Anybody ever been a Moody Gardens dive volunteer?

[Texas_Aggie06]

I saw this at the B.A.D. Flea market. It sounded like it would be a lot of fun. Just wondering if anybody has ever done it.

 

[Texasdivechick]

I know several people who currently volunteer to dive the aquarium reefs at Moody Gardens. You have to log 8 hours per month, but only 4 hours per day (I think). Not all 4 hours can be spent in the aquarium. I'm sure there are others who can verify and/or correct this information.

 

[Sh@rkW@tcher]

While I was a Marine Biology student at Texas A&M Galveston, I summer interned at the Moody Gardens aquarium, then worked there as a staff biologist for about 1 year(till I graduated). Their volunteer diving program is first rate and a great opprutunity to get in some diving time.

 

[bubbles3d]

Where is Moody Gardens located?

 

[Sh@rkW@tcher]

I know several people who currently volunteer to dive the aquarium reefs at Moody Gardens. You have to log 8 hours per month, but only 4 hours per day (I think). Not all 4 hours can be spent in the aquarium. I'm sure there are others who can verify and/or correct this information.

You are partly right. All volunteers must do 8 hours per month of volunteer service, but you can do it in one 8 hr day, or split it into two 4 hour shifts. Volunteer divers must be at least AOW certified, meet minimum logged dives requirements, pass an AAUS dive physical, and complete a minimun numbers of volunteer service hours other than diving(cleaning/fish food prep) before they are allowed a check out dive and DSO approval. Since I haven't worked there in a couple of years I can't say exactly what all of the requirements are since they have probably changed. Contact Yevette in volunteer services, or talk to Jay Reynolds @ the aquarium for more details.

 

[Sh@rkW@tcher]

Where is Moody Gardens located?

Moody Gardens is located next to Shoales Field airport in Galveston

 

[Skyjunky]

I'm a current volunteer. You need to commit a minimum of 8 hours a month. You can do it in 8 hour shifts or 4 hours.

They've kind of lowered the dive requirements. You only need 10 dives but have to pass a few check out dives.

First you will be cleared for cleaning dives, then train as a feed diver, and then eventually a safety diver if you chose.

There are two aquariums that you can typically dive in. South Pacific-which is the smaller tank, and the Caribbean which is the larger tank with all the sharks and stuff.

You can use your own gear in the Caribbean or the aquariums. You must show proof of annual maintenance if you're using your own.

You have to pass an AAUS dive physical-get your insurance to pay for it. You will also have to take DAN's First Aid for Professional Divers through Moody Gardens; before they let you in the water.

You must volunteer for 8 hours before they progress to the dive training.
Most of your shift will be spent prepping the food. You will get anywhere from 30-60 minutes of diving a shift.

 

[Texas_Aggie06]

thanks for all of the info guys.

 

[ScubaTexan]

Sounds like fun.

 

[Sh@rkW@tcher]

WOW, they have lowered the standards. I guess they've been having recruiting troubles, or still having management troubles.