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Outstanding 4.92rating (10)
  • Life Below Water

Scientific Training in Conservation

location
2 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Join our Ocean Observatory team and take part in the fieldwork activities.
  • Gain first-hand experience with real data collection.
  • Learn how research themes such as marine biodiversity and ocean monitoring are explored in practice.

Highlights

  • Join our Ocean Observatory team and take part in the fieldwork activities.
  • Gain first-hand experience with real data collection.
  • Learn how research themes such as marine biodiversity and ocean monitoring are explored in practice.
  • Be immersed in the daily work of a research station, contributing to ongoing projects.
  • Understand the magnitude of regional pressures including climate change and human impact on marine coastal.
    • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Acquire core career skills like fieldwork design, scientific writing, species identification, and hands-on scientific fieldwork.

    We offer professional Scientific Training, in marine science and other disciplines including weather forecast, sea operations, and scientific diving. Our programs vary from 2, 4, 6, 8 or 12 weeks in duration, depending on the individual goals, catering for all ages, backgrounds and ...

    About the program

    We offer professional Scientific Training, in marine science and other disciplines including weather forecast, sea operations, and scientific diving. Our programs vary from 2, 4, 6, 8 or 12 weeks in duration, depending on the individual goals, catering for all ages, backgrounds and experience levels. 

    The main aim of all programs is to acquire marine Biology/Oceanography and Environmental Sciences key skills while contributing to our Ocean Observatory: a unique research platform in the Indian Ocean providing open data to scientists globally. 

    You will gain fieldwork experience, learn from the team, may do diving courses, and experience life in a remote field station. If you are working in, studying or qualified in a related field, you would be a great fit for one of our longer programs, where you will focus on learning research methods in class and in situ, including scientific oral presentations, scientific proposal and papers writing, species ID skills, marine sensors operation, scientific diving, and other field work under the mentorship of our in-house scientists.

    If you have a passion for marine and environmental sciences and conservation but are not qualified in this area, you may still participate in our Science Training Program and will be able to learn how to assist on the ground and offshore research operations with a slightly more flexible approach.

    Our contribution fee for the Science Training Program and other activities includes comfortable accommodation (with Wi-Fi), three fresh meals a day, National Park fees and boat transfer to and from the mainland. 

    The fee funds the Ocean Observatory operation, contributing towards making our data open, free and available globally. Your contribution and participation are a commitment towards long term research and conservation in this part of the world. We offer a number of yearly sponsored placements within our programs, focusing on Mozambican nationals studying marine and environmental related degrees.


    Monitoring across spatiotemporal scales is key for understanding the magnitude of regional pressures including climate change and human impact on marine coastal ecosystems such as the BANP. The BCSS Ocean Observatory contributes to the ongoing data gathered by cruises such as the GEOTRACES Program, the SIBER- SCOR Indian Ocean Program, and the GOA-ON international network (NOAA/UNESCO endorsed). 

    You’ll gain first-hand experience with real data collection and learn how research themes such as marine biodiversity and ocean monitoring are explored in practice. This is an opportunity to be immersed in the daily work of a research station, contributing to ongoing projects while building valuable skills and insights.

    Typical day

    A typical day at BCSS follows a structured:

    06:00 – 07:00
    Wake up, light breakfast, coffee, informal prep.

    07:00 – 07:15
    Morning briefing, sea conditions, dive plan, research objectives.

    08:00
    First boat departure and dive session, reef monitoring, species ID, spatial mapping, data collection.

    11:30 ...

    Typical day

    A typical day at BCSS follows a structured:

    06:00 – 07:00
    Wake up, light breakfast, coffee, informal prep.

    07:00 – 07:15
    Morning briefing, sea conditions, dive plan, research objectives.

    08:00
    First boat departure and dive session, reef monitoring, species ID, spatial mapping, data collection.

    11:30 – 13:00
    Return to station, gear rinse, tank swaps, data logging.

    13:00 – 14:00
    Lunch and short break.

    14:00 – 16:30
    Land-based work, data entry, workshops, equipment maintenance.

    16:30 – 18:00
    Free time, beach walks, reviewing photos, informal discussions.

    18:30
    Next day planning.

    19:00

    Dinner.

    19:30 onwards
    Evening at leisure, occasional talks, research discussions, early rest.

    Free-time activities

    On free days, volunteers have the opportunity to relax or explore the island at their own pace. Many choose to enjoy recreational diving with our Dive Center or snorkeling on nearby reefs, join Birdwatching surveys, while others take time to walk across Benguerra Island, visit local villages, or ...

    Free-time activities

    On free days, volunteers have the opportunity to relax or explore the island at their own pace. Many choose to enjoy recreational diving with our Dive Center or snorkeling on nearby reefs, join Birdwatching surveys, while others take time to walk across Benguerra Island, visit local villages, or simply unwind on the beach. Watching the sunset from the dune is also a popular highlight. Additional activities such as dhow trips and occasional fishing excursions can be arranged, depending on availability and conditions. Trips to Vilanculos and neighboring areas such as Tofo can also be arranged. Some volunteers use this time to log dives, review data, or work on personal projects.

    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.

    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, Friday, Saturday and Sunday

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    EXPERIENCE & ASSIST
    2 WEEKS
    Join a dynamic two-week training, actively joining ongoing research station activities while staying on Benguerra Island.
    • Wildlife spatial mapping & species identification
    • Oceanography fieldwork experience
    •  Marine debris monitoring program

    ENGAGE & HELP
    4 WEEKS 
    Acquire insights into the methodologies of marine science professional fieldwork and make a meaningful contribution by helping to gather core data through this training program.
    • Scientific diving surveys
    • Oceanography fieldwork experience
    • Marine debris monitoring program
    • Wildlife spatial mapping & species identification

    EMERGE & CONTRIBUTE
    6 WEEKS 
    Immerse yourself in the realm of professional marine science receiving direct instruction from the scientific team as you actively participate in fieldwork activities of the Ocean Observatory.
    • Laboratory processing work
    • Scientific diving surveys
    • Oceanography fieldwork experience
    • Marine debris monitoring program
    • Wildlife spatial mapping & species identification

    STUDY & PROTECT
    8 WEEKS 
    Engage for an extended time alongside scientists delving into the details of ocean exploration, addressing major challenges and innovative solutions in the Ocean Observatory.
    • Laboratory processing work
    • Scientific diving surveys & data management
    • Scientific diving
    • Operational oceanography fieldwork experience
    • Wildlife spatial mapping & species identification

    ADVANCE & LEAD
    12 WEEKS 
    Embark a transformative journey designed to propel your understanding of marine sciences and expand technical knowledge. This program is a unique opportunity to forge a path in marine sciences and conservation.

    • Marine sensors operation experience
    • Laboratory processing work
    • Scientific diving surveys & data management
    • Scientific diving
    • Operational oceanography
    • fieldwork experience
    • Wildlife spatial mapping & species identification

    Airport Pickup at Vilanculos Airport

    Upon arrival, a taxi driver holding a BCSS sign will be waiting at the airport to receive the volunteers. They will then be transferred to the harbor, where a BCSS boat will be ready to take them to the island.

    Accommodation

    The BCSS station was carefully designed to blend with the surrounding environment, causing minimum impact. The station was hand-built using the island’s skilled residents, with local materials such as coconut wood, reed walls and roof thatching. We power our station with renewable solar energy and are committed to striving towards zero-waste while conducting sustainable waste management. Where possible, we use permaculture to be more self sufficient. We are honoured to be an active member of the community.

     

    BCSS Dive Center can accommodate up to 12 visitors on site and provides a choice of single and double (bunks) rooms. The accommodation complex features communal bathroom facilities, shared with the tented camp located near the station.

    Food & Beverages

    We offer 3 fresh meals a day at 7.30am,12.00pm and 6.30pm.

    Packed lunches will be provided while on the research boat or any other activities with BCSS. Any extra snacks can be bought from the local barraca. Please help yourself to tea and coffee from the kitchen.

    If you forgot to specify dietary preferences or any allergies in your application form, please do inform BCSS management as soon as possible so we can accommodate your dietary needs.

    Smoking and drinking on the BCSS property premises is strictly prohibited. The BCSS research station’s property includes accommodation, laboratories, the waste separation facility, toilets, decking, in & outside dining facilities and around any of the buildings (including e.g. the parking lots). If you are a smoker, we kindly ask you to retreat to the beach or any location away from the BCSS property. If you would like to consume alcohol, we kindly ask you to visit a local barraca, which is a few minutes walk from the BCSS research station or to consume the beverages on the beach. BCSS does not tolerate any form of drunkenness or intoxication, regardless of where it is has been consumed.

    Drugs are illegal in Mozambique and strictly prohibited. You will be asked to leave if caught consuming or carrying any.

    Internet Access

    Limited access at the project site
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Vilanculos Airport (VNX) in Vilanculos. We assist you to find cheap flights to Mozambique. 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 Mozambique provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

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

    Details on arrival

    The Scientific Training is open year-round

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

    Program Fees

    $812 per week 2 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    2 - 12 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.

    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    You don't have to pay anything yet

    4.92
    ・
    10 reviews

    Location

    Africa > Eastern Africa > Mozambique > Benguerra Island, Bazaruto Archipelago

    Meet your project coordinator

    Celso
    10
    reviews
    4.92
    Outstanding
    2017
    Founded

    Verified

      Excellent response rate
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    Volunteer Abroad  >  Environment  >  Marine Conservation in Mozambique
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