Application Guidelines

Undersea Explorer
Undersea Explorer is a liveaboard scuba diving operation which combines adventure diving with authentic marine research and education. We undertake, facilitate and promote research which contributes to knowledge and conservation of marine ecosystems, as well as creating informative and adventure experiences for divers. Research on Undersea Explorer ranges from social-economical to biological and physical, and has had varied focuses (e.g. minke whales, sharks, octopus, nautilus, corals, water quality, diver impacts, and tourism guidelines). The five member crew includes a marine biologist, and research activities fit around the diving program, adding a stimulating atmosphere of discovery to all expeditions. We are interested in promoting new research directions as well as building on present achievements, and hope to welcome new researchers to Undersea's group of friends.

Research Proposals for Undersea Explorer
Researchers (including graduate students) are invited to apply for sea time to undertake fieldwork aboard Undersea Explorer. Proposals from many backgrounds are welcome (e.g. marine biology, tourism, oceanography, socio-economic); nonetheless the theme should relate to marine science, management or conservation. Undersea Explorer is pleased to be able to offer one free berth for researchers per trip, including food and diving costs. Additional volunteers or research assistants may be brought on board on a space available basis, but will be charged at a rate of 30% off of the retail rate. Researchers will also be responsible for paying the Undersea Explorer's clean fuel levy, and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority's Environmental Management Charge. One or two weeks sea time for the project would generally be considered, with the possibility of additional sea time or assistance depending on the merit of proposals and project progress. Researchers will be allocated space on a discretionary basis.

Application Procedure
To apply for sea time on Undersea Explorer email the following to info@undersea.com.au using the email subject heading of "Undersea Explorer - Research Proposal":

1. A completed application form, available on line or in a PDF Format

2. A brief curriculum vitae to give an indication of research experience and ability to undertake the proposed project, including scuba diving certification if applicable.

3. A short cover letter or email.


Application Guidelines

• Our company philosophy is to encourage low-impact research activities (e.g. non destructive sampling), due to the presence of tourists on the vessel and in the water at the times work can be undertaken.

• It is the responsibility of the researcher to determine the need for and obtain permits to undertake research in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and Coral Sea. Copies of any necessary permits should be provided to Undersea Explorer before field work commences.

• Applicants are advised to familiarise themselves with Undersea Explorer's annual schedule and the nature of our expeditions. Note that vessel spaces are less available during high season and Far Northern trips.

• Researchers are advised to communicate early in the application process with Undersea Explorer so that we can advise you on logistics and of complementary research that may already be in place.

•  Applicants should bear in mind that the Undersea Explorer is a for-profit business, and our first priority must be to our paying guests. We will make every effort to accommodate your research needs, but certain restrictions will apply.

• Our general itinerary rarely allows for more than one dive at each site on any one trip, however night dives are usually carried out at sites visited in daylight. Many sites are visited repeatedly on consecutive trips.

• Limited amounts of project maintenance or safeguarding are possible year round by Undersea Explorer's crew and marine biologist. Written guidelines should be provided should this need arise.

• Consider the additional manpower (e.g. volunteer or assistant) required for projects involving diving, as crew availability as a dive buddy will be limited (i.e. not all of the 4 daily dives).

• Passengers may be willing or able to participate in some aspects of the research, however this will depend on the individuals involved. If you might be interested in a more in-depth involvement of passengers, please communicate with us early.

Conditions of Researcher Invitation
Invited researchers will be required to:

1. Present a 20-40 minute oral presentation to passengers, related to the research being undertaken onboard Undersea Explorer, This may be in the form of a powerpoint presentation. If it is possible to provide a copy of this presentation for us to use in future interpretive talks, we would be very grateful.

2. While on board, interact with crew and passengers in a friendly, informative, and collaborative manner. Many of our passengers book on Undersea Explorer specifically because we invite researchers to come on board, and we encourage as much interaction as possible.

3.  Provide Undersea Explorer with information on the outcomes of the project, in the form of either a short report, an information booklet/leaflet for guests, or a poster which may be displayed on the Undersea Explorer. A poster would be preferred as it is a good means of communicating results to future passengers.

4. Acknowledge Undersea Explorer in published materials, and send copies of published material from the project.

5. Follow safety regulations related to boating, diving or other water related activities that are established by the university or institution to which the researcher is related, and also conform to the Queensland Workplace Health & Safety Compressed Air Recreational Diving and Recreational Snorkelling Code of Practice.

6. Pay clean fuel levy and Environmental Management Charge for each trip onboard Undersea Explorer.
   
   Further information: Enquiries regarding the proposed research on board Undersea Explorer can be emailed to: bio@undersea.com.au