Frequently Asked Questions about QUEST

Do I need to be a MOP student, University of Hawaiʻi student, or undergraduate student to apply for QUEST?

No. Anyone who can meet the minimum requirements for the course can apply. It is not uncommon to have students from other universities or local/state agencies enrolled in the class. However, students who have taken MOP courses or participate in MOP activities may get priority if they meet the minimum requirements. The minimum requirements for the course can be found in the "Application Instructions and Logistics Guide" on the QUEST application page. The course cost is not affected by degree level or affiliations with other institutions.

When will the application for the next course be posted online?

Updated applications are typically opened sometime in the Fall semester, but the Essay Prompts are the same from year to year. If you’d like to get started on your application early, feel free to check the QUEST application page to see if the application form is open or to download the Essay Prompts.

When are applications for QUEST due?

Expect the application to be due in early- to mid-February. The exact date changes often due to other activities scheduled around the same time. The exact date will be announced at the beginning of Spring semester and posted on the QUEST application page, on the updated application, and on the MOP events calendar.

Can I apply for Advanced QUEST (MARE 364) before taking QUEST (MARE 264)?

No, QUEST is a prerequisite. Advanced QUEST is a leadership course, and students in the class will be assigned to lead a team of QUEST students. Experience from QUEST (MARE 264) is necessary to be a successful student in Advanced QUEST (MARE 364).

How much diving experience is required for QUEST? What level of certification do I need?

QUEST is designed to both introduce new divers to working underwater and challenge experienced divers by providing a new underwater experience. There is no minimum number of dives required to be eligible for QUEST. However, applicants must hold at least an Open Water level certification from a recognized certifying agency, such as NAUI, PADI, or SSI. Potential students should be comfortable diving in shallow reef environments in the ocean. Once students are certified, they can apply to the UH Diving Safety Program for approval to dive with UH classes, including QUEST.

Do I need to be a UH Scientific Diver to enroll in QUEST?

Not exactly. There are multiple levels of authorization in the UH Diving Safety Program (DSP). QUEST requires students to be a Diver-in-Training (DIT) or above. Students who turn in their DSP application and medical forms become "applicants" and are eligible to complete a swim test, confined water skills evaluation, and open water skills evaluation. Students who complete these steps become DITs. DITs are limited in the diving they can do with UH. For more information, please visit the UH Diving Safety Program website. Information specific to opportunities on the Hilo campus is available on the UH Hilo Diving Safety Program website. Non-UH students should contact the Diving Safety Program for details on how to obtain diving eligibility for QUEST.

Do I need to be a UH Scientific Diver to enroll in Advanced QUEST?

Yes. Students who wish to apply for Advanced QUEST must have Scientific Diver authorization and be in "active" status. DITs may enroll in a Scientific Diver Qualification Course (SDQC) to obtain authorization. Details can be found on the UH Diving Safety Program website. Information specific to opportunities on the Hilo campus is available on the UH Hilo Diving Safety Program website.

How much does QUEST cost? Are there any "hidden" fees?

The tuition, lab fee, and other fees for the course can be found on the QUEST application page. Since the class takes place in the summer, students are charged summer rates for tuition. The lab fee covers course costs, including tank fills, fuel, transportation, supplies, food, camping gear, and more. Other costs students may encounter are the cost of their own diving equipment, flights to and from Hawaiʻi island, and DAN insurance. If the course takes place in Hilo, students will also need to provide their own housing (UH Hilo dorms are available for about $300 for the two weeks) and food (some snacks and meals may be provided). Transportation to and from dive sites is provided, and there will be scheduled trips into town for essential supplies.

Are there scholarships available?

Yes. Please check the QUEST application page for available scholarships. Amounts awarded can be anywhere between a few hundred dollars and the full cost of tuition and lab fee. Keep in mind that most scholarship opportunities are not available until after the application deadline, so you may be unable to base your decision to enroll on whether you get a scholarship.

Where do I live during QUEST?

If the course takes place in Keʻei, all staff and students camp at Halau Maluhia, which is a large pavilion with a kitchen, bathrooms, and outdoor showers. There is potable running water, but electricity is solar or generator powered and therefore only available at limited times throughout the day. There is no cost to students for use of this facility, and tents are provided. If the course takes place in Hilo, students must make their own arrangements for housing. The UH Hilo dorms are available to students during this time. MOP staff can help direct students to the appropriate resources for reserving dorm rooms.