In partnership with Bay Islands College of Diving, this program is designed to perfectly integrate the highest standard of dive training with current conservation projects here in Utila. This 2 to 3-month internship will develop all the skills necessary for furthering a career in marine conservation studies and professional diving.
What skills will you learn?
-
PADI Divemaster qualification
-
Caribbean reef fish, reef associated organisms and coral identification
-
Research dive training
-
Coral reef surveying techniques
-
Marine Megafauna population monitoring skills
-
Experience working within a marine research institution
-
Experience coordinating and leading ecotours
-
Community outreach and environmental education skills
-
Experience of conservation and eco-tourism issues on a Caribbean island
What is included in the project cost?
-
PADI Divemaster training
-
Training and scientific surveying dives
-
Pick up on arrival to Utila
-
Accommodation (includes wifi, cable TV, full kitchen, water bills)*
-
Welcome meal and goodbye cocktail mixer
-
Lionfish Management and Spearing Workshop
-
Boat orientation workshop
-
Tshirt
*Accommodation conditions are subject to change
Eligibility:
40 logged dives required, and PADI (or equivalent) Rescue Diver certified with current Emergency First Responder (EFR) CPR and First Aid certifications. These are non-negotiable prerequisites.
Please Note: Candidates who have the required number of dives but are not certified to Rescue Diver + EFR level may opt to arrive one week early to the internship to complete those certifications at Bay Islands College of Diving, and bundle the cost with the Dive Master internship. Please email info@wsorc.org for more information about this option.
-
Must be at least 18 years old by start of internship
-
Experience studying marine biology, conservation, environmental studies or related field is preferable but not essential
-
Owning your own dive gear is essential
-
Ability to work in tropical conditions within a hot and humid climate
-
Confident swimmer
-
Comfortable at sea and working on boats.
-
Interpersonal skills, initiative, enthusiasm and the ability to work within a team
Dates & Cost
Divemaster Internships require a minimum commitment of 2 months. Without exception, internships begin on the first Monday of each month and terminate the Saturday directly before the first Monday, 2 (or more) months later. The list below shows available program start dates for 2025-2026. Prices listed are per-month for the duration of the internship:
$2,249 USD per month for the Marine Conservation program (one or two months version is available)
$1,099 USD for the Divemaster portion (+$150 PADI Fees)
2025 - 2026 WSORC MCI Start and End Dates
November 24th – December 20th, 2025
January 5th, 2026 - January 31st, 2026
February 2nd, 2026 - February 28th, 2026
March 2nd, 2026 - March 28th, 2026
March 30th, 2026 - April 25th, 2026
May 4th, 2026 - May 30th, 2026
June 1st, 2026 - June 27th, 2026**
June 29th, 2026 - July 25th, 2026**
July 27th, 2026 - August 22nd, 2026**
August 31st, 2026 - September 26th, 2026
September 28th, 2026- October 24th, 2026
October 26th, 2026 - November 21st, 2026
November 23rd, 2026 - December 19th, 2026
All MCI programs are set to normally begin on the first Monday of every month and finish on the last Saturday of every month, with a few exceptions..
**June, July, August internships are priced at $2399
How to apply…
Please fill out the WSORC Application Form and send us an email info@wsorc.org. Our team will review your application and get back to you soon. Thanks!