Applications are open
For queries, contact isabelle.ansorge@uct.ac.za
How do I qualify?
A maximum of 40 post-graduate (Honours/BTech, MSc/MTech, PhD and Interns) University and Technikon students will be selected nationwide. Applications will be accepted from currently registered post-graduate students with a background in marine or similar sciences. Past sea-going experience is not compulsory.
What ship will SEAmester take place on?
The new South African polar research vessel SA Agulhas II will be used for SEAmester V. The SA Agulhas II is a state-of-the-art icebreaker and is fully equipped for all marine research activities.
To find out more go to http://www.sanap.ac.za/sanap_agulhas2.html
To find out more, visit the Links page and specifically the Life At Sea article.
What will it cost me?
Nothing. SEAmester is fully funded through the Departments of Science and Technology (DST) and Environmental Affairs (DEA). All board and lodging onboard the SA Agulhas II will be provided free of charge through SEAmester.
What research will SEAmester be involved in?
SEAmester will run in parallel to the scientific objectives of the Agulhas System Climate Array (ASCA) spearheaded by DSTs SAEON Egagasini node. ASCA is a multi-institutional, international collaboration and designed to provide the first long-term observations of Agulhas Current volume, heat and salt transport and its variability from seasonal to interannual timescales. ASCA’s objectives are to determine how the Agulhas Current and its role in the global conveyor belt varies over time.
To find out more go to http://asca.dirisa.org
What will be expected from me?
You will be expected to choose one of two module steams – either Tools of the Trade or Oceans in a Changing World (see below). Learning will comprise of daily class-room lectures, daily assignments and deck work – running in parallel to the ASCA programme. Students from both streams will also provide research support to specialist scientists and obtain daily hands-on deck training, data collection, sampling and data analysis. Each student will gain experience working with the full suite of oceanographic, atmospheric and biological ship-based instrumentation such as CTD, underway measurements and autonomous devices such as Argo, SVP drifters as well as gain experience on all biological net tows. Training on data analysis following each deployment will be given, as well as technical and electronic experience in calibrating, assembling and modifying each instrument. In addition, each student will work on a specific scientific mini-project related to their area of interest and the scientific research underway.
What are the tentative dates for SEAmester?
SEAmester will depart on the 17th June returning to Cape Town on the 27th June 2024. Travel arrangements and costs will be made through the SEAmester programme for all students residing outside of the Western Cape. PLEASE NOTE: Applicants to be aware that the cruise dates may be subject to change by a few days.
What travel documentation must I have?
SEAmester will be working outside of South African waters and therefore all participants are requested to have a valid passport. SAMSA approved medicals will be required and costs incurred will be covered by the SEAmester programme. Students with study visas need to ensure that their visas have not expired.
Are COVID vaccinations mandatory?
Yes they are. All applicants must be vaccinated and the QR code included in your application. A PCR test 72 hours before the cruise followed by a Rapid Test on the day of departure are required. A positive test will result in your participation being withdrawn.
NF-POGO will support two foreign fellows to join the group of South African students at the 2025 SEAmester. The NF-POGO fellowship will cover international airfare (via the most economical route) and accommodation in Cape Town prior/after boarding the vessel (if required). However, NF-POGO does not cover any expenses related to the training itself, nor any costs incurred in the recipient’s country of origin (e.g., domestic travel, visa fees, or vaccinations). Additionally, NF-POGO does not provide any form of insurance (medical, accident, or otherwise). The selected fellows must arrange and purchase adequate travel insurance at their own expense.
Who Can Apply for NF-POGO funding?
Early career scientists, technicians, postgraduate students (PhD or MSc) and Post-doctoral Fellows who are nationals of, living in and involved in oceanographic work at centres in developing countries and countries with economies in transition (list of eligible countries here). Preference will be given to candidates affiliated to @SeaNetwork member institutions.
NF-POGO applicants must have a passport valid until 6 months past course and be eligible to enter South Africa. Please confirm your visa requirements before applying.
How to apply for NF-POGO funding?
In addition to the application form available on this page, NF-POGO applicants must submit a letter explaining how their participation will contribute to sustained capacity building at the parent institution/country and a cv.