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?
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PADI Divemaster qualification
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Caribbean reef fish, reef associated organisms and coral identification
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Research dive training
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Coral reef surveying techniques
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Whale shark population monitoring skills
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Experience working within a marine research institution
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Experience coordinating and leading ecotours
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Community outreach and environmental education skills
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Experience of conservation and eco-tourism issues on a Caribbean island
What is included in the project cost?
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PADI Divemaster training
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Training and scientific surveying dives
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Pick up on arrival to Utila
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Accommodation (includes wifi, cable TV, full kitchen, water bills)*
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Welcome meal and goodbye cocktail mixer
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Lionfish Management and Spearing Workshop
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Boat orientation workshop
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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.
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Must be at least 18 years old by start of internship
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Experience studying marine biology, conservation, environmental studies or related field is preferable but not essential
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Owning your own dive gear is essential
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Ability to work in tropical conditions within a hot and humid climate
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Confident swimmer
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Comfortable at sea and working on boats.
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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 2022-2023. Prices listed are per-month for the duration of the internship:
$1,995 USD per month for the Marine Conservation program (one or two months version is available)
$1,099 USD for the Divemaster portion (+$128 PADI Fees)
2023-2024 WSORC MCI Start and End Dates
September 4th – September 30th, 2023
October 2nd – October 28th, 2023
November 6th – December 2nd, 2023
December 4th – December 30th, 2023
January 8th – February 3rd, 2024
February 5th – March 2nd, 2024
March 4th – March 30th, 2024
April 1st – April 27th, 2024
May 6th – June 1st, 2024
June 3rd – June 29th, 2024**
July 1st – July 27th, 2024**
August 5th – August 31st, 2024**
September 2nd – September 28th, 2024
September 30th – October 26th, 2024
October 28th – November 23rd, 2024
November 25th – December 21st, 2024
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!