About the Center
TRACC, the Tropical Research and Conservation Centre, is a diving and marine conservation center located in Semporna, Malaysia. With over 30 years of experience, it is dedicated to protecting sea turtles and restoring coral reefs damaged by local fishing practices. The center offers a comprehensive range of PADI, SSI, and TDI certified diving courses, from Discover Scuba Diving to the Instructor Development Course, as well as specialties like Boat Diving.
TRACC's facilities include a bar, equipment rental, a dive shop, and air fills (including nitrox). They also facilitate boat diving and shore diving experiences. For the convenience of guests, airport transfer services are provided. TRACC is a multilingual center, with French and German spoken, facilitating communication with an international clientele.
Beyond recreational diving activities, TRACC is deeply committed to marine research and conservation. Guests have the opportunity to participate in coral restoration and turtle conservation projects, directly contributing to the saving of these vital ecosystems. The center also teaches the full A-Level Marine Science course, internationally recognized, ideal for those considering a career in marine biology or conservation.
Situated on Pom Pom Island, in the heart of the Coral Triangle, TRACC offers a prime location for underwater exploration and conservation involvement. Access to the center typically involves flying into Tawau Airport, followed by a transfer to Semporna and a subsequent boat transfer, which operates primarily on Mondays and Thursdays. This combined diving and conservation experience makes TRACC a unique destination for those looking to learn, explore, and contribute to ocean protection.
Available Courses
5 cursosOpen Water Diver
The PADI Open Water Diver course at TRACC in Pom Pom Island provides a solid foundation for exploring the underwater world. This introductory certification program typically involves a minimum of four open water dives, reaching depths of up to 18 meters (60 feet), under the direct supervision of certified instructors. Practical training sessions are conducted at the readily accessible house reef or nearby dive sites, chosen for their suitability for beginners and calm conditions. TRACC is affiliated with PADI, a globally recognized certifying agency, ensuring your certification is valid worldwide. Pom Pom Island offers a vibrant marine environment ideal for new divers. While specific monthly water temperature and visibility data are not provided, the region is known for its tropical waters, generally supporting abundant marine life. Divers can expect to encounter various reef fish, corals, and potentially larger pelagics depending on the specific dive site and conditions. The shallow depths of the house reef make it an excellent training ground for mastering fundamental scuba skills in a comfortable setting.
Advanced Open Water
Expand your diving capabilities with the Advanced Open Water course at TRACC, a PADI and IDEA certified center. This program typically involves five dives, allowing you to explore depths up to 30 meters (98 feet), which is standard for this certification level. The practical sessions are conducted at various dive sites around Pom Pom Island, offering diverse underwater environments. You will gain experience in specialized areas such as deep diving and underwater navigation, building upon your foundational Open Water skills. The course focuses on enhancing your confidence and extending your bottom time through practical application and supervised dives. Pom Pom Island offers a rich marine ecosystem, making it an ideal location for advanced dive training. While specific monthly water temperature and visibility data are not provided, the region is known for its vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life, including various fish species and potentially larger pelagics. The dive sites around the island are suitable for practicing advanced skills like precise navigation and controlled descents. TRACC operates with instructors fluent in German, English, and French, ensuring clear communication and a comfortable learning experience for a diverse range of international students. Their commitment to diver education is reflected in their affiliation with reputable agencies like PADI and IDEA.
EFR + Rescue
The EFR + Rescue course at TRACC is designed to equip you with critical emergency response skills, essential for safe diving, particularly within TRACC's conservation environment. This advanced certification focuses on both First Aid/CPR and diver rescue techniques. You will learn to anticipate and manage dive emergencies, from minor first aid issues to more serious rescue scenarios. The program emphasizes practical application, ensuring you are prepared to act confidently and effectively when needed. TRACC offers this course with certifications recognized by IDEA and PADI, reflecting a commitment to high training standards. While specific dive site details for this course are not provided, TRACC operates in a region where diving conditions are generally favorable. The center offers instruction in German, English, and French, catering to a diverse international clientele. Their focus on conservation means divers often engage with marine ecosystems responsibly. The EFR + Rescue course is a vital step for any serious diver looking to enhance their safety and the safety of those around them, aligning perfectly with TRACC's mission.
Divemaster
The TRACC Divemaster professional course is designed to transform experienced divers into capable dive leaders. This comprehensive 12-week program, certified by both IDEA and PADI, focuses on developing advanced dive theory, rescue skills, and the practical ability to supervise and assist in dive training. You will gain extensive experience in managing dive logistics, assisting instructors with student divers, and leading certified divers on guided dives. The curriculum emphasizes problem-solving and emergency management, preparing you for real-world dive operations. TRACC's professional approach ensures you build confidence and competence, ready to take the next step in your diving career. While specific dive site details and monthly climate data for TRACC are not provided in the input, this professional development program is typically conducted in environments suitable for advanced training. Divemaster candidates often practice in locations offering varied conditions and marine life, allowing for the application of learned skills in diverse scenarios. The center's multilingual staff, fluent in German, English, and French, ensures a supportive learning environment for international students. TRACC's commitment to diver education is evident in its dual certification offerings, catering to a broad range of diver backgrounds and career aspirations.
Marine Science A-Level
The Marine Science A-Level course at TRACC on Pom Pom Island offers a rigorous academic program integrated with practical marine biology fieldwork. This intensive Cambridge course focuses on understanding coral reef ecosystems, marine biodiversity, and conservation challenges. Students will engage in hands-on data collection and analysis, contributing to ongoing research projects. The program is designed for students seeking a deep dive into marine science, providing a solid foundation for further study or a career in conservation. TRACC is a PADI and IDEA certified center, ensuring high standards in all practical diving components of the course.
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No hay WiFi en el campamento debido a la lejanía de la isla. Se recomienda comprar una tarjeta SIM local (CELCOM) antes de ir a la isla. Hay 4G frecuente, pero puede haber periodos sin servicio.
Sí, TRACC se esfuerza por atender necesidades dietéticas individuales, incluyendo opciones vegetarianas y veganas, y puede acomodar alergias e intolerancias como la celiaquía.
Sí, hay electricidad disponible todo el día y la noche para cargar dispositivos y usar ventiladores. Ocasionalmente puede haber breves cortes de luz.
Se necesita seguro de viaje que cubra la zona, el voluntariado y el buceo hasta 30 metros, incluyendo tratamiento en cámara hiperbárica.
No hay agua caliente ni aire acondicionado. Las duchas son frías y refrescantes, y las tiendas de campaña tienen ventilador.
Hay mosquitos, pero las tiendas tienen mosquiteras. No se recomienda repelente con DEET. La malaria no es una preocupación en las zonas costeras de Malasia, especialmente en islas pequeñas como Pom Pom.
La ropa se lava a mano en cubos con detergente proporcionado. También es posible ir a Semporna a una lavandería si hay espacio en el barco.
No hay cajeros automáticos en la isla. Se puede retirar dinero en Semporna o en los aeropuertos. Hay crédito para SIMs disponible en el campamento.