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Marine Science
This opportunity offers training in SCUBA diving, freediving, field biology, and conservation. The course focuses on researching rocky reef and kelp forest communities along the Cape Peninsula's coastal waters. Students learn internationally recognized research methods and contribute to ongoing research projects. The program includes an orientation day and week 1 focuses on introducing research projects and diving techniques. Subsequent weeks involve conducting dive surveys with guidance from field biologists. Students are trained to complete dive objectives safely and may participate in ongoing research collaborations.
Research
Our research projects reflect diverse interests and objectives, subject to change as projects conclude and new inquiries arise. We maintain ongoing, long-term projects for continuous monitoring of the ocean ecosystem. Additionally, we allocate time to short-term projects exploring the biodiversity of the False Bay region. As a research student, you will actively participate in fieldwork, whether in water, boat-based, or land-based, gaining practical experience in the marine environment. Our current research focuses on monitoring endemic fish, sharks, rays, octopus, and kelp forest ecology. Specific project details will be provided based on the duration of your stay, with opportunities to contribute to various projects.
Requirements
To enroll in the marine biology field course, students must hold certification in recreational SCUBA diving at the Open Water level or higher. Proficiency in swimming and a reasonable level of physical fitness are recommended. Desired student attributes include a keen interest in marine biology, research, conservation, and education, along with an enthusiastic, positive, mature, and independent attitude. Students should demonstrate a willingness to learn, collaborate effectively within our research team, and adapt to the weather-dependent nature of fieldwork. Strong communication skills in English, both written and oral, are essential. Upon arrival, our research team coordinator will provide a comprehensive orientation.
Given the weather-dependent nature of our activities, we finalize each week's schedule the weekend prior, with daily updates provided at the conclusion of each day. The standard student working hours are Monday to Friday, from 09:30 to 16:00, except on boat trip days, which may conclude earlier or later depending on observations or scheduled events. Evenings and weekends are designated leisure time, with our team available to offer assistance or recommendations for recreational activities upon request.
Given the weather-dependent nature of our activities, we finalize each week's schedule the weekend prior, with daily updates provided at the conclusion of each day. The standard student working hours are Monday to Friday, from 09:30 to 16:00, except on boat trip days, which may conclude earlier or later depending on observations or scheduled events. Evenings and weekends are designated leisure time, with our team available to offer assistance or recommendations for recreational activities upon request.
Lifestyle
Accommodation arrangements will be made based on the number of students each month, with options including individual rooms or shared dorm-style accommodations. All lodging is self-catered, providing access to a shared student kitchen equipped with necessary amenities. Transportation to the local grocery store will be provided as needed for supply runs. Laundry facilities are available in town, where we can facilitate drop-off and pick-up of your laundry as required. You may need to prepare a packed lunch for certain activities, with advance notice provided by the program coordinator regarding the work schedule.
Location
Located in the charming town of Simon’s Town, False Bay, our headquarters offer a picturesque setting surrounded by stunning beaches, diverse marine life, and majestic mountains, just 40 km from Cape Town’s city center. Simon’s Town boasts Long Beach, one of Cape Town’s most protected beaches, ideal for diver training and equipment testing. The coastal waters of South Africa are renowned for their rich marine diversity, featuring a plethora of shark, cetacean, seal, and fish species, along with kelp forests, natural reefs, and shipwreck habitats. This biodiversity is attributed to the convergence of two major ocean currents: the cold Benguela current from the West coast and the warm Agulhas or Mozambique current from the East coast. Positioned at the meeting point of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, our location offers access to a diverse range of habitats and species for observation, study, and conservation. False Bay is globally recognized for its varied marine life, hosting a wide array of species ranging from vibrant nudibranchs, sponges, and sea anemones to iconic mega-fauna such as humpback whales, seven-gill sharks, and the renowned white shark. Dive enthusiasts can explore superb dive sites showcasing a mix of marine habitats, including rocky reefs, soft corals, wreck dives, kelp forests, and offshore blue-water diving opportunities.
RatesFour Weeks : £3,650
Three Weeks : £3,200 Two Weeks Weeks : £2,500 |
apply Here
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Included |
Excluded |
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All diving and equipment hire
Accommodation (self-catered) Transport between headquarters and accommodation Airport transfer Cape RADD tuition and Marine Protected area permits |
Flights
Any necessary visas Food and drink Health and travel insurance which must cover SCUBA diving (DAN cover) |
