"I hope for your help to explore and protect the wild ocean in ways that will restore the health and, in so doing, secure hope for humankind. Health to the ocean means health for us."
- Dr Sylvia Earle
- Dr Sylvia Earle
Research Buddy(RBs) experience a unique opportunity to assist our Staff in the attainment and processing of all data collected from the projects we are engaging in. This two-to-four week course is intended as an introduction into marine conservation science.
As an Assistant of CRB, you’ll gain hands-on experience with innovative research techniques and immerse yourself in the knowledge and responsibilities needed to lead our research projects. This four-to-twelve week course is designed for those with a strong interest in marine conservation science.
Building on the foundation of a Research Assistant, this eight-to-twelve week course will help you attain your PADI or SSI Divemaster certification. You’ll gain advanced skills and knowledge, preparing you to lead and conduct marine research projects.
Using established protocols to collect vital data on overall reef health
Addressing the on-going Lionfish issue within the Caribbean with safe removal from nursery reefs
Supporting the ongoing activity within out coral nurseries as we look to grow new corals for our reefs
Specifically looking for signs of coral stress and bleaching, tracking bleaching events globally
Supporting the Bimini Shark Lab with the collection of data on the proliferation of apex predators.
Supporting the reefs and our babies with cleaning and monitoring activities promoting reef health
2-4 Weeks
No Experience Necessary
Research Buddies (RBs) experience a unique opportunity to assist our Staff in the attainment and processing of all data collected from the projects we are engaging in.
Research Buddies will not only learn practical, theoretical, problem-solving and analytical skills that will enhance their prospects as future conservationists, but will learn how to communicate science to local stakeholders through school education and community outreach programs.
SKILLS ACQUIRED
- SSI Open Water Scuba Certification
- SSI Advanced Adventure Diver Scuba Certification
- Intimate knowledge of coral reef ecosystems and processes
- Intimate knowledge on Caribbean coral, fish, benthic,
invertebrate and disease identification
- ~30-40 training and survey dives per month
- Experience working with Marine Scientists in a professional environment
- Communicate science through community outreach activities
- Minimum 18 Years Old
- Medically evaluated and cleared for diving by a physician within 12
months
- No SCUBA experience necessary
- Minimum two-week commitment
- Available to begin the Research Assistant program on the 1st
Monday of each program month
- SSI Open Water SCUBA Course (including digital materials)
- SSI Advanced Adventure Diver SCUBA Course (including digital
materials)
- 6 day coral reef ecology & physiology lecture series
- Workshops on Caribbean coral, fish, benthic, invertebrate and
disease identification
- ~30-40 training and survey dives per month (weather permitting)
- Marine Protected Area fees, including for the Sculpture Park
- SCUBA equipment (you will need to provide your own mask, fins,
snorkel and wetsuit)
- All necessary field equipment
- 24hr in-country support
- 2x meals Sunday to Friday (Saturday night is dinner night!)
- Accommodation (on a shared basis)
- 24hr internet access
- Airport / ferry pick-up within Carriacou
The program is broken down into a series of 'Training' and 'Project' weeks. During 'Training Week' RBs will participate in their SSI Scuba Training. During 'Project Weeks' RBs will participate in supporting one of our projects.
The pricing options are therefore:
- 2-week Training/Project program - US$2,270
- 3-week Training/Project program - US$3,145
- 4-week Training/Project program - US$4,020
If you're already scuba certified to SSI Advanced Adventure Diver (or equivalent) level you can skip 'Training Week' and come directly onto the projects. A discount of US$520 will be applied
- Flights
- Transfers from/to Grenada
- Accommodation in Grenada (if required)
- Visa (beyond 90 days)
- Travel and Diving Insurance
- Lunch/Saturday evening dinner
- Additional drinks and excursions
- Recreational dives (available on Sundays or night dives)
4-12 Weeks
No Experience Necessary
As a Research Assistant with CRB, not only will you gain experience in the field working with innovative and fine-scale research techniques, but engross yourselves in the knowledge and responsibilities required to lead each component of our research project, under the guidance of our dive team. CRBs RAs are our leaders in the field, maintaining and developing our current research projects, processing and analyzing our data, whilst learning how to create new research questions and build a research project from the beginning to compliment your studies. With this knowledge, our RAs will also be key lecturers and mentors to our upcoming Research Buddies. CRB proudly creates professional and well-rounded Marine Scientists, who leave with the knowledge and confidence to develop independent research projects and work with Institutes around the world to develop and communicate our current understanding of coastal ecosystems.
In order for our RAs to take complete leadership and responsibility over each of our research projects, spaces are limited to 4 RAs at a time. Suitable applicants must attach their Curriculum Vitae (CV) with their application form, and be available for a Skype/WhatsApp interview.
SKILLS ACQUIRED
- Intimate knowledge of coral reef ecosystems and processes
- Intimate knowledge on Caribbean coral, fish, benthic,
invertebrate species, and disease identification
- Experience lecturing on coral reef ecology topics
- Data analysis of images & video
- Leadership experience within a Non-Profit NGO
- Experience working with Marine Scientists in a professional
environment
- Experience realizing, teaching, and cultivating innovative
research techniques
- Experience leading each component of our Research
Assistant course
- Data processing, statistical and analytical skills
- Minimum 18 Years Old
- Medically evaluated and cleared for diving by a physician within 12
months
- No SCUBA experience necessary
- Minimum four-week commitment.
- Available to begin the Research Assistant program on the 1st
Monday of each program month.
- SSI Open Water SCUBA Course (including digital materials)
- SSI Advanced Adventure Diver SCUBA Course (including digital
materials)
- 6 day coral reef ecology & physiology lecture series
- Workshops on Caribbean coral, fish, benthic, invertebrate and
disease identification
- ~30-40 training and survey dives per month (weather permitting)
- Marine Protected Area fees, including for the Sculpture Park
- SCUBA equipment (you will need to provide your own mask, fins,
snorkel and wetsuit)
- All necessary field equipment
- 24hr in-country support
- 2x meals Sunday to Friday (Saturday night is dinner night!)
- Accommodation (on a shared basis)
- 24hr internet access
- Airport / ferry pick-up within Carriacou
The program is broken down into a series of 'Training' and 'Project' weeks. During 'Training Week' RAs will participate in their SSI Scuba Training. During 'Project Weeks' RAs will participate in supporting ALL of our projects.
The pricing options are therefore:
- 4-week Training/Project program - US$4,020
- 8-week Training/Project program - US$7,520
- 12-week Training/Project program - US$11,020
If you're already scuba certified to SSI Advanced Adventure Diver (or equivalent) level you can skip 'Training Week' and come directly onto the projects. A discount of US$520 will be applied.
Additional dive training, including Rescue Diver and Diver Specialty courses will be available to RFs through SSI at cost price.
- Flights
- Transfers from/to Grenada
- Accommodation in Grenada (if required)
- Visa (beyond 90 days)
- Travel and Diving Insurance
- Lunch/Saturday evening dinner
- Additional drinks and excursions
- Recreational dives (available on Sundays or night dives)
8-12 Weeks
No Experience Necessary
This comprehensive two to three month training program provides all the necessary practical and theoretical training to prepare you for a professional career in marine conservation science. CRB Divemaster Trainees will acquire and expand on the knowledge of a Research Assistant or Research Buddy by confidently leading underwater surveys, as brought by the knowledge and experience gained through the SSI Divemaster course. As a CRB Divemaster Trainee, not only will you be ready to function in a research capacity, you will also learn the responsibilities, etiquette, priorities, knowledge and career guidance required to work as a scuba diving professional. This is an immersive experience for motivated individuals that wish to change careers, or are serious about significantly boosting their employment prospects as a professional diver and marine conservation scientist.
SKILLS ACQUIRED
- SSI Stress & Rescue, Emergency First Response, &
Divemaster certification
- Intimate knowledge of coral reef ecosystems and processes
- Intimate knowledge on Caribbean coral, fish, benthic,
invertebrate species and disease identification
- Data analysis of images & video
- Leadership experience within a Non-Profit NGO
- Experience working with Marine Scientists in a professional
environment
- Experience realizing, teaching, and cultivating innovative
research techniques
- Experience leading underwater training and research dives
- Data processing, statistical and analytical skills
- Communicate science through community outreach activities
- Career guidance and job placement training
- Minimum 18 Years Old
- Medically evaluated and cleared for diving by a physician within 12
months
- No SCUBA experience necessary
- Capable of swimming 400m unaided (without stopping)
- Capable of floating for at least 15 minutes unaided
- Minimum eight-week commitment.
- Available to begin the Research Assistant program on the 1st
Monday of each program month.
- SSI Open Water SCUBA Course (including digital materials)
- SSI Advanced Adventure Diver SCUBA Course (inc. materials)
- SSI React Right and Stress & Rescue courses (including materials)
- SSI Dive Guide and SSI Science of Diving Courses (inc. materials)
- SSI Divemaster certification
- 6 day coral reef ecology & physiology lecture series
- Workshops on Caribbean coral, fish, benthic, invertebrate and
disease identification
- ~30-40 training and survey dives per month (weather permitting)
- Marine Protected Area fees, including for the Sculpture Park
- SCUBA equipment (you will need to provide your own mask, fins,
snorkel and wetsuit)
- All necessary field equipment
- 24hr in-country support
- 2x meals Sunday to Friday (Saturday night is dinner night!)
- Accommodation (on a shared basis)
- 24hr internet access
- Airport / ferry pick-up within Carriacou
The program is broken down into a series of 'Training' and 'Project' weeks. During 'Training Week' DMTs will participate in their SSI Scuba Training. During 'Project Weeks' DMTs will participate in supporting ALL of our projects.
The pricing options are therefore:
- 8-week Training/Project program - US$8,040
- 12-week Training/Project program - US$11,540
If you're already scuba certified to SSI Advanced Adventure Diver (or equivalent) level you can skip the first 'Training Week' and come directly onto the projects. A discount of US$520 will be applied. Further discounts can be applied if you already hold first aid or rescue diver certifications too.
Additional dive training, including Rescue Diver and Diver Specialty courses will be available to RFs through SSI at cost price.
- Flights
- Transfers from/to Grenada
- Accommodation in Grenada (if required)
- Visa (beyond 90 days)
- Travel and Diving Insurance
- SSI Professional Membership Fee - Currently US$90
- Lunch/Saturday evening dinner
- Additional drinks and excursions
- Recreational dives (available on Sundays or night dives)
Would you like to be part of our project family in 2025? Fill in the information request form here, and one of our team will reach out to you with an information pack. Our contact details for more information are also below.