Ecology Divemaster Internship

Develop the professional skills, practical experience, and ecological knowledge needed to become a successful dive leader and a passionate advocate for marine conservation.

The Big Blue Ecology Divemaster Internship combines comprehensive SSI Divemaster training with hands-on conservation experience, creating a unique opportunity for divers who want to pursue a career in the dive industry while gaining a deeper understanding of the marine environment.

Over approximately eight weeks, you’ll work alongside experienced instructors, Divemasters, and marine biologists, gaining practical experience in all aspects of dive centre operations while contributing to real conservation and citizen science initiatives. From guiding certified divers and assisting on courses to conducting reef surveys and participating in environmental projects, this internship provides the skills and confidence required to become a well-rounded dive professional.

By the end of the programme, you will have developed the knowledge, leadership, and practical experience needed to work as an SSI Divemaster, while gaining valuable insight into the ecosystems you will spend your career exploring and protecting.

Professional Divemaster Training

The Divemaster component of the internship is designed to prepare you for the realities of working within the dive industry. Through a combination of academic study, practical workshops, and real-world experience, you’ll develop the skills required to guide divers, assist instructors, and contribute to the smooth operation of a professional dive centre.

Throughout the programme, you will:

• Complete the full SSI Divemaster programme
• Develop professional dive guiding and leadership skills
• Assist instructors during a range of recreational courses
• Conduct dive briefings and debriefings
• Learn customer care and guest management techniques
• Gain experience in boat logistics and daily dive operations
• Improve problem-solving and risk management skills
• Build confidence leading certified divers underwater
• Learn equipment handling, maintenance, and troubleshooting
• Work alongside experienced instructors and dive professionals

Academic Training

The SSI Divemaster curriculum covers:

• Science of Diving
• Dive Physics
• Dive Physiology
• Decompression Theory
• Dive Equipment
• Dive Planning
• Environmental Awareness
• Dive Centre Operations
• Retail Sales and Marketing

Practical Workshops

Practical training includes:

• Dive Guide Training
• Deep Diving
• Underwater Navigation
• Night Diving
• Buoyancy Workshops
• Skill Demonstrations
• Stress and Rescue Scenarios
• Missing Diver Procedures
• Professional Dive Briefings
• Snorkel Instructor Training

Outside of scheduled workshops and classroom sessions, you’ll gain invaluable experience assisting on courses, guiding certified divers, and learning the day-to-day responsibilities that keep a dive operation running safely and professionally.

Marine Ecology & Conservation Training

A key feature of this internship is the opportunity to work closely with our conservation team and marine biologists, developing a deeper understanding of marine ecosystems and the challenges they face.

Over two weeks, you’ll participate in a range of ecology lectures, conservation activities, and citizen science projects designed to enhance both your environmental knowledge and practical field skills.

Marine Ecology Workshops

The ecology programme includes ten lectures covering topics such as:

• Coral Reef Ecology
• Coral Taxonomy and Physiology
• Marine Turtle Ecology
• Shark and Ray Biology
• Marine Biodiversity
• Climate Change and Ocean Change
• Marine Pollution
• Marine Diseases
• Conservation Management
• Ecological Survey Techniques

These sessions provide a strong foundation in marine science while exploring the conservation challenges affecting the Gulf of Thailand and tropical marine ecosystems around the world.

Practical Conservation Activities

Learning extends beyond the classroom through a variety of hands-on conservation initiatives, including:

• Underwater clean-up dives
• Beach clean-up events
• Marine debris and plastic surveys
• CoralWatch monitoring
• Fish and reef health assessments
• Whale shark and sea turtle photo-identification projects
• Artificial reef maintenance
• Citizen science initiatives
• Ecological monitoring techniques
• Scientific data collection and survey methods

Working directly with conservation professionals provides valuable insight into how marine research and conservation projects operate, while helping you develop practical skills that can be applied throughout your diving career.

Entry Requirements

To enrol in the Ecology Divemaster Internship, you must have:

• SSI Rescue Diver certification (or equivalent)
• A valid First Aid and CPR certification completed within the previous two years
• A minimum of 40 logged dives

Divers who have not yet reached the required number of logged dives can complete additional dives before beginning the Divemaster programme.

Equipment Requirements

Participants are required to have:

• Dive Computer
• DSMB
• Compass
• Cutting Device
• Whistle

A personal mask, snorkel, and fins are also highly recommended for both professional training and conservation activities.

Why Choose the Ecology Divemaster Internship?

This internship offers far more than a professional certification. It combines dive leadership training with meaningful conservation involvement, helping you stand out within the dive industry while developing a stronger connection to the marine environment.

Upon completion, you will graduate as:

• An SSI Divemaster
• An SSI Marine Ecology Specialty Diver
• A Qualified Snorkel Instructor
• An Experienced Dive Guide
• A Competent Assistant to Dive Instructors
• A Trained Citizen Scientist
• A Knowledgeable Advocate for Marine Conservation

Whether your goal is to work in the dive industry, continue towards instructor training, or become more involved in marine conservation projects, the Ecology Divemaster Internship provides the skills, experience, and environmental understanding needed to take the next step.

Don’t forget! Because of the extra nitrogen your body builds up while scuba diving, you cannot fly within 24hrs of your last dive.

Are you fit to dive?

Scuba diving is an activity that requires a certain level of physical health. Read this medical questionnaire. If you can answer yes to any of the questions you may require medical clearance to enrol in a diving course. Contact us for more information.