VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Research Assistants

This is a unique opportunity for individuals with a keen interest in studying and diving with sharks and marine conservation to assist in conducting fieldwork in the Philippines. You will gain hands on experience in shark survey methodology, behaviour, biology, ecology and conservation.  Volunteer research assistants will be based on Malapascua Island and shuttled to Monad Shoal aboard a dedicated research vessel.  Ops will run from 05:00 to 18:00 five days a week and include SCUBA survey, underwater video observation, tagging (pending funding) and ID databasing.  Evenings will be spent in academics, training, reviewing video observations, processing data for scientific paper writing, and preparing for the next day’s ops.   

All volunteer research assistants will receive comprehensive hands on training in shark research methodology, marine videography and approaches to field approaches to marine conservation biology.  Assistants will also receive academics in shark biology, ecology, conservation and ethology (behaviour) and will apply learned concepts to the processing of real data that they acquire on a daily basis.  Accepted candidates will benefit from a close working relationship with experienced filed personel.

*Successful candidates MUST show proof of comprehensive liability and dive insurance (DAN is accepted).

Qualifications:

Certified Diver

COSTS:

MEMBERSHIP

1. •   TSRCP (Lifetime) & G.U.E. (1 year) Combined Membership Fee = USD $50
   
   

SUBSISTENCE COSTS (based on 5 days of diving per week):

*WHILE OUR CAPITAL EXPENSES ARE FULLY SUBSIDISED BY SCIENTIFIC 

  FUNDING AGENCIES AND THE GENEROSITY OF OUR SPONSORS,  WE

  ARE NOT ABLE TO COVER THE SUBSISTENCE COSTS LISTED BELOW FOR

  OUR VOLUNTEERS *

1. 1
   
   

1. • 4 weeks or more = PHP ₱ 20,500 per week
   
   

                               (check XE Universal Currency Convertor for exchange rates)

1. •  3 weeks = PHP ₱ 22,000 per week
   
   

                    (check XE Universal Currency Convertor for exchange rates)

1. •  Less than 3 weeks = PHP ₱ 25,000 per week
   
   

                                  (check XE Universal Currency Convertor for exchange rates)

INCLUSIONS:

1. •  Scheduled no-decompression shark diving on Monad Shoal
   
   

2. • Accommodation (shared standard room with fan)
   
   

3. • Full Board (food & drink - 3 meals/day x 5 days per week) 
   
   

4. •  Training:  Scientific SCUBA Diving adapted from G.U.E protocols
   
   

5. •  If you volunteer more then 4 weeks you are eligible to do the G.U.E        
   

    Fundamental course for free (Usual cost £1000)    

1. •  SCUBA amenities (air, weights) 
   
   

2. •  Dedicated research vessel.
   
   

3. •  Use of professional underwater video/still cameras
   
   

4. •  Underwater survey equipment
   
   

5. •  O2 kit
   
   

6. •  TSRCP T-shirt
   
   

EXCLUSIONS:

1. •  Flights
   
   

2. •  Insurance
   
   

3. •  SCUBA equipment
   
   

4. •  Vehicle/boat transfers to/from Malapascua
   
   

5. •  Visa extensions (for assistants joining us for more than 21 days)
   
   

6. •  Soft & alcoholic beverages
   
   

DATES:

* Please enquire by email. 

1. *For the purpose of maintaining the integrity of training and data acquisition, we do 
   

2. not accept assistants for less than 2 weeks.
   
   

PROVISIONS:

*Inclement weather will disrupt sea ops from time to time.  Grounded days  due to

weather conditions are classified as ‘days grounded due to Acts of God’.  Data

analysis and training will replace sea ops during time periods where fieldwork at

sea is inaccessible.

How to Apply:

Email CV to Dr Simon Oliver

s.oliver@chester.ac.uk

* Candidates will be screened and accepted according to interest levels and 

   SCUBA competencies.