Scuba Diving Internship: Requirements and Opportunities
An internship in scuba diving offers a unique opportunity to gain practical experience and advance a career in marine science, conservation, or the dive industry. These internships vary widely, catering to different skill levels and interests, from scientific diving to underwater photography and divemaster training. This article explores the diverse requirements and opportunities available in scuba diving internships.
Scientific Diving Internships
Several internships focus on scientific diving, providing hands-on experience in research and diving program management.
Dr. Lee H. Somers AAUS Scientific Diving Internship
The Dr. Lee H. Somers AAUS Scientific Diving Internship is designed for young divers seeking training and experience as an AAUS Scientific Diver. Prior certification as an AAUS Scientific Diver is not a prerequisite. The internship's primary goal is training as an AAUS Scientific Diver. It offers multifaceted opportunities in AAUS scientific diver training courses and involvement with scientific research, diving, and boating safety programs. Past interns have benefited significantly from these experiences.
The internship, lasting about three months during the summer, includes:
- Dive Training: Covering topics such as diving physiology, physics, research methodology, history, regulations, dive planning (table and computer), enriched air diving, decompression profiling, accident management, emergency procedures, diving under special conditions, and procedures for scientific dives. This training typically occurs in late May or early June.
- Scientific Diving and Scientific Diving Program Management: Interns will be placed with one or more AAUS-affiliated institutions after receiving scientific diver-in-training certification. Depending on the research project and location, interns may stay in residence for 1-3 months. Activities include planning scientific dives, preparing dive equipment, participating in research projects, spending time on research boats, diving, interacting with divers, and logging dives. Advanced training will focus on Scientific Diving Program Management, providing insights into operational standards, dive planning, documentation, and equipment maintenance.
The host locations for this flexible program vary each year.
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Mitchell Scientific Diving Research Internship
The Mitchell Scientific Diving Research Internship offers undergraduates experiences to build upon their scientific diving education, further preparing them for careers in science, research diving, or related fields. It is tailored for current undergraduate students with an active AAUS Scientific Diving certification.
Interns will have opportunities to participate in and assist in scientific diving with an AAUS Organizational Member. Daily activities mirror those of the Dr. Lee H. Somers internship, including dive planning, equipment preparation, assisting in scientific diver training, research participation, boat work, diving, diver interaction, and dive logging. The program offers flexibility and may include advanced training in Scientific Diving Program Management.
National Park Service Scientific Diving Internship
This internship provides a unique opportunity to work with scientists, underwater photographers, and archaeologists in the National Park Service and other government agencies. A solid foundation in marine science and scientific diving is preferred.
The internship may involve a specific project in a single park or a larger project across multiple parks. Work projects are determined based on the intern's interests and the needs of associated projects. Interns typically spend 1-3 weeks in each park, assisting dive teams with ongoing projects and gaining a broad understanding of dive operations, research methodologies, and ecosystems. Projects may include biological assessments of coral reefs or kelp forests, assistance with training seminars, interpretation and education, public safety diving, or underwater archaeology and photography.
Marine Conservation Internships
These internships focus on conservation efforts and provide experience in marine life surveys and outreach programs.
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Dr. Jamie L. King Marine Conservation Internship
The Dr. Jamie L. King Marine Conservation Internship, offered in Key Largo, Florida, provides undergraduates and recent graduates the opportunity to work at a nonprofit marine conservation organization.
Duties include environmental presentations to schools, universities, dive groups, and the public. Interns also work with local marine conservation entities and conduct marine life surveys during local dives. Opportunities to assist with lionfish research, outreach, and control programs are also available.
Underwater Photography Internships
Paul L. Schutt Underwater Photography Internship
The Paul L. Schutt Underwater Photography Internship offers the opportunity to develop underwater photography skills while working alongside industry professionals.
The intern will receive instruction and experience through participation in the Backscatter Digital Shootout, a two-week workshop held annually in mid- to late June. The Shootout includes seminars and diving, designed to help participants improve their underwater photography or videography skills. Additional internship experiences may be available based on Backscatter opportunities and recipient interests. Applicants must be scuba certified and have a strong interest in photography, though underwater photography experience is not required.
Divemaster Internships
Divemaster internships focus on developing leadership skills and providing real-world experience in dive supervision and instruction.
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PADI Divemaster Internship
The PADI Divemaster internship is designed to develop leadership skills by training candidates to supervise dive activities and assist instructors. The course is taught as an internship, with students working full-time with instructors for the duration of a complete PADI Open Water course. Some programs offer real-life experience and allow students to learn techniques from multiple professional diving instructors.
Divemaster Voyage programs are for already-certified PADI rescue divers looking to advance to the first professional level. The primary focus is diving, with interns working with instructors teaching Open Water and Advanced students. While there will be opportunities for fun dives, the primary focus will be on completing course requirements and practicing scenarios.
Interns are expected to be leaders and respond to emergency situations. Activities may include assisting with confined water skill circuits, knowledge development, early leadership training, open water training dives, and skill assessments.
ActionQuest Divemaster Internship
ActionQuest offers a Divemaster internship in the British Virgin Islands, beginning with arrival in St. Thomas and transfer to Tortola. The internship includes assisting staff, supporting program boats, and diving into the Divemaster course. Interns will team up with instructors on open water training dives, supporting group management, skill demonstrations, and student practice sessions.
The program also includes opportunities to lead, mentor, and teach, assisting instructors both above and below the surface. Interns may guide Advanced Open Water students, support beginners, and lead dives themselves. Advanced training and leadership opportunities include creating underwater maps and assisting with specialty dives.
Aspects of ActionQuest Divemaster internships
- Living on Board: Interns live aboard a yacht full-time, which requires adapting to tighter living conditions. Vessels typically have 5 cabins and a large salon.
- Staff Support: Two or three staff members live aboard each vessel, including maritime captains, PADI dive instructors, and medical professionals.
- Meals: Students prepare meals with staff assistance, using a combination of packaged goods and fresh produce. Dietary restrictions and allergies are accommodated.
- Travel: ActionQuest assists with travel arrangements, including transfers from St. Thomas to Tortola.
- Additional Activities: Outside of diving, interns may have the chance to water ski, windsurf, and wakeboard.
Other Internship Programs
Red Alert Diving Internship
The Red Alert Diving internship provides SCUBA diving and resort management training, offering experience in the SCUBA industry, its role in the local economy, and the history of Scuba Diving in the Florida Panhandle.
The time commitment is approximately 8 hours per day, two days per week. Prerequisites include being at least 18 years old and completing a standard medical form and release of liability form. Interns will achieve comprehensive dive theory, skills, and best practices mastery through in-water training. Successful candidates will graduate as Dive Professionals, with pro-level certifications that provide employment opportunities in the dive industry. Interns are responsible for the cost of their training materials and dive equipment.
General Requirements and Considerations
Regardless of the specific focus, scuba diving internships generally share some common requirements and considerations:
- Certification: Many internships require current scuba certification, with some preferring or requiring advanced certifications like PADI Rescue Diver or AAUS Scientific Diver.
- Age: Most internships require applicants to be at least 18 years old.
- Medical Fitness: Applicants must complete a medical form to ensure they are fit for diving activities.
- Interest and Commitment: A strong interest in diving, marine science, or conservation is essential, along with a demonstrated commitment to diving.
- Communication Skills: Excellent communication skills are necessary for interacting with instructors, fellow divers, and the public.
- Physical Fitness: Scuba diving can be physically demanding, so a reasonable level of fitness is required.
- Equipment: Some internships require interns to own their dive equipment.
Costs and Compensation
The costs and compensation structures of scuba diving internships vary widely. Some internships may offer a stipend or hourly wage, while others are unpaid. Interns are often responsible for covering the costs of training materials, certification fees, travel expenses, and accommodation.
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