INTERNSHIPS
MARINE CONSERVATION & DIVEMASTER INTERNSHIP
Follow the links below to find out more about the internship programs we offer:
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 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
- Whale shark 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 3 months. Without exception, internships begin on the first Monday of each month and terminate the Saturday directly before the first Monday, 3 (or more) months later. The list below shows available program start dates for 2021-2022. Prices listed are per-month for the duration of the internship:
$1795 per month for Rescue Diver certified applicants
$329 for Rescue Diver Course extension
Upcoming MCI Program Dates:
October 4th – October 30th, 2021
November 1st – November 27th, 2021
December 6th 2021 – January 1st, 2022
2022 WSORC MCI Start and End Dates
January 3rd – January 29th, 2022
February 7th – March 5th, 2022
March 7th – April 2nd, 2022
April 4th – April 30th, 2022
May 2nd – May 28th, 2022
June 6th – July 2nd, 2022
July 4th – July 30th, 2022
August 1st – August 27th, 2022
September 5th – October 1st, 2022
October 3rd – October 29th, 2022
November 7th – December 3rd, 2022
December 5th – December 31st, 2022
All MCI programs are set to begin on the first Monday of every month and finish on the last Saturday of every month.