Aim
To provide people who are passionate about the natural environment and keen to pursue a career in marine conservation practical experience working within a non-profit conservation organization.
What skills will you learn?
- SCUBA dive qualifications
- Caribbean reef fish identification
- Research dive experience
- Coral reef surveying techniques
- Whale shark population monitoring skills
- Experience working within a marine research institution
- 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 dive certifications (Open Water & Advanced – diving optional)
- 8 research dives on completion of PADI Advanced course training
- Pick up on arrival to Utila (provided you give us your arrival details)
- Accommodation (includes wifi, shared kitchen, tap water bills)*
- Welcome and departure meal
- REEF & CoralWatch ID training
- Responsible lionfish removal workshop
- Boat orientation work shop
- Tshirt
Dates & Cost:
Intern programs are 4 weeks long, with the opportunity to stay longer. The following table shows our start and end dates for 2015. Prices listed are for the duration of the 4 week program (please note all payments are subject to either a standard $45 administration fee, or a 5% Paypal processing fee).
| Start Date | End Date | Certified AOW Divers | Certified OW Divers | Uncertified Divers |
| Monday 17th August 2015 | 13th September 2015 | $1615 | $1805 | $1995 |
| Monday 21st September 2015 | 18th October 2015 | $1615 | $1805 | $1995 |
| Monday 26th October 2015 | 22nd November 2015 | $1615 | $1805 | $1995 |
| Monday 23rd November 2015 | 20th December 2015 | $1615 | $1805 | $1995 |
What is NOT included in the cost of the project?
*Volunteers interested in furthering their experience are able to apply for WSORC’s Marine Conservation & Dive Master program ( http://wsorc.org/marine-conservation-dive-master-internship/.
- Flights & Insurance
- Airport Departure Tax (Approximately $37 USD – at time of writing)
- Food & drink
- Electricity (Utila accommodations work with a prepaid electric meter, expect to pay approximately $25 USD per month per person)
Eligibility:
- Must be at least 17 years old
- Experience studying marine biology, conservation, environmental studies or related field is preferable but not essential.
- Ability to work in tropical conditions within a hot and humid climate
- Confident swimmer with capable snorkelling ability.
- Bringing your own mask, snorkel and fins is preferable but not essential.
- Comfortable at sea and working on boats.
- Interpersonal skills, initiative, enthusiasm and the ability to work within a team
How to apply
Please download the application form from http://wsorc.org/marine-conservation-internship/, fill it out and send it to info@wsorc.org. Inquiries will be answered within one week, and successful applicants will be sent a copy of our expedition manual which contains all the relevant information about our program.