital still and video cameras for use underwater during our research programmes. The flight to Utila is on a small plane, with the luggage on board not in a hold, so space can be limited. If you want to buy equipment, wait until you get to Utila and find out what suits you. It is also much cheaper there.

Q: Is there any nitrox diving?

A: No, all UCME dives are air only. The Utila Dive Centre can offer recreational nitrox dives on your free days but these would be at additional cost

Q: How deep will we be diving?

A: Dives will be up to a maximum of 30m which is the recreational dive limit.

Q: How often will we be diving?

A: Up to ten times a week, depending on weather and schedule. The norm is to do twin tank dives from a boat when we go out and up to 3 dives in one day.

Q: What emergency medical arrangements do you have?

A: Our boats carry medical oxygen, first aid kit, radio, and cell phones and our staff are first aid trained and taught how to manage emergencies. There is a recompression chamber on the island and insurance for its use is included in the price of the programme.

Q: What are typical water temperatures?

A: Between 26 and 30 Celsius, depending on the time of year. In the winter months, it might feel cooler due to wind chill when you get out of the water even though the ambient temperatures are still in the mid 20s.

Q: I can't start on the given date: can I join a bit later?

A: No: the first week of our programme gives you the skills you need for data gathering for the rest of your stay and it is essential all volunteers receive this training and induction. We do not have the resources to 'catch up' someone who arrives later.

Q: Will I be met at Utila even if my flight is delayed?

A: Yes: there will always be a representative from UCME to meet your flight, (or ferry) no matter how late it is. If you miss the flight, try and ring UCME to let them know – the phone number is on the bottom of this web page.

Q: My flight arrives into San Pedro Sula around 12.30pm: will I be able to get into my hotel room then?

A: Yes, and provided you let us know your flight arrival details, you will be met by someone from the hotel. They will also return you to the airport the next day for the flight to Utila.

Q: What is provided in the way of linen, towels and soap in the volunteer house?

A: Bed linen is provided and laundered by the housekeeper. Volunteers should bring their own towels and soap. There is a local laundry you can use for your clothes, for a small charge that includes soap.

Q: Should I bring purification tablets for drinking water?

A: There is an unlimited supply of free drinking water in the house and the office so puritabs are not needed. Bottled water is also readily available from the local shops.

Q: Are disposable underwater cameras OK to use on the programme?

A: Disposable underwater cameras are not normally suited to diving so there's little point in bringing one with you.