Application Form

Thank you for your interest in Ocean Discovery League's 2026 Accessing the Deep: Deep Ocean Training & Mentoring Program.

This program will focus on fundamental technical and oceanographic knowledge, emphasizing low-cost, accessible methods for exploring depths greater than 200 meters through a combination of interactive online training sessions, expert-led discussions, and personalized mentorship. We particularly welcome applications from Africa and Indian Ocean region.

Complete the application form below to help us understand your background and goals. You will be required to upload a 2-page résumé and a statement from your advisor/supervisor approving your participation in the program, if selected. We want to hear from you, not ChatGPT or other AI.

Important Notes
  • Application deadline: March 4, 2026 at midnight EST (UTC-5)
  • Training: May 6 to July 22, 2026. Mandatory online training sessions will be Wednesdays at 1-3pm UTC. Please check your local time to ensure availability.
  • Language: English.
  • Attendance: Active participation and at least 80% attendance are required for Certificate of Completion and mentorship eligibility.
  • Mentorship: August to November 2026. Eligible participants will be invited to apply mid-way through the Training Program.
Selection Criteria and Process

Eligibility will be determined based on the following criteria:
  • Have training or professional experience in marine science, oceanography, or related ocean-focused disciplines.
  • Demonstrate a genuine interest in deep-sea exploration and research.
  • Provide compelling reasons for wanting to participate in Accessing the Deep and alignment of career goals with ODL's mission.
  • Demonstrate a clear plan for how their participation in the training will benefit their community, including strategies for sharing acquired knowledge and addressing deep-sea research gaps at the local, regional, or global level.
  • Be available to participate in the mandatory synchronous virtual sessions held on Wednesdays at 1-3 pm UTC from May 6 to July 22, 2026.
  • Priority will be given to applicants based in or from Africa and the Western Indian Ocean.
  • Due to US government restrictions, individuals and organizations on the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons list ("SDN List") cannot be accepted to participate in Accessing the Deep.

Do not apply if you are not available for live Training Program sessions on Wednesdays at 1-3 pm UTC from May 6 to July 22, 2026.

For additional information, visit the Accessing the Deep 2026 webpage. For questions, contact us at atd-applications@oceandiscoveryleague.org. We look forward to your application!

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* 1. What is your name?

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* 2. Email

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* 3. Where are you from?

 
Country of Origin
Country of Residence

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* 4. What tools have you used for marine exploration, research, and/or conservation?
Select all that apply

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* 5. In what water depths have you worked in the past?
Select all that apply

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* 6. Describe your career goals, how participating in Accessing the Deep will help you to achieve them, and how they align with ODL’s mission.
(2000 character limit)

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* 7. Describe how your participation in this training could positively impact your community. How do you plan to share your knowledge or address local, regional, or global deep-sea research gaps?
(2000 character limit)

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* 8. Upload your résumé
Maximum 2-pages. Please include your educational background, current and past employment, and oceanographic/marine science experience.

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* 9. Upload a statement from your advisor or supervisor indicating that they approve your participation in the Accessing the Deep Training Program, if you are selected

If you are currently in a transition period and do not have an advisor/supervisor, please submit a PDF statement written by yourself confirming that you are in a transition period, that you do not currently have a supervisor/advisor, and that you are available to fully participate in the program. Before submitting your statement, please review the dates and times of the online sessions and ensure you are able to commit to attending them.

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* 10. How did you hear about the 2026 Accessing the Deep program?

I confirm that all information provided in this application is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge and that I am available to participate in the mandatory online Training Sessions.

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