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FAQ's

Everything you need to know about joining the underwater videography program with Africa Media 

What will I get out of the program?

The underwater videography program is aimed at assisting in the development of students who are interested in advancing their underwater videography skills to a professional level, whilst enjoying some of the most incredible SCUBA diving that Africa has to offer. Participants will be able to walk away with a professional-level video portfolio that will showcase their ability to film the marine world.

What does the fee include and exclude?

What does the course fee include? 

Accommodation, 3 meals per day, expert instruction in underwater videography, use of high quality video cameras/housings/lights, 18 dives/snorkels, use of SCUBA equipment, all air fills, transportation to/from Durban Airport, internet.

What does the course fee exclude?

Additional recreational dives, any SCUBA certification you need or wish to pursue, Nitrox, laundry service, tourism excursions, extra food and beverages, alcoholic beverages, international and domestic flights, tips for dive staff. 

If you choose to arrive early (before the 1st) or depart late (after the 28th) then we will ask $30 USD/day to cover additional accommodation. Food is not included on additional days.

Can I cancel once my place is confirmed?

Due to the number of applications received and limited places, we unfortunately do not accept all applying students. Therefore, we do not welcome cancellations or date changes after the final confirmation has been completed. Please make sure that the dates you indicate in your application form suit your own schedule/budget before applying.

We request that a non-refundable $750 USD deposit is paid within 14 days of being accepted into the program as confirmation. The remaining fee must be paid in full 30 days prior to arrival in South Africa.

Am I eligible?

The course is open to all qualified SCUBA divers and those wanting to learn. For non-qualified divers, you must gain a minimum open water dive qualification prior to arrival. Alternatively, you can arrive on the program two weeks prior to gain qualification and practice in SCUBA diving.

I am not SCUBA certified. Can I still come?

This program requires that you are SCUBA qualified and have some experience SCUBA diving.

If you are not yet qualified, you can join the program and arrive 2 weeks prior to the beginning to get Open Water qualified and participate in 10 recreational dives for experience. This additional training, meals, and accommodation costs $1600. If unable to attend for two additional weeks, we can consider a 1-week training package for $1000 that includes Open Water qualification, 5 recreational dives, meals, and accommodation.

Can I dive recreationally?

Yes, weekend dives can be organized at your own cost.

What is the schedule?

As a student, your routine will include diving and videographing on most days, being tutored in video techniques and free diving, and processing and editing your videos. A sample syllabus is provided here as a guideline. However, please note that the actual schedule may vary based on several factors.

In general, the month will follow a schedule of 5 days on and 2 days off per week. Again, this may vary, particularly based on the weather and dive conditions.

Fiona and her handpicked team are passionate about conservation and any projects that are available to work on practically, we will certainly be doing so.

How long is the course?

The course lasts 1 month beginning on the 1st (arrival day) and ending on the 28th (departure day) of each month. If you choose to arrive early (before the 1st) or depart late (after the 28th) then we will ask $30 USD/day to cover additional accommodation. Food is not included on additional days.

Do I require a volunteer/work VISA?

No. You will not be employed by Africa Media nor paid. On this course you are entitled to enter on a temporary visitor’s permit (e.g. tourism permit). Tourist visas are usually issued for three months/90 days upon entry in South Africa. However, we do recommend that you contact the South African Embassy or Consulate in your country and confirm this fact.  If your application period is for a period longer than three months, or if you plan to travel in South Africa prior or after the course for a period extending 90 days, you will have to apply for a volunteer VISA application through your home embassy.

Who owns the media I collect?

All media (video and audio) collected by you will belong to you. However, the following licensing conditions on collected materials is required:

  • Africa Media retains total right to use the media for any non-exclusive purpose whatsoever free of charge and without requiring permission or paying compensation to the student (including the sale of footage). This further means that the student may only license any collected footage for non-exclusive rights to a third party.
  • For filmmaking students and videography students, Africa Media will be recognized as the ‘executive producer’ on your final film.
Do I need to bring my own video equipment or gear?

In terms of underwater video gear, soft diving gear, and underwater housings, participants can bring their own gear if desired. A minimum standard of video gear required is a DSLR, quality mirrorless system, or video camera with two underwater lights. All dive gear and photographic gear is supplied. If you bring your own videography equipment of the standard set out here, a cost break of $250 is offered.

In terms of post-production, you must bring your own laptop to complete editing. This should have at least 4GB RAM and be pre-loaded with Adobe Premiere Pro.

What equipment do students have access to?

All videography and scuba equipment is supplied during the course. This includes the following:

  • 6 x Underwater video kits consisting of:
    • 1 x Panasonic HVX200 with gates housing
    • 2 x Nikon D70 with Ikilite housings
    • 1 x Canon 5D mk 2 with Sea & Sea housing
    • 1 x Sony RX100 with Gates housing
    • 1 x Sony HDR-CX190 with Marlin Marine housing
  • 6 x sets of underwater torches – orca torch 3000 – 5000 Lum
  • Full scuba kits including a full range of standard wetsuit sizes
Where do I stay?

You will stay in Scottburgh, South Africa, at the famed shark diving company – Blue Wilderness. Diving will be in Aliwal Shoal off the beautiful KwaZulu-Natal coast.

Blue Wilderness address – 34 Edgerton Road, Freeland Park, South Africa. 

What information do I need to make my travel arrangements?

Pickups and drop offs will be organized by Africa Media for you on the 1st day of the month (for arrivals) and the 28th of the month (for departures). 

The program begins with paperwork and orientation on the 1st of the month. There is no need to arrive prior to the 1st; however, arriving earlier in the day is preferable, as it gives you some time to settle in before the course begins.

You can schedule your departure for any time on the 28th.

What are the arrival dates and pickup arrangements?

Pickups and drop offs will be organized by Africa Media for you on the 1st day of the month (for arrivals) and the 28th of the month (for departures). 

The program begins with paperwork and orientation on the 1st of the month. There is no need to arrive prior to the 1st; however, arriving earlier in the day is preferable, as it gives you some time to settle in before the course begins.

You can schedule your departure for any time on the 28th.

Do I need travel/medical insurance?

Yes. When you are accepted into this program, you agree to our liability and copyright documents, as well an agreement that you are knowingly partaking in potentially dangerous activities. You will not be covered for accidents or illnesses, so please do organize your own medical and health insurances. You may apply for a normal travel insurance policy. Chances that you will be injured by a predator are very slim if you follow the safety guidelines and do not try anything foolish of which we would not approve. However, you will be working on a boat in conditions which can, on occasions, be less than comfortable. Accidents may occur, so it is important to be covered in case of an emergency or accident. Be sure to have an insurance cover for your entire stay in South Africa. SCUBA divers also need to be insured by the Divers Alert Network (DAN).

What do I need to bring?

If you are getting ready to pack, here is a rough packing list of items you should consider bringing.

Clothing

  • Beach and lounging – Bring what you are comfortable in, but ensure that you have at least one warm tracksuit type outfit, a good sun hat with a wide brim, and a warm hat/beanie. Gloves can be helpful for early mornings. The tracksuit or similar is for lounging around in during the evenings, which will get colder than the day.
  • Please bring a beach towel and a minimum of one bath towel, but preferably two. Please bring one towel to work with your camera on.
  • Social clothes – Scottburgh is a small town so social clothing should reflect a casual non-formal style.
  • A swimming costume or two.
  • Your own wetsuit and mask is always more comfortable and could be more hygienic, but not a necessity as gear hire is included in the course price.

Electronic gear

  • Minimum of 1TB storage hard drive
  • Laptop
  • Your own camera if you want to do any land based photos. We often have fun with star trails and the moon, and some students like to photograph at the game reserves in the area.
  • A GoPro if you have one (not necessary to buy but bring if you have one)

You are actually welcome to bring any personal videography or photographic equipment; however, this is totally optional as all underwater equipment that you will need is supplied. 

Editing programs

  • Adobe Premiere Pro
  • Adobe Lightroom Classic

Miscellaneous 

  • Toiletries &  strong sunscreen (There are also plenty of shops to purchase from.)
  • Prescription medication
  • Passport & photocopy of passport
  • Bank cards (Inform your bank of your travels.)
  • Spare cash (rands)
  • Phone & cables
  • Sunglasses

Blue Wilderness address – 34 Edgerton Road, Freeland Park, South Africa. 

Do I need to bring extra money?

If you need to do your initial SCUBA course, you will need approximately R5 500 (approximately $300 USD) to complete your Open Water certification. If you would like your Advanced certification, you will need R10 000 (approximately $550 USD) to complete both Open Water and Advanced.

We offer optional weekend trips/activities for all students and interns, including recreational diving beyond what is included in the course. These activities cover a wide range of interests, and costs vary. Cash is required for these bookings. You may bring rands with you, but there are also ATMs nearby. Please note you do not have to go on ANY of these extra trips. This is simply for your information should you wish to participate.

Do I need malaria or other medication?

No, we are far from malaria areas, and there are no strange African diseases which you could pick up (that is if you respect the same safety rules as anywhere else in the world).

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