Volunteers will work as a deck hand and a research assistant. They can expect to help with paying guests on board the boat – helping with equipment and distributing drinks.

The day begins with a 07.30 start. Volunteers are expected for work at 07.30 prompt and this means being fully equipped for the day ahead.

The day begins with a one hour lecture by Alison – the research scientist about sharks, whales, seals and penguins. Volunteers can add their input here if asked.

At 08.30 the guests and given their life jackets and are escorted to the boat at the harbour. Then the boat is launched.

It takes about twenty minutes to get to the island.

The boat is a sea cat – holds twenty people and five crew.

The boat returns between 12.00 noon and 13.00.

Research includes photographing and recording the marking of the animals. These records are collected on a data base and downloaded on to a programme (developed at the University of Bristol).

The role of the researchers is to identify the movements of the sharks throughout the year. There is an on going project identifying why the sharks move in to shallower waters during the summer months – a new boat is being commissioned to develop this study.

In the afternoons volunteers can be invited to help with the research. There may be lectures going on in the afternoons that the volunteers will attend.

Volunteers need to be willing to initiate projects, act as a team player and learn to ‘go with the flow’.

On the first day after arrival the volunteers will ‘live the experience’ – acting as a guest. In the evening there is a welcome BBQ (Brai) and a chance to meet the skipper.

On the second day the volunteer programme begins.

Tracey has sent some results of the work of the research scientists. She writes:

I have attached a link to a video. This is an interesting study about a shark called Prop. He was hit by a propellor on 27 November 2008 and since this time our marine biologists have been monitoring this shark. As you will see the wounds are completely healed and is more lively than ever!

To see the sharks in action click here!