RestReef | Participation from Spain (CTM)

This course is completely free and includes co-financed travel coverage (please see below ‘What does the RestReef experience include?’ for more information).

What does the RestReef experience include?

Included in the trips:

• Diving activities and RestReef course theory classes covered.
• Hotel accommodation to foreign countries on a half-board basis the days of the diving activity.
• Transport from the departure point (nearest airport) to the hotel at the activity destination to foreign countries (Dubrovnik, Croatia and Peniche, Portugal).

The experience follows a mixed format:

• Online training (RestReef platform): theoretical content, learning materials, and guided activities. Free access to the platform.

• Face to Face activities: technical sessions and hands-on work linked to diving and fieldwork, within the project mobilities in Portugal, Croatia and Spain.

The departure point for the trips will be determined in the coming weeks (travel specifications, total hours, modules, and detailed timeline information coming soon). More info below, in Contact section.

When and where?

Registration: from 6^th February 2026 until places are filled or 27^th February 2026).

Provisional schedule (Participants from Spain, managed by CTM).

• Online training (using RestReef platform): Access from 1^st July to 15 October 2026.
• Face to Face Activities (diving and theorical trainings):
• Diving course in Croatia (Dubrovnik): 7th–10th September 2026
• Diving course in Spain (La Azohía):  23^rd–26^th September 2026
• Diving course in Portugal (Peniche): 26^th–29^th September 2026

RestReef’s team may adjust dates and/or locations for organisational reasons, weather conditions, or other exceptional circumstances.

The four days include return travel and theoretical and practical activities, so it is estimated that there will be around two lanes for travel and another two days for activities (Information with complete schedule coming soon).

Who is it for?

Participation from Spain is intended for people who:

• Participate from Spain (residents in Spain or nearby who wish to participate, as specified in the call).
• Have an interest (training/professional) in diving, marine conservation, ecological restoration, and/or related field activities.
• Meet the safety requirements for the activity (including medical fitness to dive).
• Hold at least an Open Water Diver (or equivalent).
• Have conversational level English skills.

Limited places. Registration does not automatically guarantee a place; CTM will confirm selection based on criteria and available slots -please, see more in “Documentation to provide (after registration, when requested) and “Selection criteria”-.

Benefits of participating

• Applied learning aligned with real restoration/conservation practice on Habitat 1170 “Reefs” under Directive 92/43/EEC. This is of great interest, considering that EU reefs are protected under various legal designations within the Natura 2000 Network
• Access to project content and resources (materials, platform, technical support). Training will educate and build the capacity of key users and managers of the marine Natura 2000 Network, pursuing the different environmental and social objectives set out in this programme.
• International experience and coordination with diving activities in Portugal, Spain and Croatia and exchange of experiences with other European students.
• The organisation will issue a certificate of successful completion once the course content has been successfully completed.

Documentation to provide (after registration, when requested)

Indicatively, the following documentation will be requested if you are pre-selected:

• ID card / NIE / Passport.
• Required diving certification (minimum Open Water or higher).
• Valid medical certificate of fitness to dive (PADI).
• Level of English proficiency (minimum level B1 or equivalent).
• Curricular information and/or dive logbook.
• Any other documentation required for selection criteria.

If you are finally selected, a refundable deposit of €300 to confirm a place will be required:

• It will be paid after registration and if you are finally selected, when CTM indicates the timing and payment method.
• It will be refunded after participation (before 31^st October, 2026), once the RestReef course is completed. Failure to attend some of the face-to-face courses in Portugal, Spain or Croatia will result in the total loss of the €300 deposit. The RestReef course is completely free of charge with extensive co-funding for accommodation and logistics, so students are required to commit to attending.
• Travel insurance could be required.

Selection criteria

• Participants registered for the three proposed in-person activities (Croatia, Spain, and Portugal diving courses) will have priority over the rest. If places are not filled, those who have partially registered will be considered.
• Minimum Open Water or equivalent. Students with this level or higher will have a better chance of being accepted onto the course.
• Valid medical certificate of fitness to dive (PADI). Please, filling here if you are pre-selected.
• Level of English proficiency (minimum level B1 or equivalent). Students with this level or higher will have a better chance of being accepted onto the course.
• Profile of the participant related to course (Biology, Environmental Sciences, Engineering or another relevant field of expertise). Academic or professional profiles related to the subject matter of the course will be given greater weight.
• If necessary, validation interview with the participant.
• If necessary, registration order.

Contact (Spain – CTM)

Registration

REGISTRATION AVAILABLE UNTIL 27 JANUARY 2026 OR FILL ALL AVAILABLE PLACES!!!

CTM registration LINK (Forms)