Whatto bring

General Information for Coral Reef Ecology - 2008

Flight Information
Departure We are leaving on TACA flight TA431on May 31, 2008 from Houston, Texas (Bush
International IAH), which is scheduled to leave at 15:10. We will assemble at the TACA desk at 9:30 AM.
Do not be late! Dr. Kesler already has enough gray hair. If there is an emergency, call Dr. Kesler’s cell
phone at 901-601-0542.
Return: We will leave Roatan on June 14, 2008 and will arrive back in Houston on TACA flight TA430
at 14:05. Give yourself at least three hours connection time if you are then flying out of Houston.
Travel Requirements
A passport is required for travel to Honduras. and back. No shots are required by the Honduran
government. However, the following are recommended by us:
-tetanus if your last shot was more than seven years ago -typhoid (DO NOT put this off until the last week!) -malaria medication, most likely chloroquine This most likely will be chloroquine (a malarial suppressant), and it is fairly simple and safe. There are more powerful malarial suppressants, some of which have side effects. Be sure your health provider knows you are going to Central America, west of Panama, and not to Africa. You will need a prescription from your Doctor for malaria medicine.
You may obtain these shots at the Shelby County Health Clinic (814 Jefferson Ave., Memphis – phone:
544-7712). The Clinic’s office hours are 8-3:30 M-F, and it’s a first come, first serve. Best times are
before 11 am and after 1 pm. Payment by cash or check only.
Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions. You may also contact the CDC that provides
free information for travelers at http://www.cdc.gov/travel/camerica.htm or 404-639-3311.
Mailing Address
Mail to students should be addressed in the following manner:
Mail takes from 1-3+ weeks to get there!
Telephone and Fax
The telephone number at RIMS is 011-504-445-3003, 445-3072 and 445-3049 all of them are currently working. In order to fax you have to first call on any line and tell them you are going to fax something. Faxing is the most reliable way to convey information.
Things to Bring
All of the items in this list should fit in a bag or suitcase that can be checked on the plane, and a day bag that should be carried with you on the plane. It is recommended that a change of clothes, bathing suit, and dive mask be in your daybag in case the luggage is misplaced for several days. You will need to carry your own luggage. See Ms. McCabe’s recommendations at Honduras suggestions.
Required Items:

dive card!
dive light and extra batteries (although you can rent a light at $10.00/day there) sturdy shoes and old sneakers/tevas to wear in the water swim suit, dive watch, snorkel, mask, and fins towels (you are not to use resort towels on the dive boat) You are encouraged to use the free safety deposit boxes at the resort for valuables. You will need cash (American currency is quite fine) for tips (ca. $75), exit fee ($35), snack bar, cokes
Recommended Items:

more insect repellent and anti-itch cream for bites light washable clothes which should include the following: light jacket or sweatshirt for after night dives, one pair of long pants for protection against the bugs, extra socks to wear with full foot fins if you don’t have booties (you cannot use foot fins without some protection), and several T shirts. dive skins or something to protect you from sunburn while snorkeling traveler’s checks or a credit card. This is for souvenirs and gifts. We advise removing from your wallet all other cards except a photo ID or any items that can be easily replaced. A vault is available at IMS for valuables. crackers (they seem to help for those with upset stomachs) (None are available there.)
Optional Items:
motion sickness pills (for boat trips or rough snorkeling) SCUBA Diving
All SCUBA divers must bring their Certification Card (log books are not required). You should also include regulators, and BC’s (unless you are renting from RIMS). Weights, belts, and tanks are
provided by RIMS.
Medical Care
You need to be aware that medical facilities and personnel on Roatan are limited and can in no way compare with the standards found in most of the USA. Thus, one must assume a certain amount of
risk in the event of serious or emergency medical situations. We have paid for medical insurance
coverage for you.
Refunds
There are no provisions for refunds if students have to leave Roatan due to medical or personal reasons, or fail to make the connection in Atlanta. We also reserve the right to send any
participant home without any refunds.

Contact Phone Numbers
If you have any questions before the trip, contact
David Kesler, Biology work phone 901-843-3557 e-mail kesler@rhodes.edu If there is an emergency during the trip, contact us at the numbers listed for RIMS above or Provost: Dean of Students: Carol Casey work phone 901-843-3815 e-mail casey@rhodes.edu Director of International Programs: Katherine O. Richardson work phone 901-843-3433

Source: http://faculty.rhodes.edu/kesler/what_to_bring.pdf