Marine diving in South Africa | Gain qualifications while working on conservation projects

About the programme: 
Support ongoing research into South Africa’s marine ecosystems along the coast of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park as well as in its waters, during regular diving and boating excursions.

Target key stone species such as sharks or rays or explore and survey coral reefs & underwater formations to help science, and local government and people manage and protect these vital habitats.

As you’ll be operating in marine environments, so being a strong swimmer and comfortable in water is essential to take part in the scuba and freediving-related activities during project work. Any participant joining this program for a period of 4 weeks (or longer) will receive free PADI training and qualifications at the start of their placement, enabling them to take part in the diving-based research projects. 

The program and any research projects volunteers will be taking part in will be led by onsite diving masters and ecologists, with volunteers expected to perform in a team during boating excursions, working closely to prepare and maintain equipment essential for project success. 

Get to know this Marine World Heritage site and protected area, dive on reefs home to species such as leatherback turtles, whale sharks, ragged-tooth sharks and move! 

Schedule and work hours: 

Day 1 – 4: You’ll complete your theoretical and practical training, studying and finally completing a course and assessment, qualifying you as a PADI diver. This accreditation allows you to dive worldwide at any PADI recognised centre. 

If you’re already joining with a diving qualification, that’s great! 

You’ll be set to project work straight away and able to take part in boat excursions and diving surveys. 

Day 5 and beyond: Once qualified, you’ll begin a series of dives on the various reefs of the coast of Sodwana bay. 

Most of these involve a short boat ride to a selected diving site. Typically, you will have around 3 - 4 boat trips a week, depending on the weather & visibility. 

You’ll then complete your various dive as well as any conservation work, research or species monitoring and surveying. Some conservation projects such as turtle nesting will involve working on the shore and coast itself.  

Typical work weeks are 8am to 4pm Monday to Friday, with a chance to do the many optional activities on offer in the area on the weekends. 

Projects you'll work on: 
There are a variety of different conservation and marine research projects that you’ll support during your dives, gain skills in both marine ecology and diving itself. 

Coral reef surveying and monitoring
Working as a team, you’ll grid and survey a variety of different coral reef systems at varying depths and compositions. Identify and record different species found on the corals, these rich ecosystems are highly biodiverse and host many different organisms, from fish to mollusks, invertebrates and much more.

As coral reefs are the most diverse ecosystems on earth, there are many species still undiscovered and in need of awareness or findings being raised & communicated. 

Shark and ray surveying
Reefs are rich in biodiversity and act as nurseries for young prey fish or young sharks themselves. The relationship between sharks & reefs or even how sharks migrate during breeding cycles is still not fully understood by science. Sharks are keystone species, they control & influence many other species in the ocean & even indicate its total health. 

Help monitor various species of large & small shark & rays, you’ll do this both visually yourself while diving (so being excited at the idea of diving with large marine species is a must!), as well as with the use of underwater cameras to help maximise observational ability. 

Record data relating to each animal sighted to develop to individual guides to model the population as well as analyse trends in the wider area, or record locations of any notable sites (cleaning stations or breeding locations). 

Turtle conservation and research
Loggerhead and leatherback are found along the coast of South Africa, help monitor their movements as you sight and document animals during dives, from the beach or even underwater camera systems. 

Record valuable data such as sex, size and weight and help ecologists protect these species. 

From November to March, turtles use the beach to nest as they’ve done for millions of years. 

Help locate and protect these nests, monitor hatchlings and look for trends and patterns in changes of nesting and breeding behaviour.  

BRUV identification 
Diving underwater to locate and record marine species is an incredible experience, but at some point, you're going to have to come back to dry land. 

The centre uses several marine underwater camera systems, called “B.R.U.V’s”, standing for “Baited Remote Underwater Video”. These camera systems can stay underwater indefinitely, needing only occasional maintenance or battery swaps. 

This tool and resource give ecologists another way to capture data relating to species, long-term and passively, the baited container also provides a scent that animals can investigate, coming close to and triggering the camera. 

Help use this equipment as part of research, as well as analyse footage and go through results and data. 

Endangered species identification and monitoring
As you dive at various locations, you’ll record any endangered or notable species, animals like the spotted eagle ray, white-spotted wedge fish, saw fish or even the legendary coelacanth, which was first sighted by deep water divers in the area. 

These animals are rarely seen with few official records of them over recent years, with additional sightings helping to show the importance of protecting this area. 

Shore-based surveys and research
Along this coastal paradise are various marine habitats vital for the larger ocean ecosystem, these include areas of mangrove, wetlands, marshes, dunes, rock pools, estuaries, bays and sand flats. 

These regions often provide key nursery sites for younger animals, breeding habitats for reptiles or birds, insects, unique microenvironments for specialist species, even preform a physical functions in the stability of local environments. 

Onsite museum and public centre
The centre has an onsite museum which has been themed, expanded and displays added over the years, this museum and information centre is open to the public, allowing anyone to walk in and learn about the local ecosystem & marine conservation. 

This museum and its quality exist thanks to the fantastic work of the ecologists and research happening onsite.

Onsite supervisors are always thrilled to have eager students wanting to help with this, and there are fantastic skill opportunities for anyone wanting to get involved with scientific communication or public engagement. 

Onsite laboratory and analysis
The research centre and its ecologists work closely with individuals or industries in the surrounding area, from local fishermen to sports or adventure groups. 

Findings or specimens are sometimes brought into the centre for identification, or even cataloguing and preservation. 

Having access to specimens, biological or chemical samples not only help scientists gain additional detail and insights into the species in the collection, but a great learning resource for students onsite, able to study and access as reference material.

Whale migration and feeding
South Africa’s coasts are renowned for their marine mammal life, and you’ll be diving in a humpback whale migratory route, between June to November, these incredible animals can be seen during boat excursions or even from shore, spouting as they move through the area.  

In addition to the large whale species, dolphins also make these waters their home thanks to the rich biodiversity and feeding environments. 

Safari drives and bush walks
For some of you joining us, it will be your first time in South Africa, and on weekends and free days, you'll have the chance to explore, either on your own but typically as a group, and a chance to see iconic terrestrial species. 

Your own research
For those with an existing background in marine ecology, we can work with you to help develop and implement your own projects. 

Project briefs are viewable here: Marine projects. 

Highlights: 

• Accredited diving qualifications – As part of your placement, receive full training enabling you to dive elsewhere throughout the word. Build experience, add hours to your diving log book and start developing a career in diving.
• Coastal South Africa – Discover tropical South Africa, above and below the water! Golden sandy beaches, coral reefs and species from the tiny sea horses to majestic whale sharks… plus elephants, rhino, lions and more on nearby reserves!
• Marine ecological work – Get to grips with the various marine ecology methodologies and principles that go into protecting a world heritage marine ecosystem. Gain practical experience you can apply to your studies and career.
• Nature’s seasonal events – Ecosystems have cycles. Depending on when you join, be a part of turtle nesting or hatching some 60 days later, whale shark migration or the great sardine migration… a migration of billions of sardines that fed dolphins, humpback whales, sharks and more!
• Confidence and growth – Build confidence in the water, build confidence in yourself. Living and working in a new environment with people from all around the world is a great way to grow as you encounter new perspectives and lifestyles.

The placements include: 

- Food and Accommodation 

- Diving course and qualification 

- Certification 

- Inclusion in projects 

- Personal development with any research 

- Transportation in South Africa 

- Equipment 

- 24/7 on site support 

- Wifi access 

University & College credits
Hamba Africa works with education institutions world wide. 

We’re able to offer students and those serious about a career in wildlife conservation or research, university-approved courses. 

These courses are based on the practical work you’ll be doing in South Africa and typically award 10 US credits or 16 UK UCAS points. 

If that is something that is valuable or even makes you eligible to financial support from your university as you take part in our placement, please mention it in any application and we will be happy to discuss that with you. 

Additional diving courses and opportunities  
For those of you wanting to seriously pursue and develop a career in professional diving, we can provide more advanced courses and qualifications:  

Nitrox diving, Deep diving, Long-Term internships, rescue diver training, dive master & leader training and dive instructor are all possible, but may require several months worth of additional time on site.