Overview
This program combines the PADI Divemaster training with an intro to marine biology. It’s designed to build confident, safe dive pros while giving a solid overview of marine biology concepts and projects.
Once certified, the candidates can proudly work as PADI SCUBA professionals, equipped with a deeper understanding of the marine environment and may even choose to further their education and pursue careers in Marine Science.
Participating in Research work experience abroad or local will set students’ résumé apart and help focus their research interests.
Moreover, it will provide a unique and diverse skill set that can be applied to any future job and best of all it all happens right here in the heart of the White shark capital of the world! Program runs monthly from the 1st of the month, March till November.
PADI Dive Training:
Included in our program is training as a PADI Open Water Scuba Diver, PADI Advanced Diver, and PADI Rescue Diver (1 month option) conducted at our 5-star IDC PADI dive school, Garden Route Scuba.
Participants have the option to extend their stay and pursue a PADI DiveMaster rating (2 month option) enabling them to work as a DiveMaster globally, with the option to further progress to PADI Dive Instructor.
Ocean Conservation Focus:
Aligned with PADI® and Project AWARE® initiatives, our program emphasizes ocean conservation through active participation in data collection and environmental stewardship. Divers play a crucial role in addressing key ocean threats such as habitat destruction, climate change, overfishing, and pollution.
Additional Activities:
Beyond marine research and diving, participants can engage in a variety of optional activities, including horse riding safaris, game drives, lighthouse hiking trails, skydiving, sailing trips, and wine tasting at local vineyards.
Optional scuba dive specialties such as Nitrox, Deep, Underwater Navigation, Shark Aware Diver, Altitude diving, Search and Recovery, Boat, and Night Diver certifications are also available.
Accommodation and Logistics:
Accommodation and airport transfers are available upon request, ensuring a seamless experience throughout your training. Accomodation can be arranged for you at R280 per day at the Santos Express Train Lodge or Park House Lodge. (About $5 per day)
Fees and Contact:
OPTION 1 – 1 Month:
Padi Open Water Diver + Advanced Diver + Rescue Diver + SAMSA Skippers Licence + Emergency First Responder (EFR) + Program highlights as set out above.
$2000 – R37000 (subject to change and exchange rate dependent)
OPTION 2 – 2 Months: (Divemaster option) - Recommended
Padi Open Water Diver + Advanced Diver + Rescue Diver + SAMSA Skippers Licence + Diving Endorsement on your skipper’s ticket + Emergency First Responder (EFR) + PADI DIVEMASTER + Program highlights as set out above.
$3000 – R55000 (subject to change and exchange rate dependent)
Includes
- PADI certifications
- SAMSA Skipper’s License
- Conservation activities
- Seabird rehabilitation
- Beach cleanups
- Marine research projects
Excludes
- Optional activities (e.g., horse riding, wine tasting)
- Additional dive specialties
- Accommodation and airport transfers (available at extra cost)
FAQs
The program combines PADI Divemaster training with marine biology topics, including egg case analysis, tagging, B.R.U.V. analysis, and cleanup dives.
It offers a 1-month option with Open Water, Advanced, and Rescue Diver courses or a 2-month option, which includes Divemaster certification.
You’ll develop dive skills, marine biology research techniques, species identification, and experience conducting underwater research.
No prior experience is necessary; training includes Open Water certification if you’re a beginner.
The program includes hands-on research like tagging and studying marine species in natural habitats.
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Highlights
Program Highlights:
- ELMO Elasmobranch Egg Case Collection and Analysis
- Sea Fishing - Tag and Release
- B.R.U.V. (Baited Remote Underwater Video) Analysis through PADI Project Aware Coral Reef Conservation Program
- Intertidal Transect Studies
- Microplastics sampling & processing via Density Separation
- Seabird and Penguin Rehabilitation Centre (SAPREC)
- Skippers training & Seamanship Orientation – You will obtain your SAMSA approved Category C (15 NM) skipper's license!
- Boat hours signed off by our qualified skippers
- PADI Aware Dive Against Debris® specialty - Beach Cleanup & Cleanup Dives with Data Collection...PIC Cert optional.
- PADI Nudibranch Research Diver specialty - and related sea slug dives with data collection to determine reef health...PIC Cert optional.
- SCUBA Diver Training and qualification via the sought after PADI SCUBA diver training courses at our 5-star Instructor Development Centre
- Emergency First Responder (EFR) First Aid Training – you will become a certified First Aid Provider.
