from 3,655€

Outstanding 4.9rating (9)

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
  • 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) 3,655€
8 weeks 7,311€
12 weeks (max. stay) 10,966€
Average fees 913€/week

Program fees

913€ 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 ...

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