The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award – Abrolhos Islands Expedition
In 2018 Scotch College and Presbyterian Ladies College introduced a new opportunity for our Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award participants. The expedition is to the Abrolhos Islands and typically runs in the first week of the April school holidays to minimise the impact on other school commitments. This expedition is a unique experience for students, offering them the opportunity to visit an area only ever seen by a privileged few.
This is the second time that the Colleges have offered this particular expedition, however, it has been running in other capacities for many years. Safety has always been the number one priority – the regional operators are of the highest caliber and work with many school groups. On board the training vessel there will be a skipper, two dive instructors and a dive master, plus Scotch and PLC staff members.
This expedition is different to previous Abrolhos Islands tours because it has been individually designed to support the requirements for The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award. The two main sections the journey will focus on are the Skills and Adventurous Journey, while promoting the experiences listed below:
- Maritime history and archaeology – the students will explore the ‘Shipwreck Coast’ and the maritime history of Western Australia and will have the unique opportunity to dive on the Batavia shipwreck.
- Exploring the importance of plankton and coral communities in the marine environment – the students will be immersed in this coral atoll and learn about the characteristics of coral communities.
- Management of marine resources – students will learn about the Western Australian rock lobster industry, regarded as one of the best managed fisheries in the world, and vist a pearl farm.
- SCUBA diving – students will complete the theory and practical component of their PADI SCUBA, including preparation prior to the trip.
Students do not need to have previous SCUBA experience
Students who have always wanted to take SCUBA diving lessons will experience unparalleled adventure and see the world beneath the waves. They will gain the SCUBA diving certification with the PADI Open Water Diver course – the world’s most popular and widely recognised scuba course.
Students who currently have their Open Water SCUBA qualification
Students who already have their Open Water SCUBA qualification will have the opportunity to obtain an Advanced Diver qualification. Any student who already holds an Advanced Diver qualification will complete a range of technical dives that will go towards their Dive Masters Certificate.
Before going on this expedition, all students will be required to complete online learning modules from PADI, requiring significant time, self-discipline and maturity.