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What marine biology jobs require a decent amount of diving?

Marine biologists don’t spend as much time in the water as I first believed and hoped. Which jobs do require a fair amount of diving? Also, is traveling usually a necessity?

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Thank you comment icon Are you more focused on the diving aspect or the marine biology aspect? There are other jobs that provide lots of dive-time that are outside of biology. Eric Liszt
Thank you comment icon I’m more focused on the biology aspect, and I wouldn’t go into another field for the opportunity to dive. I was just wondering if diving is such a key part that it would be worth my time to get dive certified this summer. Veronica
Thank you comment icon Makes sense. It's beyond my scope to help you though. Hopefully someone else can jump in here. Eric Liszt
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Aaron’s Answer

Firstly, I commend you for following your desire to become a marine biologist! I am not a Marine Biologist. But, professions are not often what we expect, especially when featured and glamorized on television. Marine Biologists are scientists and their primary job is research, lots of research. The bulk of their work occurs in the lab, on a research vessel, or at the shore's edge. (Varian, 2019) There is a vast amount of biodiversity in aquatic life. We are often attracted to the sea mammals, like whales or dolphins, made famous by Seaworld. However, plankton, the microscopic sealife and food of Blue Whales, needs to be studied too! If your desire is to spend as much time in the water with animals as possible, I recommend you work or find an internship at an aquarium. I looked at options near Livingston, TX with the Student Conservation Association (SCA). I included some internships I found in your state and a possibility in Florida. I hope this helps you reach your goal! I will help in any way I can, Good Luck!

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References
https://marinedimensions.ie/do-marine-biologists-have-to-scuba-dive/#:~:text=Marine%20biologists%20do%20not%20have,animals%20that%20you%20are%20studying.

Aaron recommends the following next steps:

The Student Conservation Association is one option. There are a few internships involving the Rio Grande and The Gulf of Mexico: https://www.thesca.org/
The Dolphin Research Center is in Florida: https://dolphins.org/internship_opportunities?gclid=Cj0KCQjw-JyUBhCuARIsANUqQ_K91NDGZ66zo6Dz5k1Hu6HIRi063L7Ac9QhuhSITnQQVlcU0_RML0MaAmRrEALw_wcB
Thank you comment icon Thank you for the detailed advice! I will look into the internships you listed. This was extremely helpful for me as I begin making bigger and bigger decisions about my future. Veronica
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Sylvia’s Answer

It depends on the stage you are in your career, as well as your plans. If your major interest is diving, you could do it as an extra activity. If you become a Marine Scientist, there are certain projects where you will be able to dive as part of the research. If you are very passionate about diving, maybe get a certification that you can use in other areas as well. Any skill you develop will be part of your life toolbox and at one point, you may use skills you didn't at first thought were important.

Sylvia recommends the following next steps:

Diving certification
Evaluate career choices
Define purpose and career goal
Thank you comment icon Thank you! I think I will get certified whether I think I will end up diving much or not, to have just in case as you suggested. Veronica
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