Marine Field Research

location
4 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Outstanding 4.9  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Excellent response rate

Highlights

  • Learn Seamanship and crew in a research vessel
  • Techniques are taught on how to correctly catch & handle sharks, how to tag them, and how data on catch, tag & release can be used to monitor shark populations
  • Learn to deploy and operate Baited Remote Underwater Video (BRUV) equipment, Remote Operated Vehicles (ROV) and drones

Highlights

  • Learn Seamanship and crew in a research vessel
  • Techniques are taught on how to correctly catch & handle sharks, how to tag them, and how data on catch, tag & release can be used to monitor shark populations
  • Learn to deploy and operate Baited Remote Underwater Video (BRUV) equipment, Remote Operated Vehicles (ROV) and drones
  • Gain experience in how to best maintain research boats and scientific equipment
  • Get an international recognized diving-certification


  • Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Work with leading marine biologists as they undertake ground-breaking research on the charismatic marine mega-fauna of Southern Africa, including great white sharks.

    Oceans Research Institute’s field research program provides a first-hand practical experience in marine research and conservation. Anyone with an interest in marine research, conservation and/or education can benefit. Our program focuses on long-term research projects like the population ...

    About the program

    Oceans Research Institute’s field research program provides a first-hand practical experience in marine research and conservation. Anyone with an interest in marine research, conservation and/or education can benefit. Our program focuses on long-term research projects like the population assessment of white sharks or the habitat use and bio-acoustics of marine mammals. 

    We have projects focused on teaching research skills to our students, like how to use ROVs or drones in marine research and monitoring projects. But we also teach practical skills from what to do when an boat engine won’t start, to how to fish responsibly in order to tag sharks. Furthermore, the ability to apply the research knowledge our students obtain into our various conservation and awareness programs in the local schools, adds to the diversity of skills and experiences. 

    Our program has been recognized by many international universities providing up to a full semester credits for one month with us due to the intensive experience obtained by the students.


    Projects & Activities:

    Population assessments & trends of white sharks, humpback & bottlenose dolphins, southern right & humpback whales and Cape fur seals

    Habitat use of white sharks and marine mammals

    Population structure, trophic and movement ecology of endemic benthic catsharks

    Predator-prey behavioral strategies of white sharks and Cape fur seals

    Shark stress physiology and behavioral studies

    Intertidal community assessment

    Ecological monitoring of rivers

    Marine Mammal Stranding Response workshop

    Science Communication Course

    *Some projects are seasonal

     

    Additional Information:

    Gain course credit

    Career development skills

    Certificate of completion

     

    Getting Credit:

    Approximately 150 to 200 working hours per month

    ~ 40-80 sea hours

    ~ 20 conservation/education hours (beach clean ups and community outreach)

    ~ 90-100 research hours

    Each student gives a research based presentation at month end

    Datasets for additional projects are available on request

    Up to 15 credits per month

    - to be coordinated through professor/university

    - Forms, MOUs, evaluations can be agreed upon



    Typical day

    Program Structure:

    Arrival 1st of the month - any time

    2nd - 3rd orientation & safety briefing

    4th to month end - program activities

    Work conducted Monday through Friday

    Work hours are between 7 am and 6 pm

    Some night/weekend work

    -based on research needs

    Weekends are left for resting & additional ...

    Typical day

    Program Structure:

    Arrival 1st of the month - any time

    2nd - 3rd orientation & safety briefing

    4th to month end - program activities

    Work conducted Monday through Friday

    Work hours are between 7 am and 6 pm

    Some night/weekend work

    -based on research needs

    Weekends are left for resting & additional recreational activities

    Departure on the 1st of the next month


    Free-time activities

    We offer weekend trips to Cape Town, Big 5 Safaris, and Garden Route Adventures. You will also have evenings to enjoy a local dinner and spend time with friends.  

    Free-time activities

    We offer weekend trips to Cape Town, Big 5 Safaris, and Garden Route Adventures. You will also have evenings to enjoy a local dinner and spend time with friends.  


    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level)

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 07:00 - 18:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    Services by Marine Field Research

    Price includes

    Research fee

    Dorm-style accommodation

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner

    Local transport

    Local airport pickup/drop off

    Internet

     

    Price Excludes

    Airfare

    Insurances

    Laundry

    Tourism activities

    Spending money

    Airport Pickup at George Airport

    We arrange airport transfers on your arrival and departure. 

    We are flexible with arrival and departure times but request arrival and departures to be planned for the 1st day of the month.  

    Accommodation

    Dorm style which is gender separated. 

    Food & Beverages

    Included in the program fee is your catering for the entire month.

    We can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten free & lactose intolerant dietary requirements.
    Halal and Kosher will require special arrangements.    

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is George Airport (GRJ) in George. We assist you to find cheap flights to South Africa. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for South Africa provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in South Africa you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for South Africa. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    Program Dates:

    1st to the 1st of the next month

    Availability:

    Every month of the year

    Arrival & Departure Airport:

    George Airport, Western Cape, South Africa

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program fees

    4 weeks (min. stay) 3,741€
    8 weeks 7,481€
    12 weeks (max. stay) 11,222€
    Average fees 935€/week

    Program fees

    935€ per week 4 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    4 - 12 weeks

    Deposit

    The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


    Final Payment

    Your final payment will be agreed with Marine Field Research during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


    Meet your organization

    Marine Field Research

    Outstanding 4.9 rating (9 reviews)

    Agency - founded in 2007

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Excellent response rate

    Coordinated by

    Jackie

    About the project

    Work with leading marine biologists as they undertake ground-breaking research on the charismatic marine mega-fauna of Southern Africa, including great white sharks.

    Meet your organization

    Oceans Research provides and facilitates innovative and dynamic research relevant to the management and conservation of Southern Africa’s wildlife.

    Its research is interdisciplinary ranging from biological to socio-economic studies of marine and terrestrial resource utilisation in Southern Africa’s coastal society. Oceans Research specialises in investigating the biology and ecology of mega-fauna, including sharks, marine mammals and terrestrial carnivores; we advise governmental and non-governmental bodies on relevant conservation issues.

    Oceans Research offers multi-disciplinary practical and theoretical training for aspiring researchers from internship to postgraduate levels in conjunction with partner schools, technical colleges and universities. In addition to the in-house research projects, the institute provides facilities for visiting marine scientists conducting a variety of projects throughout the major marine biomass of Southern Africa.

    Oceans Research strives to divulgate its research finding not only to the scientific community but also, and even more importantly, to the general public, through its website, media releases, scientific and popular articles, and documentaries. RESEARCH, DISCOVERY, EDUCATE, CONSERVE.

    The Field Research Program enables aspiring scientists and conservationists to work in conjunction with leading marine biologists as they undertake ground-breaking research on the charismatic marine mega-fauna of Southern Africa, including great white sharks.

    This is a unique experience where students gain exposure to a wide variety of projects and in depth aspects of practical field research on species such white sharks, bottlenose dolphins, Southern right whales and smaller benthic shark species. Research will be done both at sea and on land. During your stay you play a vital role, from data collection to data management. We use your collected data to advise various industries, including the government, on real-time issues in marine conservation.

    9 reviews · rating4.9

    Thomas Engel rating5

    2019 at Marine Field Research

    I spent this past June in South Africa working as an intern with Oceans Research. While there, I had the opportunity to study local dolphins, whales, Cape fur seals, cat sharks and my personal favorite, the Great White shark. By being introduced to a wide spectrum of projects I was able to develop a ...
    Kristina Betz rating5

    2019 at Marine Field Research

    This volunteer experience helped me become a better scientist which has aided me in both my professional and academic life. This is a life changing experience and would absolutely recommend it. ..
    Cami Grundeman rating4.2

    2019 at Marine Field Research

    An educational and fun research opportunity. Oceans Research is a great program. I was able to learn how to help with 6 different research projects along with community outreach programs in Mossel Bai, South Africa. The main project was catching and tagging pajama cat sharks, along with photo ...
    Sarah Rheinsmith rating5

    2018 at Marine Field Research

    Oceans research allowed me opportunities I otherwise would not have received in the states. I learned numerous skills that were helpful in my pursuit of a graduate program. ..
    Jayne Hessler rating5

    2018 at Marine Field Research

    Oceans Research gives you hands-on experience working with white sharks and other marine creatures. Experience includes tracking whales and dolphins using a theodolite, performing intertidal transects, learning how to sea fish and land fish, aquarium husbandry, and photo identifying white sharks. On ...
    Brice Schrenkel rating5

    2018 at Marine Field Research

    It was a great experience! South Africa was a beautiful country that was rich in both culture and new experiences. The internship treats you like family and makes sure you are getting the most out of your time with them. They evenly split up and mix around the interns for the month so you get the ...

    Location


    You might also be interested in

    Contact Jackie
      Excellent response rate

    Most volunteers ask about


    Do you have any more questions? Send a message to Jackie
    Please don't share personal contact details for your privacy

    Book with Flex Option!

    Choose new departure dates or change to a different volunteer program at no extra costs within 12 months.

    Enjoy our services for dedicated volunteers!

    Enjoy a Refund Guarantee, Free Flex Option, and Emergency Assistance. Our Price-Guarantee ensures unbeatable value, and our Support Team is ready to assist.