VOLUNTEERING
& INTERNSHIPS
Join a unique, educational experience in the heart of a marine conservation hotspot
Dive into the waters that support over 2000 species of fish and the second most diverse coral reefs in the world, witness first-hand wildlife behaviour such as shark feeding, turtle breeding and the migration of emblematic species, learn about marine conservation and research methods, contribute to monitoring human impact on marine ecosystems, and enjoy the scenes that Mozambique’s oldest Marine Protected Area has to offer.
Get your PADI Scuba Diving certification
Study ecosystems in a Marine Protected Area
Learn from professional scientists & environmentalists
Stay in a sustainable, zero-waste accommodation
Gain official University credit (CPUs)
BCSS Research Themes
BCSS is committed to working on critical research, new initiatives and ground-breaking projects. The marine research that is being conducted at BCSS is all part of one of the four themes:
ECOSYSTEM FUNCTION & MONITORING
SPECIES IDENTIFICATION & HABITAT MAPPING
MIGRATORY FISH POPULATIONS DYNAMICS
LAND & OUTREACH
INTERNSHIP PROGRAMS
Join as an intern
Immerse yourself in the scientific work we do at our research station by following the Marine Research Internship, or become a PADI scuba diving professional while learning about marine science and conservation. Whether you are interested in furthering your career as a marine scientist or divemaster; these internships are made to bring you a step closer to your future vision.
Engage with professional marine research, the BCSS Ocean Observatory and an experienced team of leading scientists. Learn about the pressing issues that the marine world is facing today, how marine science is crucial in understanding how vulnerable ecosystems work – and how we can work to protect sea life.
• Join research expeditions
• Assist research fieldwork
• Work with the Ocean Observatory
• Learn about technical diving
• Learn about operational oceanography
• Coordinate research projects
Assist the Dive Manager of BCSS with everyday tasks while improving your diving skills and gaining in-depth knowledge of safety measures and dive theory. Whether you are a new diver or already possess certifications, you’ll step off Benguerra Island feeling confident to guide groups and conduct research underwater. The internship period will give you plenty of time to learn more about your interests and to develop your career-path in terms of marine research, remote conservation and socio-economic development work.
• Get PADI certified: Open Water, Advanced, EFR, Rescue and Dive Master certifications
• Become a professional Divemaster through a 3-month training
• Assist our dive manager with daily marine operations
• Assist the science team with marine research projects and expeditions
• Learn about subjects like ocean acidification, species identification and ecosystems
• Dive in a marine protected area with marine megafauna like manta rays and sharks
Marine Research Internship:
Starting at US$2300 for 4 weeks
Dive Master Internship:
US$6500 for 12 weeks
VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS
Join as a volunteer
Join the unique opportunity to dive into the world of marine science while learning to scuba or free dive, getting involved in BCSS’s research projects, following permaculture workshops and staying at the zero-waste, CO2-neutral marine field station on Benguerra Island.
Enjoy two weeks of intense marine science training and get involved in BCSS’s research projects whilst living on Benguerra Island. Monitor marine debris, tag fish and sample DNA, get involved in wildlife spatial mapping and identification, learn how to practice permaculture and get to know the local community, amongst many other activities.
• Fish tagging & DNA/Isotope sampling
• Wildlife spatial mapping & identification
• Collect seawater temp. & light data
• Outreach events with local community
• Join research expeditions
Learn how marine science fieldwork is conducted and contribute by collecting valuable data during this four-week volunteering program.
• Scientific diving expeditions
• Shark tagging
• Seawater sampling and oceanography
• Outreach events with local community
• Wildlife identification
For six weeks, dive into the world of marine science and be taught by the experienced science team directly as you conduct fieldwork at sea.
• Laboratory work
• Scientific diving expeditions
• Fish tagging & DNA sampling
• Marine debris monitoring
• Permcaulture training
Work eight weeks long with scientists and conservationists to learn about pressing issues and solutions in today’s ocean.
• Scientific diving
• Ocean Observatory stations maintenance
• 3D seabed mapping
• Deploying cameras and landers
• Identify wildlife from boat and footage
Experience & Assist: US$1650 (2 weeks)
Engage & Help: US$3000 (4 weeks)
Emerge & Contribute: US$4300 (6 weeks)
Study & Protect: US$5400 (8 weeks)