Expedition Volunteer Program Application

This is a rewarding dive industry experience program. You receive two dives a day, accommodation whilst onboard and great meals.

Work Rights

Expedition volunteers must have the right to work in Australia and be a minimum of 18 years old. This is an unpaid, uninsured position. We highly recommend you to take out insurance that covers you for diving & medical emergencies.

Medical Requirements

Expedition volunteers must be medically fit without disability and able to participate in moderately heavy duties & assist in an emergency if required. A medical questionnaire is to be completed as part of the application process and you may be requested to provide a valid Dive Medical.

COVID-19 Vaccination

Please refer to our COVID-19 Safe Travel Practices

First Impressions:

As a representative of Mike Ball Dive Expeditions (MBDE) you are expected to:

1. Arrive on time.
2. Be professional and friendly.
3. Have strong conversational English skills.
4. Maintain a standard of appearance and hygiene that fits the image of a professional crew member not a tourist.

Two Expedition Volunteer is Required Per Expedition

One Dive Deck and one Domestic Volunteer per expedition:

Dive deck volunteer: from 1.00pm  Domestic volunteer: from 2.00pm Thursday, week 1, to approximately 12.00pm Thursday, week 2. Positions are for seven days.

Dive Experience

Dive Deck: Divemaster certified, current Professional Diving Liability Insurance, 15 logged dives in the last 12 months.
Domestic: Certified diver, proof of 20 logged dives (10 in the last 12 months).

Costs & Paperwork

1. $50.00 2x uniform shirts.
2. Work Rights Status.
3. Expedition Volunteer Booking Form.
4. Application Booking Form.

Dress Requirements:

All Times – Clean, well groomed & clean shaven.
Boarding & Departure – Red uniform shirt, navy dress shorts, footwear – navy crocs.
Evenings – Clean and tidy appearance (no singlets) ‘Party’ shirt for BBQ night.
Other Times – Navy uniform shirt, clean and presentable shorts.

Departure Day

1. Be at the Mike Ball Dive Expeditions office at 12.30pm with all your luggage to finalize paperwork, make payments & collect T-shirts.
2. Dive Deck Volunteer completes ‘Open Book’ Dive Procedure Exam
3. Ensure you have tonight’s dinner with you
4. 3pm on board Spoilsport for safety induction

Bookings & Cancellations

1. Cancellations must be advised ASAP
2. You will be charged $250 if you cancel within 7 days of departure and we are unable to find a suitable replacement.

MBDE Reserves The Right To Cancel Volunteer Positions

1. At any time prior to departure, subject to space or crew requirements.
2. On the day of departure, if the applicant’s appearance or English-speaking skills are not suitable.

Important:  You MUST reconfirm your space one week prior to travel. The risk of cancellation is minimal, however, we do recommend you to get travel insurance to cover any expenses, e.g. flights etc.

Aboard Spoilsport

1. Accommodation is in crew quarters and same-gender share is not guaranteed.
2. You must not partake in any recreational drugs.  Alcohol consumption must not exceed 4 standard drinks in a 24-hour period.  No BYO – ships bar-only policy.
3. No smoking permitted onboard the vessel at any time.
4. You must refrain from: intimate relationships with any guest who has a partner or relative on board; overt displays of affection in view of guests; coarse language; and sexist or rude jokes.
5. MBDE does not offer references for Volunteers.
6. MBDE does not sign documentation for Volunteers accrual of sea time.

Domestic Duties:
Daily 10 hours work. Cabin service: general cleaning. Assist host with pre-meal set-up. Basic meal prep and post-meal clean-up. Other domestic duties as required. At least 2 dives per day.

Application Form. Positions are filled three months prior to travel. All unsuccessful applications will be added to our standby database in case of last-minute cancellations.