Marine Conservation & PADI Divemaster Internship
Coordinator | Bella
Coordinator | Bella
Book with Flex Option!
Choose new departure dates or change to a different volunteer program at no extra costs.
Highlights
Earn your PADI Divemaster, opening up a career of travel and diving.
Earn your PADI Coral Reef Researcher Speciality, exclusive to our marine programs.
Gain experience working in a dive shop on a Thai island is really like.
Earn ILM Endorsed Leadership Certificate which is an internationally recognized leadership certificate
Contribute to UN SDG, #14, Life Below Water in Fiji.
Earn your PADI Divemaster certification while exploring the waters surrounding the islands of Fiji and Thailand.
This volunteer program is especially suitable for:
Age 18+
Singles
Couples
50+
Enter the global scuba diving realm by acquiring a professional diving qualification on this program, while gaining work experience in the marine conservation field.This six month internship puts you on the fast track to earning a living as a divemaster in any top diving destination your heart desires. It includes three months of intensive training in the South Pacific isles of Fiji and a three month placement at a dive centre in Southern Thailand.
Your PADI divemaster qualification is one of many skills you will acquire while participating on this program. Participants undergo an extensive training programme and gain in-depth knowledge about the marine ecosystem, which is also put to work in the form of data collection and assisting with research on tropical coral reefs and fish species.
Afterwards you will join a dive centre in Thailand as a staff member, where you will perfect your skills as a recreational dive leader. The internship is designed to give you an intensive and comprehensive introduction to professional diving with the opportunity to experience two of the world’s most popular diving locations.
Increasing Employability - Pre Departure Program Training:
Our programs are not only life-changing experiences but are also designed to help participants increase their employability. We have developed a curriculum to be completed prior to arrival in the country in order to ensure that more time is dedicated to program work once you commence your volunteer program.
Eight weeks prior to your start date, you will complete the following online courses in preparation for your in-country program:
- PRE-DEPARTURE ORIENTATION (1 hour)
- PROGRAM SPECIFIC TRAINING (1 - 5 hours)
- MARINE CONSERVATION COURSE (10 - 15 hours)
- LEADERSHIP COURSE (10 - 15 hours)
- CAREERS COURSE (10 - 15 hours)
In order to obtain a certificate for the Marine Conservation, Leadership and Careers courses which are endorsed by the University of Richmond and UNC Charlotte, you will need to complete quizzes & assignments and will be given 4 weeks post program to submit your work.
If you are looking to travel in less than 8 weeks from now, you will still complete the course however this will be done in country and all content will need to be downloaded before arrival.
Health & Hygiene:
The work we contribute to across the globe remains important and new measures allow our participants to continue to join our programs and continue impacting positively on their world and the communities we work with. Changes to our existing protocols have been made by our health and hygiene team to strengthen our health and hygiene protocols and ensure that international standard safeguards are in place to protect our participants, staff and host communities. Please inquire for more information on the protocols.
Typical day
INITIAL 3 MONTHS TRAINING IN FIJI
- The first three months of your divemaster internship will be spent on the island of Caqalai, a 14 acre coral island in Fiji’s Lomaiviti archipelago.
- Here, you will be helping our local team with their long-term project of assisting the Fijian government and local communities with the management of Fiji’s coral reefs.
- Before getting started, our marine science officers assist you with completing your PADI Coral Reef Researcher Speciality to allow you to effectively conduct fish and coral surveys.
- Our diving instructors will also assist you with starting your PADI Divemaster training, learning the theoretical underpinnings of professional diving as well as starting to hone your skills through practice exercises.
- Learn about safety protocols and rescue procedures as well as setting up and maintaining your dive kit.
- In addition, an assigned mentor on base will assist you with earning your ILM Endorsed Leadership Certificate
WORK PLACEMENT IN THAILAND
- Once you have successfully completed the first three months of training in Fiji, you will travel to a dive centre in Southern Thailand.
- Here you will learn what the business of running diving tours is really like, under the guidance of a professional diving team.
- Gain experience working with clients by leading a dive in preparation for your final PADI Divemaster assessment.
Free-time activities
You will be based on Caqalai island, approximately 1 hour by boat from the Viti Levu Mainland and a further 45 minutes to the capital, Suva. You will be working on nearby islands and coastal reefs around the base. In order to travel independently around the area on your days off you must prebook water taxis with the staff; there is usually a water taxi each morning and afternoon to and from the mainland. Costs will vary based on destination, but would normally be between $60-150FJD return
You will have time off and be free to travel in the local area on the weekends, usually from around 14:00 Friday, coming back to base by 17:00 on Sunday. In this time you could do daytrips such as visiting the old colonial capital Levuka, on nearby Ovalau, or trekking up the mountains there. You can also go snorkelling or scuba diving, relax for a night or two in a nearby resort or go further afield on Viti Levu. Before and after your program there are countless attractions that can be reached after a day or two of travelling. You could visit the Dolphins at Moon Reef, take a ferry to Taveuni - 'the garden of Fiji' or explore the interior of Viti Levu - the possibilities are endless!
You will have time off and be free to travel in the local area on the weekends, usually from around 14:00 Friday, coming back to base by 17:00 on Sunday. In this time you could do daytrips such as visiting the old colonial capital Levuka, on nearby Ovalau, or trekking up the mountains there. You can also go snorkelling or scuba diving, relax for a night or two in a nearby resort or go further afield on Viti Levu. Before and after your program there are countless attractions that can be reached after a day or two of travelling. You could visit the Dolphins at Moon Reef, take a ferry to Taveuni - 'the garden of Fiji' or explore the interior of Viti Levu - the possibilities are endless!
Swimming
Sightseeing
Shopping/
Souvenirs
Souvenirs
Climbing
Safari/
Zoo
Zoo
Hiking
Sports
Yoga/
Meditation
Meditation
Requirements
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.
You need to speak English (fluently)
required
PADI Medical form and Medical Form
No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.
Competent Swimmer (200m). Volunteers will normally be diving or snorkeling twice daily.
Your helping hand will be required on
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday
What's Included
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
- 24-hour emergency phone
- 24-hour in-country support
- Access to Alumni Services and Discounts
- Airport pick-up (unless otherwise stated)
- All necessary project equipment and materials
- All necessary project training by experienced staff provided online 8 weeks prior to arrival
- PRE-DEPARTURE ORIENTATION (1 hour)
- PROGRAM SPECIFIC TRAINING (1 - 5 hours)
- MARINE CONSERVATION COURSE (10 - 15 hours)
- LEADERSHIP COURSE (10 - 15 hours)
- CAREERS COURSE (10 - 15 hours)
- Certification and summary of training and experience received
- Community work workshop
- Confidential professional reference
- Coral reef ecology
- Diving compressor training workshop
- Final evaluation
- First Aid & CPR training and certification
- Leading biological surveys course
- Location orientation
- Long term experienced staff
- Meals while on project (except on work placements for long term internships)
- PADI Advanced Open Water
- PADI Coral Reef Research Diver Distinctive Speciality
- PADI Rescue Diver and PADI Dive Master certifications (not including PADI professional fees)
- Safe and basic accommodations (usually shared)
- Teamwork and leadership experience
- Use of O2 equipment workshop
- Weekly evaluation with your mentor
- Welcome meeting
- Work placement - if successful during the first 12 weeks of the internship
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED:
- Additional drinks and gratuities
- Extra local excursions
- Flights
- Food during the placement portion of your internship
- International and domestic airport taxes
- Medical and travel insurance
- Personal dive kit, e.g. mask, fins, wetsuit, timer etc.
- Personal items and toiletries
- Police or background check
- Visa costs (where necessary)
Airport pick up is included and we will ensure, whenever possible, that one of our dedicated staff will be available to meet you at the airport. We will arrange with you prior to your departure that, should you arrive in the agreed upon pick up window, a member of our staff will be there to welcome you.
Accommodation on base is in shared (mixed sex) facilities with shared bathroom facilities. Flush toilet facilities are available, and participants share base duties, including cleaning and other chores. There is rain water available for cooking, drinking, and washing. Ground water is pumped for other ablutions. Careful water conservation is necessary and water may be rationed during droughts. Basic flush toilet facilities and cold water showers are available.
Participants share daily duties to ensure the smooth running of base, including cleaning, cooking, kitting up boats, tidying the grounds and other chores
For internship volunteers, during the second part of the program (approx. weeks 12-24) you will be based at your dive centre placement in shared accommodation. The exact location will be discussed with you during your program. Accommodation will vary depending on your placement location.
Bungalow
Participants share daily duties to ensure the smooth running of base, including cleaning, cooking, kitting up boats, tidying the grounds and other chores
For internship volunteers, during the second part of the program (approx. weeks 12-24) you will be based at your dive centre placement in shared accommodation. The exact location will be discussed with you during your program. Accommodation will vary depending on your placement location.
The core of Fijian cuisine consists of taro, rice, cassava, coconut and fish. Participants take it in turns to prepare meals for the group as a whole, which is all part of living on a GVI base. Food consists of primarily a vegetarian diet, though meat is provided on base roughly once per week. Breakfast varies, but could include porridge, fruit or toast, and lunch and dinner are a mixture of lentils, beans and vegetables with pasta, rice, noodles, roti, cassava or dalo.
Limited access at the project site
Visa, flights, travel insurance or vaccinations are NOT included in the program fees.
The nearest airport is Nausori Airport (SUV) in Suva. We assist you to find cheap flights to Fiji.
Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Fiji provides security and is a plus to have.
If you are intending to volunteer in Fiji you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Fiji.
Dates & Fees
NO CREDIT CARD FEES
Details on arrival
Due to the current situation you have the flexibility of changing the destination and start dates for this program at no extra cost.
2021
- 09 Jan 2021
- 03 Apr 2021
- 26 Jun 2021
- 18 Sep 2021
2022
- 08 Jan 2022
- 02 Apr 2022
- 25 Jun 2022
- 17 Sep 2022
This program is paused due to COVID-19 and reopens January 2022. Apply Now!
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
24 - 24 weeks
Program fees
24 weeks
(min. stay)
$17,684
24 weeks
(max. stay)
$17,684
Average fees
$737
/week
The organization charges its fees in EUR. The price table in USD is subject to currency fluctuation.
GVI
will let you know about the final price during your application process.
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.
Your final payment will be agreed with GVI during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.
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All program fees are charged directly by GVI.
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Marine Conservation & PADI Divemaster Internship
Earn your PADI Divemaster certification while exploring the waters surrounding the islands of Fiji and Thailand.
$604/week
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