Undersea Explorer is pleased to offer internships for marine science students to participate in marine field research training, reef interpretation and practical sea skills. These field training programs are available to undergraduate or post graduate students.

The Undersea Explorer Vision
Undersea Explorer is pioneering an innovative concept which uses tourism to support reef research and education. UE conducts expeditions which:

• Undertake a variety of quality research projects

• Support collaborating research organisations and individuals.

• Provide lobbying and scientific support to conservation issues

• Promote field work and training opportunities for university students

• Offer the highest quality coral reef interpretation and education programs

• Provide an exciting and stimulating reef adventure for the passengers and scientists.

Undersea Explorer Expeditions
Undersea Explorer operates a 25 metre steel vessel out of Port Douglas, equipped for research and adventure diving. Our expeditions typically run for 6 days and nights, travelling north along the Great Barrier Reef, out to Osprey Reef in the Coral Sea for 2-3 days and returning down the ribbon reefs to Port Douglas. We conduct a number of different research projects such as water quality monitoring; shark population, tracking and behavioural research; coral and benthic monitoring; minke whale biology, acoustics and behaviour; cephalopod biology; and plankton sampling. During October - November we run expeditions to the far northern reefs and Raine Island. On all of our trips our passengers enjoy the best of adventure diving while interacting with marine scientists.

The Internship Program
Interns work alongside Undersea Explorer's marine science staff to assist in data collection, analysis and interpretation. The internship is primarily office-based, with the opportunity to join onto boat-based research expeditions. Students will be able to further their diving and sea-skills experience, as well as public speaking and presentation skills. An individual project will be identified for the student to undertake and complete during the internship period. This project will be a component of an existing major Undersea Explorer research program. Interns are encouraged to apply for a period of three months; however alternate arrangements can be worked out.

Learning Opportunities
It is envisaged that students joining the program will complete at least two trips on Undersea Explorer during a three month internship, subject to space availability. Certain expeditions, particularly our Minke Whale and Far Northern trips, are often sold out and there are fewer opportunities for students to come on board. We advise planning your schedule to avoid these time periods.

Students will gain valuable experience in:

• water quality sampling skills

• field skills in a variety of different research projects

• reef interpretation skills and the ability to run quality interpretive programs

• sea skills

• coral reef monitoring techniques

Students will also have the opportunity to conduct up to 40 dives with Undersea Explorer in a variety of reef habitats and conditions.

Research training:
Students will gather the following types of data from all reef sites visited, and add these data to the Undersea Explorer database.

• Temperature

• Secchi depths, current patterns, tides, surface weather conditions

• Reef use by other vessels

• Underwater observations of key species abundance, coral damage, coral disease and predators, and megafauna

• Updates to site maps for major changes

Database management and data entry will be emphasised

Video and in-water benthic transects and fish census surveys are performed yearly at a number of sites, by the Reef Check Australia (RCA) team. If students are interested in joining these surveys, they will need to coordinate training and schedules with RCA (http://www.reefcheckaustralia.org/).

Water quality sampling is conducted monthly. Students will learn the following skills:

• Filtration of samples for chlorophyll monitoring

• Temperature and secchi depth measurement

• Salinity measurements

Interpretation training:
The student will first have the opportunity to observe Undersea Explorer's interpretive talks, and over the following weeks will develop and conduct a presentation relevant to his/her project.

Sea skills training:
The following tasks may be carried out by the student under the direct supervision of Undersea Explorer crew. The value gained by the individual will be directly proportional to his/her enthusiasm and energy level. This is a physically and mentally demanding job at sea requiring long hours of work. Crew are generally actively engaged for about 15 hours per day, and no more or less will be expected of the students.

Training will include

• Knot tying and securing ropes

• Anchoring and mooring techniques

• Operating dive deck, including compressors and tank filling station, operating the duckboard.

• If student is an insured PADI Divemaster, he/she may also be trained in dive supervision duties

• Watchkeeping duties

The student will also gain an understanding of the day-to-day operations of an ecotourism dive and research organization.

Student Responsibilities
While conducting office based work, you will be required to provide your own room and board. We can assist you in locating a place to stay; unfortunately no financial assistance is available for the duration of the internship program. We expect that you will work a normal 38 hour week while land-based.

During your trips on board the Undersea Explorer vessel you will be regarded as a marine biologist trainee both in the crew records and in reference to the paying passengers on board. As such, no drinking is tolerated during the trip and behaviour is to be that of a professional employee at all times. You will be required to help with vessel duties prior to departure, during the expedition, and after returning to port. You will need to supply your own dive gear (or you may hire it from us), but all food and accommodation will be provided on board.

Application Details
Applicants should be 18 years of age or older and have:

• Australian resident status or a full visa allowing work for the duration of the internship period

• Diving qualifications equal to PADI Advanced Diver or above

• Funds to support your living and travel expenses

• Health insurance for your internship period with Undersea Explorer

• Competent English written and spoken skills

• Most importantly, a hard working approach and love of marine life.

This opportunity will offer great training for your future as well as a practical insight into the different career options available for the graduate marine scientist.

For application form : Click here

More information please contact:
Qamar Schuyler, Research Coordinator
Undersea Explorer
P.O Box 615, Port Douglas Q 4871
email: bio@undersea.com.au
www.undersea.com.au

~    "A call for co-operation - giving coral reefs a future"   ~