SeaTrek’s FATHOMS program offers participants Focused Adventure Through Hands-On Marine Science in the Caribbean’s British Virgin Islands (BVI). During the 22-day voyage, students live aboard a 45’ sailing catamaran that serves as their mobile marine science research station, offering countless opportunities to experience the ecology and dynamics of the living laboratory that surrounds them. Earning community service and/or academic credit is no problem on this voyage!
So, you want to be a Marine Biologist? Curious about the mysterious world of the Ocean Blue? Our FATHOMS voyage is perfect for you!
"I had always planned to be a marine biologist, and FATHOMS gave me the opportunity to see firsthand what that truly means.” -Madison H., student
FATHOMS centers around the integration of marine science, community service, and cultural interaction throughout the BVI’s tropical islands and waters. You’ll learn that living as a marine biologist isn’t only about marine biology and ecology. The curriculum, labs, and fieldwork address aspects of marine chemistry, geology and physics, making it a truly interdisciplinary program. Ask our Director of Marine Science more about the specialty course options that are available exclusively for FATHOMS students.
This course was designed by a collaboration between SeaTrek BVI and marine educators and scientists from the U.S. and the British Virgin Islands. It is an inquiry-based, hands-on marine science program. The marine science-focused camp program is filled with opportunities for FATHOMS students to take on the role of a marine scientist through a variety of methods.
The community service, research projects, and cultural studies activities provide an authentic context for students to apply what they have learned to the real world. Students are expected to critically examine and pose solutions to a variety of human-related impacts that negatively affect marine and coastal environments.
“FATHOMS is not only a great opportunity to improve your diving skills but to also enhance your learning in the marine science field. I personally spent both summers with SeaTrek on the FATHOMS voyage and wouldn’t change a thing.” – Carson C., student and intern
- Marine Science Course Topics
Tropical Marine Ecosystems & Island Ecology
Scientific & Marine Research Methods
Culture & Natural History of the Virgin Islands
Coral Reef Biology & Monitoring
Island Geology
Water Chemistry & Quality
Ocean Exploration and Technology
Marine Resources & Human Impacts
Marine Ecosystem Management & Conservation
Minimum of 12 scuba dives with the option to receive 2 Specialty Certifications:
NAUI’s Introduction to Scientific Diving in Coral Reef Habitats
NAUI’s Marine Heritage Awareness
Lectures, Labs and Field Studies
Lecture style is kept student-driven and extremely interactive. The labs and field studies will help students integrate and apply the content covered in each lecture. Each lab is an extension of a specific lecture, allowing students to apply the concepts discussed. Field studies occur in various terrestrial and aquatic habitats throughout the islands. These components of the curriculum are essential in helping students develop their focus research projects, as well as gaining experience applying the scientific method to real world scenarios.
