Beyond the MPOI expeditions, Aseanarean will explore the waters of at least five more Asean countries. Eco-tourists keen to add purpose to the pleasure of their travels are welcome to volunteer. Priority is given to research divers and boat crew, but anyone with a relevant skill to contribute can apply. It helps if you are geared towards teamwork and have a resistance to cabin fever. This could take eight years or longer.
Volunteers come and go for three week to three month stretches.
The following week is Science Week. From the absolute basics, you learn about coral species and fish identification. Once your survey team of four has collected the data, you write up the results, which are then processed onto a database to form the basis of reports. On most expeditions, accommodation is very basic. But that's part of the challenge.