Plant coral, restore reefs, earn your PADI Reef Rescue Diver. Year-round out of Nassau, on our research vessel.
Earned through Level 1 · Built on at Levels 2 & 3
For families · Visiting divers · Locals · Small Groups · Up to 5 participants per program
$3,250
Up to 5 guests · One booking
The Perry Institute for Marine Science offers a structured coral restoration training series designed to progressively build diver competency in reef restoration field operations.
The program introduces participants to coral restoration principles, develops practical field skills, and prepares divers to assist in active reef restoration and monitoring projects in The Bahamas.
Training is delivered through a progressive three-level pathway. Each level increases in technical complexity and operational responsibility, allowing participants to advance their skills while gaining practical field experience alongside PIMS restoration staff.
Pick the level that matches your experience. All three run year-round. Upcoming trips in June, July, and August — or book custom dates anytime.
Charter Model
One person books the entire vessel for the day. The listed price is the total cost, not per person.
Up to 5 Guests
Split the cost any way you like — the vessel holds up to 5 participants per trip.
Earn your PADI Reef Rescue Diver Certification in a single day. eBook session covering coral biology and restoration theory, then two supervised dives focused on observation and assisted restoration tasks (nursery cleaning or outplanting depending on conditions and time of year). End-of-day debrief and skills review. Next trip: June 7, 2026, just ahead of World Oceans Day. Custom dates available anytime.
Charter Fee
$3,250
Entire vessel
Per Person
$650
At capacity
Max Guests
5
One booking
Format
Introduction
Prereq
PADI Open Water
Linked To
World Oceans Day
Certification
PADI Reef Rescue Diver
Two days deep in the work. Day 1 at Dexter’s nursery for coral cleaning and maintenance. Day 2 brings outplanting, monitoring, and continued nursery work depending on conditions and water temperature. Four to five working dives total. Next trip: July 11-12, 2026, just ahead of Shark Awareness Day. Custom dates available anytime.
Note: outplanting is seasonal, prioritized in cooler months. In warmer water, day 2 shifts to monitoring and nursery maintenance.
Charter Fee
$5,500
Entire vessel
Per Person
$1,100
At capacity
Max Guests
5
One booking
Format
Hands-On Field Work
Prereq
Level 1 or Prior Restoration
Skills
Fragmentation & Outplanting
Linked To
Shark Awareness Day
Two days alongside active restoration projects. Day 1 starts with an operational briefing, then two working dives on reef assessment and monitoring, plus a dive observing PIMS staff establishing a monitoring plot and conducting photogrammetry. Surface intervals include GPS data collection. Day 2 emphasizes operational efficiency across two to three working dives. Next trip: August 29-30, 2026. Custom dates available anytime.
Charter Fee
$5,500
Entire vessel
Per Person
$1,100
At capacity
Max Guests
5
One booking
Format
Advanced Field Ops
Prereq
Level 2 or Restoration
Skills
Assessment & Photogrammetry
Linked To
Active Restoration Projects
Every field trip takes place from PIMS’ research vessel Grodzki, operating out of Albany. Programs are intentionally small, up to five participants per trip, so every day on the water feels intimate. You are working alongside our scientists, not jostling on a packed dive boat. The vessel is equipped with marine safety equipment, emergency oxygen, first aid supplies, and communication systems necessary to support diving operations.
All in-water training is conducted in accordance with PIMS operational procedures and recognized safe diving practices, with a maximum instructor-to-participant ratio of 1:3 for close supervision.
Tell us which level you’d like to join. We’ll send program details, current pricing, and confirmation steps.
Programs are led by Perry Institute for Marine Science staff. PIMS has planted more than 15,000 corals across the Caribbean and operates 41 coral nurseries through the Reef Rescue Network across 7 countries.