Fancy a more unconventional career or just have a passion for diving and marine life? Marine conservation and diving projects offer you the chance to get up close and personal with the fascinating underwater world.
If you’ve set your eye on working in conservation or as a diving instructor this can be a great way to get experience without having to go through formal training methods. On projects you can get the chance to take Open Water PADI qualifications which will be a great addition to your CV; but there’s something a lot more satisfying about studying on a tropical beach than in a classroom.
Carry out fish surveys and learn about all of the different types in your chosen dive location whilst helping to conserve their environment. You could even have an encounter with creatures a little less small – with huge turtles and even humpback whales and whale sharks making an appearance across the African and Asian Oceans.
From the paradise of Fiji to the wonders of Tanzania the world’s oceans are waiting for divers to explore more of their depths. Underwater ecosystems are in a delicate state and coral reefs are in danger of being destroyed. Marine conservation is essential to protect these important natural areas. A conservation project could involve the ongoing monitoring of coral reef species, the design and implementation of sustainable fisheries or even the establishment of marine protected areas and marine reserves.
Alternatively if you love the sea but would rather stay a little closer to the surface then beach conservation could be the answer. Snorkel in tropical waters to help monitor & conserve coastal sea shore environments. By working with local communities you’ll ensure sustainable incomes for artisanal fishermen, protecting against harmful fishing methods such as dynamite fishing, whilst conserving marine biodiversity.
Although marine conservation projects won’t just land you your perfect job by themselves, they are a great way to ‘test the waters’ to make sure it’s the right choice for you. And taking part in a voluntary project will show dedication to the cause which will look great along with diving qualifications on a CV.
Jenny Collins works for Frontier, a non-profit conservation NGO that offers a range of marine conservation and diving projects and internships across the globe. Volunteer aboard on your gap year or during a career break on any of Frontier’s meaningful and relevant projects.
