The Shark Research Unit’s dynamic Shark Development Program offers individuals from diverse backgrounds a unique opportunity to cultivate hands-on expertise for a fulfilling career centred around the study and interaction with tropical shark species. This comprehensive program encompasses a variety of essential skills tailored for engaging with remarkable creatures such as tiger sharks, blacktip sharks, and sand tiger (ragged-tooth) sharks.
As a pivotal member of the Shark Research Unit team, you will play a crucial role in driving our educational and conservation initiatives. Your contribution will be instrumental in sustaining the continuous triumph of our research projects, both on an individual species level and within the broader ecosystem context.
Beyond mere theory, program participants will actively engage in shark diving and snorkelling encounters with up to five distinct shark species. These immersive experiences take place in the pristine expanse of the Aliwal Shoal Marine Protected Area, a pivotal hub of marine biodiversity in South Africa.
The Shark Research Unit’s – Shark Development Program allows people from all walks of life to develop practical skills for a career working and interacting with tropical shark species, including tiger sharks, blacktip sharks and sand tiger (ragged-tooth) sharks.
PROGRAM TYPE – Shark Development Program PROGRAM LOCATION – Scottburgh, South Africa PROGRAM FOCUS – Career training to work/dive professionally with tropical shark species
Immerse yourself in captivating snorkelling expeditions exclusively focused on observing tiger and blacktip sharks (available seasonally) within the breathtaking expanse of Aliwal Shoal, South Africa. For those seeking a more profound encounter, our program also includes specialized SCUBA diving expeditions aimed at tracking sand tiger sharks, designed to enhance your understanding of both shark research and advanced diving techniques. Additionally, we extend our reach through impactful outreach expeditions to local schools and eager learners, fostering awareness and understanding of these incredible marine species.
We conduct elasmobranch assessments through SCUBA diving, focusing on sharks and rays. This includes species such as ragged-tooth sharks (Carcharias taurus), oceanic blacktip sharks (Carcharhinus limbatus), bull sharks (Carcharhinus leucas), tiger sharks (Galeocerdo cuvier), whitetip reef sharks (Triaenodon obesus), round ribbontail rays (Taeniurops meyeni), devil rays (Mobula spp.), spotted eagle rays (Aetobatus narinari), and honeycomb rays (Himantura uarnak), among others
We conduct assessments on marine turtles (Testudines) through fieldwork and observational studies. This includes species such as green turtles (Chelonia mydas), loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta), and hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata), among others.
Changing human perceptions of sharks is crucial for gaining widespread support for shark conservation efforts. Shark tourism has long been recognized as a powerful tool for driving this shift in perception. At the Shark Research Unit, we conduct and analyze surveys on public opinion to assess the impact of shark tourism on human attitudes towards sharks. Additionally, we identify effective communication and educational strategies that tourism operators can use to foster positive perception changes among shark diving and adventure tourists.
Participants will focus on practical work and can participate for a minimum period of two weeks and a maximum period of three months.
Eligibility:
The Shark Development Program warmly welcomes individuals from all walks of life who possess the passion and availability to forge a career centered around sharks within realms such as shark research, conservation, education, ecotourism, or media. SCUBA diving is a requirement during the Shark Development Program; however, you don’t need to be qualified before your arrival. All diving courses, including open-water certification and specialty courses, can be completed here through our partnership with an SSI diving center. These courses can be tailored and worked into your duration with us. While having an advanced open-water SCUBA certificate is strongly recommended, it can also be achieved during your time in the program.
Expedition numbers are estimates based on a 4-week participation period on the shark development program. The real expedition numbers will be proportional to how long you participate on the program.
The program encompasses:
Attending the Shark Development program is an investment in your career. No matter your current expertise, you will be working toward improving your employability by mastering new social skills, gaining further technical expertise, and potentially earning an additional qualification. We have helped many of our Alumni discover, move toward, and earn their own personal dream jobs, be in in shark research, ecotourism, underwater filmmaking or conservation. Our program includes introductory workshops, ongoing eLearning presentations, as well as on-the-ground support provided by our research team.
Photographic Identification:
Learn various techniques and utilize specialized software programs to accurately identify individual sharks within a population. This includes capturing clear and valuable images for mark-recapture studies, as well as analysing and comparing identification features using advanced tools.
Education Officer
Build skills to become an effective communicator, educating and engaging divers during shark ecotourism expeditions. Share current research and conservation initiatives with local communities, resident divers, and international visitors drawn to Aliwal Shoal’s unique marine ecosystem.
Accommodation and full catering is offered throughout the duration of the Shark Development Program. Accommodation is typically in single-sex dorms; however, single-room accommodation is also available.
The Shark Research Unit is dedicated to producing tangible scientific result. Be assured that your contribution to our research will benefit the understanding of South Africa’s shark populations.
No. You will not be employed by the Shark Research Unit nor paid. On this internship you are entitled to enter on a temporary visitors permit (e.g. tourism permit). Tourist visiting visas are usually issued for three months/90 days upon entry in South Africa. However, we do recommend that you contact the South African Embassy or Consulate in your country and confirm this fact. If you plan to travel in South Africa prior or after the course for a period extending 90 days, you will have to apply for a Volunteer VISA application through your home embassy. Quickly evaluate the visa status of your country when visiting South Africa here
South Africa is far removed from malaria-endemic areas, and there are no unusual diseases to be concerned about, provided you follow standard safety practices as you would anywhere in the world. Please ensure you bring all essential medications you may require during your stay. If you need additional medication while in South Africa, please contact us in advance to confirm its availability. Should you require a prescription or medical assistance, we will arrange an appointment with a doctor. Medications can then be collected from local pharmacies and dispensaries
A lot of interns enjoy extra trips and tourism activities when time permits. We recommend you have around USD1000 extra per month if you wish to go on these. Please note you do not have to go on ANY of these extra trips. This is simply for your information should you wish to.
We are committed to providing each participant with unparalleled, 360-degree support from the moment you first reach out to the Shark Research Unit, throughout your program, and beyond, as you become a valued member of the SRU Alumni Team. As part of this commitment, one of our dedicated staff members will be there to meet you at King Shaka International Airport. To further streamline your arrival, we will set up a WhatsApp group to assist with managing airport pickups and to support you throughout your travel. Prior to your departure, we will confirm the details of your arrival and ensure that a staff member is present during your agreed-upon pick-up window. Look out for a friendly SRU team member, easily identifiable by their Shark Research Unit t-shirt and warm smile. From there, you’ll be transported directly to the SRU base to kick off your adventure and meet the rest of your team.
The primary purpose of the program is to offer you extensive real world training and experience in driving shark research, conservation, education and ecotourism operations and campaigns. We believe that shark ecotourism operations also have a duty to drive education, conservation and research initiatives. As such, our participants drive many of these programs. So in addition to becoming an expert shark diver, many of your experiences will empower you in the fields of shark education, research and conservation.
Our program runs annually from February to December. Participants typically join for periods ranging from 2 weeks to 3 months. For stays longer than 3 months, a special visa for South Africa is required, so we limit participation to a maximum of 3 months. The program begins on the 1st of each month (Arrival Day) and concludes on the 28th of each month (Departure Day).
If you are getting ready to pack, here is a rough packing list of items you should consider bringing. Clothing
Video and electronic gear You are more than welcome to bring any personal videography or photographic equipment, however, this is totally optional. Miscellaneous
34 Edgerton Street, Freeland Park Scottburgh 4180, South Africa
When you are accepted into this internship program, you will have to sign liability, copyright documents, as well an agreement that you are knowingly partaking in potentially dangerous activities. You will not be covered for accidents, breakages, theft or illnesses, so please do organize your own medical and travel insurances. Chances that you will be injured by a shark are very slim if you follow the safety guidelines, and do not try anything foolish of which we would not approve. However, you will be working in an ocean environment which can result in accidents. So, it is important to be covered in case of an emergency or accident. Be sure to have an insurance cover for your entire stay in Southern Africa. If participants cancel their booking less than one month before their intended start date, a full refund will not be possible. It is at our discretion to retain any payments already received. We recommend notifying us as soon as possible to discuss options.
Participants can participate for a minimum period of two weeks and a maximum period of three months.
On the program, we are flexible with our daily activities, and the Shark Research Unit works out a daily program the night before – using the general schedule as a guide. This works great, as it is difficult to predict weather conditions many days in advance. We try to work 5 days a week (which often covers weekends) with a couple of days break during the week.
While having a SCUBA diving certificate is not a prerequisite, you will need to be able to dive. If you’re not yet certified, you can complete your SCUBA diving course with us. Many of our participants choose this time to get their SCUBA certification, as well as to enhance their diving skills. We offer a range of courses that can be incorporated into your time with us, allowing you to gain valuable qualifications and improve your diving abilities. To get the best experience we need you to be qualified to do deep dives (30 m / 90 feet )
For those joining the program in South Africa, we do not require any COVID-19 vaccinations or related documentation.
The Shark Research Unit is a shark and marine research and conservation institute driven by a passionate team of shark experts. We are located in South Africa and work in two regions of priority – Aliwal Shoal and Mossel Bay.
Our core purpose is to conduct and support original shark research, conservation and education programs through strategic partnerships with marine scientists, postgraduate students, ecotourism operators and academic institutes.
Our focus extends to nurturing a new generation (of all ages) of shark scientists, professionals and enthusiasts. We achieve this through our great white shark research internship, learner outreach programs and expert guided shark edu-tours
MOSSEL BAY CENTER
ALIWAL SHOAL CENTRE
Deciding to travel internationally during Covid-19 can be stressful. The Shark Research Unit has introduced flexi-booking guarantees to allow scientists, students and interns to plan trips with confidence and the assurance that neither your time or money will be wasted.
Flexi dates
Book now (lockin earlybird specials) and choose your dates when you are certain you are ready to travel
Rescheduling
Should your personal situation change or a travel restriction be put in place, then freely reschedule without any fees or penalties.
Money-back
If an offical travel restriction occurs during your scheduled dates, then we guarantee a full refund.
South Africa is dedicated to safe and easy travel to and from South Africa. Spend 2-minutes reading the latest official policy on international travel during Covid
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