Educational Goals: In association with the Peel District School Board, Ocean Educations brings excitement to Marine and Environmental Science through the non-invasive study of the habitats, niches and ecosystems of the animals and plants of the Pacific West Coast. Seals, sea-lions, star fish and anemone will be your class mates as we take to the water in our investigation of a rocky shore ecosystem. The 3 week program takes place on Vancouver Island, British Columbia at the Lester B. Pearson College of the Pacific, 30 km west of Victoria. One of our study sites is the Race Rocks Ecological Reserve, a 220 hectare area of naturally nutrient rich waters. Each session is limited in enrollment to 16 students only.

The Marine and Environmental Science Program fulfills the requirements for senior level Secondary School credit and is transferrable to other provinces and countries. This is an interdisciplinary course, integrating biology, geography, mathematics, guidance and physical education courses in a relevant and stimulating course of study. The program helps students acquire skills necessary for future college, university and workplace environments. Course code (in Ontario): IDC4U. Pre-requisites for Ontario applicants are Grade 10 Science (Academic) and any university or university/college preparation course. Students from other provinces or the US and beyond should have completed Grade 10 Science courses and be enrolled in, or have completed Grade 11 or Grade 12 accredited courses. The completion of Grade 11 science courses is recommended.

Ocean Educations Ltd. is devoted to the development of stimulating and dynamic science courses. By making the science program approachable and relevant, students can embrace a greater scope of opportunities, broadening their selection of future careers or studies.

SCUBA Certification/Upgrade: SCUBA (Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus) is a valuable tool for marine studies and its use can be easily learned. Participants need only basic swimming ability and be in good physical condition. The certification offered through the PADI program is recognized worldwide and can be the starting point for further training in a wide range of underwater specialties. Students coming to the program already certified can earn an Advanced certification and participate in specialty diving programs.

All diving equipment except personal gear (mask, snorkel, fins & boots) will be provided including wetsuits. All students must have a physical examination and a chest X-ray performed as part of the diving medical exam. Typically, this exam is not covered by provincial medical insurance.

Students who are new to SCUBA will begin diving in the indoor pool on campus at Lester B. Pearson. A number of classroom and pool sessions are conducted before participants take to the open water. Ocean dives are carefully selected to help students build their confidence and skill while providing access to the fascinating indigenous underwater flora and fauna! Students can expect to complete 6 - 10 open water dives during their stay.

Underwater video and photographic equipment can be made available (at no additional cost) to students demonstrating proficiency with the scuba diving portion of the program.

Applicant Requirements: Students should be minimum 16 years of age at the commencement of the program. The completion of Grade 11 science courses are strongly recommended prior to participation in the Marine and Environmental Science Program. Age and grade exceptions may be made at the discretion of the student's Guidance Office and the Program Director. Students must confirm with their Guidance Office as to the acceptability of the course and credit for their program of study. Students must have basic swimming skills and be in good physical condition. Students are reminded that Lester B. Pearson College is a smoke free campus and are therefore requested to refrain from using tobacco products for the duration of the program.

A note regarding asthma (childhood or otherwise): Asthma is a physical condition that can seriously compromise a person's safety when exposed to changes in depth while underwater. Applicants with exercise or cold induced asthma are generally not permitted to dive. A full pulmonary function test will be required of applicants indicating a present or past history of asthma.