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ACCESSING THE DEEP 2027

Application Form

Thank you for your interest in Ocean Discovery League's 2027 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 Northern, Central, and South America, and the Caribbean.

Application Materials
  • Submit the application form below to help us understand your background and goals. We are interested in your experience and ideas and strongly discourage the use of AI tools (ie. ChatGPT, Claude, etc.)
  • Upload a 2-page résumé
  • Upload a statement from your advisor/supervisor approving your participation in the program to ensure your availability. This is not a letter of recommendation.
Important Notes
  • Application deadline: 4 February 2027, at 11:59 PM EST.
  • Training: 14 April to 30 June 2027. Mandatory online training sessions will be Wednesdays at 1-3pm EDT (UTC-4). 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: July through November 2027. 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:
  • Must be at least 18 years of age to apply.
  • 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 EDT (UTC-4) from April 14 through June 30, 2027.
  • Priority will be given to applicants based in or from Northern, Central, and South America, and the Caribbean.
  • 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 EDT (UTC-4) from 14 April through 30 June 2027.

For additional information, visit the Accessing the Deep webpage. For questions, contact us at atd-applications@oceandiscoveryleague.org. We look forward to your application!
1.What is your name?(Required.)
2.Email(Required.)
3.What are your preferred pronouns?(Required.)
4.Where are you from?(Required.)
Country of Origin
Country of Residence
5.Language(s)(Required.)
6.What is your primary organizational affiliation (university, place of work, etc.)?(Required.)
7.What is the highest degree you have received?(Required.)
8.In what field did you receive your terminal degree?(Required.)
9.What tools have you used for marine exploration, research, and/or conservation?
Select all that apply(Required.)
10.In what water depths have you worked in the past?
Select all that apply(Required.)
11.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)(Required.)
12.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)(Required.)
13.Upload your résumé
Maximum 2-pages. Please include your educational background, current and past employment, and oceanographic/marine science experience.
(Required.)
No file chosen
14.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. This is not a letter of recommendation.

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.
(Required.)
No file chosen
15.We discourage the use of AI for ATD application materials and strongly encourage you to submit your own work (even if it is imperfect).

However, if you used an AI tool (ChatGPT, Claude, etc.) to develop this application, describe how it was used (select all that apply):(Required.)
16.How did you hear about Accessing the Deep?(Required.)
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, Wednesdays at 1-3pm EDT (UTC-4) from 14 April through 30 June 2027. DO NOT APPLY if you are not available.