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:

THEME 1

ECOSYSTEM FUNCTION
& MONITORING

Monitoring the ocean over time and space (time-series) helps scientists better understand intricate workings of marine ecosystems. This theme combines remote sensing, underwater and seabed measurements, based on different temporal resolutions (continuous to monthly).

THEME 2

SPECIES IDENTIFICATION
& HABITAT MAPPING

Conducting of open ocean, coastal, seabed and underwater surveys to study marine life hotspots and learn how organisms interact with the environment over time and space. This theme focuses on resident and migratory species identification and monitoring those during the year to comprehend their distribution.

THEME 3

MIGRATORY FISH
POPULATIONS DYNAMICS

Locating and tagging pelagic fish species via research fishing techniques as well as bio-samples collection to understand ecosystem processes. This theme combines research fishing practices with bio-samples recovery from animals to answer how species use their habitat, how environmental constraints impact their migration, as well as how they use the water masses and marine protected areas.

THEME 4

MARINE DEBRIS
MONITORING

The marine debris monitoring program is a collaborative initiative between BCSS and the Bazaruto Archipelago National Park (BANP) on Benguerra Island. The survey method adopted on pre-determined study sites is a monthly accumulative surveys. The marine debris surveys compare how debris enter and accumulate in the different ecosystems of Benguera Island (mangroves, seagrass, mudflats and sandy beaches).

INTERNSHIP PROGRAMS

Join as an intern

Whether you are interested in furthering your career as a marine scientist or dive master; 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:
US$2300 for 4 weeks, US$4000 for 8 weeks, US$5700 for 12 weeks

Dive Master Internship:
US$6500 for 12 weeks

As a volunteer, I got to experience how it was like on the inside – not as a tourist, but as an active member of the team. In the name of scientific research and conversation, I scuba dived to retrieve and replace ocean sensors, helped deliver water to the local clinic, prepared samples for DNA tests, coded a data tool, and more. I am grateful to have been part of the BCSS team who are pioneers in their field. If you want to get stuck in and meet some great people, learn new skills and make an impact as part of a well-oiled team that truly cares for our oceans, then BCSS could very well be one of the best places to be.

I've had such a positive experience from the moment I contacted BCSS about the Marine Science Program. I had high expectations on arrival and those have been exceeded. The team are generous with their time, their expertise, and their welcome. I experienced a broad range of activities including sampling, laboratory work and ocean observation, as well as undertaking a scuba diving course. The facilities are lovely and it is an exceptionally beautiful place to stay.

The staff and facilities at BCSS are simply amazing, with the perfect location for our research trips out by boat each day. The views are incredible from the accommodation, and we loved the chance to explore the rest of the island by 4x4.

Amazing experience! BCSS went overboard with making sure their interns were comfortable and getting the experience they needed. Both the staff and the interns were incredibly helpful and friendly. I wish I could have stayed the whole summer.

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, collecting scientific data 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, 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

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)

Download the brochure