Home to five out of seven species of sea turtles, the Maldives is a vital location for turtle rescue, rehabilitation and release. Sadly, all species are endangered or critically endangered, largely due to anthropogenic threats such as plastic pollution, ghost nets and poaching. Sea turtles are frequently admitted with amputation and carapace wounds or buoyancy syndrome that require diagnostics, medical management and occasionally surgery. Here at Atoll Marine Centre, we are proud to be able to offer veterinary services and are one of very few places in the country to do so. Our work is therefore crucial not just for the conservation of wildlife, but more recently neutering and treating domesticated pets too. This is one of the many reasons why we need volunteers like you, to work with us and help protect Maldivian animals.
HEALTH &
SAFETY
ADVICE
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
Our program can be very physically
demanding. From scrubbing tanks and
lifting 30kg turtles, to simply getting on
and off the boat whilst snorkelling.
Therefore, it is important that you have
a good level of fitness. Husbandry work
at the centre is a work-out in it's self, but
even the excursions on our day off can
be tiring. We will often go snorkelling on
excursions where you can see many
amazing things. However, a full days
swimming, sometimes against the
current, can be hard work. You will also
need to be able to get yourself back on
the boat; sometimes, the vessel does
not have a ladder, so a good level of
strength is needed to lift yourself
aboard.
Here at Atoll Volunteers, we run a zero
discrimination policy and are always
happy to welcome everyone who is willing
to get stuck in and help.
However, we all have different levels of
ability, fitness and health; with some of us
being better at certain tasks than others.
Therefore, it is important to understand
the challenges you might face whilst
volunteering with us, so that you can
make an informed decision on whether
the program is right for you. Also, nails
must be short, this is for handling turtles.
FOOD
We currently have all our meals served
buffet style where volunteers can pick
between the option of chicken, fish or
vegetarian. Whilst our chef tries her best
to create substantial and tasty meals, you
should be understanding of the fact that
we are on a remote island where food is
not always readily available. Therefore,
volunteers should approach the menu
with an open mind and not expect luxury.
Those with dietary requirements are
advised to bring vitamins/protein powder
to subsidise their diet. Whilst we make
every effort to keep the spiciness of our
food to a level that suits all palates,
please be reminded that you are visiting
the Maldives and Maldivian culture should
be expected and embraced.
Overall, your time here will be incredibly
enjoyable and an experience you will
never forget. By making sure you are
aware of all the challenges you might
face here, you can ensure that you have
the best time possible.
WEATHER
The weather here can be incredibly hot!
Despite being surrounded by ocean,
there is very rarely a sea breeze. The
heat, the humidity and no breeze can be
difficult to manage even if you were just
sat on a beach all day. The work at the
Atoll Marine Centre can be strenuous.
Every day usually consists of scrubbing
tanks or walking the beach to do a beach
clean. The majority of your day is active
and on your feet. Doing this under the
Maldivian sun can be hard work. If you
do not look after yourself, you put
yourself at risk of sun stroke and
dehydration. A hat, sun cream, LOTS of
water, taking breaks and not pushing
yourself too hard are all essential to
keeping healthy. We will always put the
health and safety of our volunteers first
but please be aware of the difficulties of
this work. What you are capable of at
home is likely very different to what you
can manage in the tropics.
SNORKELLING
Snorkelling is one of the main
activities we will be doing during your
stay here. Please make sure you are
fully prepared for this, as nonconfident snorkellers may miss out on
activities.
SAFETY
- Prior to arrival, volunteers must
have a strong swimming ability
and be comfortable in open water -
the currents in the Maldives can be
strong, so this is essential
- Please advise us of any preexisting medical conditions such
as asthma or heart problems
- Before snorkelling on the island,
always let one of the team know
where you are going
- Always go in pairs - never alone!
PLEASE DO NOT BRING A FULL-FACE SNORKEL MASK!
These masks are actually
dangerous and are more likely
to make you panic if you are
new to snorkelling. Please
bring a traditional type instead!
PACKING LIST
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
- Passport
- Travel insurance
- Health insurance
- Emergency Contact Info
- Information of medical concerns or ailments
- Credit/debit/travel cards for use at island ATM (which
has a fee of 100 MVR)
- USD cash (for exchanging for Rufiyaa if preferred)
- Flight Tickets
GENERAL
- Reusable water bottle (minimum 600ml)
- Towel (shower + beach)
- UK type 3 pin adapter, 220V and cords
- Mask, snorkel and fins. These are NOT available for
purchase on Naifaru. We recommend tempered glass
masks and open ended snorkels.
- Water boots (optional)
- Dry Bag + Beach bag
- Phone, headphones
- Ear plugs, eye mask
- Personal entertainment: kindle, cards, speaker, etc.
- Waterproof camera and/or underwater housing
(recommended)
- Waterproof watch (recommended)
- Any snacks, vitamins, protein powder etc. you may need.
Must be unopened. Especially recommended for
vegetarians, GF and vegans
- Laptop, charger, USB, microSD etc.
- For coffee lovers: there is only instant coffee on island.
BYO travel French press and grinds if you want the good
stuff!
TOILETRIES
- DEET FREE Mosquito repellent- - bring LOTS!
- REEF SAFE sunscreen, zinc, lip screen
- Soap, shampoo, conditioner
- Toothbrush + toothpaste
- Feminine hygiene: menstrual cup/pads/sanitary
underwear/ tampons (only sanitary pads are available to
purcahse on the island)
- Hairbrush, comb, hair ties, tweezers, nail clippers etc.
- Aloe vera or other to soothe burns
CLOTHING
There is a washer and drying rack available. It is best to bring quickdrying, UV protected and breathable material. Bring clothes you
don't mind getting wet or dirty and that respect the modest culture;
WOMEN MUST COVER THEIR SHOULDERS, KNEES AND
EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN, even while swimming. However, bikinis
can often be worn whilst we are on excursion off island.
- Shirts. No sheer or see through materials. White t-shirts
are see through when wet and cannot be worn while
swimming.
- T-shirts you dont mind getting dirty
- Loose, comfortable pants for dinners, to wear around
town.
- Leggings or long shorts for swimming and cleaning in
the centre (knee length or longer)
- Lightweight rain jacket. (Monsoon season runs May-Oct)
- Underwear
- Socks (only needed if you plan on exercising)
- Sturdy sandals or flip flops (bring a spare pair).
- Shoes
you can wear in the water are a good idea like crocs.
- Sunglasses (UV filter or polarised are a good option)
- Hat (cap or wide brimmed)
- Swimwear (bikinis for excursion, leggings and rash
guards for swimming on Naifaru)
- Nice clothes (always a good idea to bring a nice outfit
just in case)
PERSONAL FIRST AID
While there is a hospital and pharmacy on the island should you
need them, it is a good idea to bring a few items to self-medicate at
home.
- Medication e.g. paracetamol, ibuprofen, supplements,
vitamins, personal ailment medication
- Imodium or anti-diarrhoea tablets
- Rehydration salts
- Anti-histamines
- Anti-septic cream
- Band aids (good quality, waterproof)
- Small bandage wrap and tape
CODE OF CONDUCT
As a volunteer I will:
- Show respect to the staff team including founders, marine biologists, vets, volunteer
coordinator, marine biology interns and listen to their instructions.
- Show respect to locals and visitors on the island and do not engage in
discrimination or racism.
- Engage in tasks required of me across all programs to the best of my ability, using
diligence and initiative.
- Understand that the team must assess my swimming ability. If this is deemed too
low, I understand that I may not be able to participate in some group activities such
as boat snorkeling for my own safety
- Always take a buddy when I go snorkeling and inform a member of staff if I am
doing so.
- Speak to the volunteer coordinator or member of staff if I have any issues with
anything out of my comfort zone.
- Dress conservatively when in Naifaru and other local islands. If identifying as a
woman, this includes avoiding tight fitting or sheer clothes and covering knees, belly
and shoulders when in public.
- (If a smoker) be discrete when smoking.
- Not feed stray cats in the centre or bring cats to the centre, and under no
circumstances will I bring cats into the volunteer house.
- Understand that locals are prohibited from entering the volunteer house.
- Try my best to save resources and power when leaving volunteer house, including
switching air-conditioning, fans and lights off.
- Give permission for Atoll Volunteers, Atoll Marine Centre
and Naifaru Juvenile to use images of myself for
marketing and social media purposes.
THE
IMPORTANT
INFORMATION
We know this is a lot of information to take in. we hope reading this has made you
excited about joining us! Here are the key bits we have provided to you, so you do not
get lost in all the new information.
- Naifaru is a local island in the Maldives and is very different to tourist resorts.
Religion is very important. Women need to cover their shoulders and their knees and everything in between, including when swimming.
- We recommend before your international arrival flight is before 10am, and
your international departure flights after 3pm, we can book you onto a plane
the same day to avoid you spending the night in Male.
- Please ensure you fill out your IMUGA form 96 hours prior to arrival. We will
book your domestic transfers from Male to Naifaru, and you will receive
transfer details approximately 2 weeks prior to your arrival.
- We want you to get the most out of your experience with us! Therefore, please
stay in contact, and let us know if there is anything we can do to make your
experience better. We would recommend practicing with your snorkel
equipment prior to arrival. You will be snorkeling against sea currents that are
sometimes strong and we would hate for you to miss out on experiences due
to you not being confident with your snorkel equipment.
DOMESTIC
TRAVEL
Once in Male, you need to make your
way to our island - Naifaru - in
Lhaviyani Atoll. This can be reached by
domestic flight or seaplane, or
speedboat ferry. We will be in contact
to inform you of your mode of travel.
The cost of this travel is covered in
your volunteering fees.
DOMESTIC FLIGHT
All bookings have return transfer by
domestic flight included. Atoll
Volunteers will provide more
information about your flight in the
days prior to your arrival in Male. If
your international arrival flight is before
10am, and your international departure
flights after 3pm, we can book you
onto a plane the same day to avoid you
spending the night in Male. The airport
is a five minute boat ride from our
island.
Note: Please bare in mind that you will
receive your domestic flight timings
the evening before your schedule
departure from Male to our local island.
Don’t worry, this is just how Maldivian
travel works.
SEAPLANE
You may also be travelling via seaplane.
However, we will inform you on your
mode of transport to our island, Naifaru.
Note: For luggage over 20kg, passengers
will be charged an additional 40-50 USD
at seaplane kiosk, at the expense of the
volunteer.
DONATIONS
As an NGO on a remote island, we often find it challenging to get hold of supplies. If
possible, we therefore kindly ask our volunteers to bring donations when you come to
stay with us, particularly for our veterinary clinic. We would be grateful for any
donations you are able to bring, no matter how small!
Please check out our wish list here:
- Safety/work gloves
- Tupperware boxes (plastic takeaway boxes)
- Small wire brushes
- Extra tough marigolds
- Vernier calipers (digital is best)
- 50m tape measure
- Vaseline
- UltraSound gel
- Green sourer pads
- Eye lubricant gel
- Coloured electrical tape
- Whiteboard cleaning spray
- Microfibre cloths
- Keyring hoops and clasps
- Rechargeable headtorches (with red light
function)
- Small underwater slates
- Epsom salts
- OceanSaver refillable Eco Glass Cleaning
Spray
- Reusable cups and plates
- Scrub sponges
- Face masks
- Coconut fiber scrub brushes
- Toothbrushes
- Permanent markers and pens
- Sterile and non-sterile gauze
- Cetheter Tip Syringes (20 or 60 mL)
- 1mL syringes
- Luer lock syringes
- Monofilament
- Absorbable Suture 3-0 and 4-0
(Taper Point or Reverse Cutting needle)
- Lactulose Solution
- Manuka Honey (Medical Grade)
- Sterile Lubricating Gel
- Fish Gelatin
- NEW Methylene Blue Stain
- Eppendorf Tubes
- Plastic Vial Tubes with Screw Caps
- Self-Adhesive Bandage (Vet Wrap)
- Povidone Iodine Solution
- Chlorhexidine Solution
- Chlorhexidine Soap
- Small Lithium Heparin Blood Collection
Tubes
- Small EDTA blood collection tubes
- Glass capillary tube (micro-hematocrit)
- Accu-check Active Test Strips
