Application Guideline

Why are we recruiting new participants?

We actively conduct underwater exploration and investigation in Japan—often in environments that are still little known and rarely documented.

We would love to share what we have discovered, and we are equally excited to welcome new teammates who can contribute real skills to our expeditions. JKUEP aims to run sustainable expeditions and use the outcomes for the public interest.

Who are we looking for?

We are recruiting participants in four categories:

  • Scientists (Research & Investigation)
    People who would like to conduct meaningful research by leveraging the unique characteristics of our exploration sites.
  • Guests / Dive Shops (Exploration Fun Diving)
    Divers (or dive shops bringing guests) who want to experience a step beyond standard technical diving—under appropriate prerequisites and safety standards.
  • Expedition Divers (Exploration & Research)
    Experienced divers who can take an active role in exploration or investigation, and contribute to expedition outcomes as part of the team.
  • Support Member (On land and in water)
    Members who play essential roles in exploration, such as data processing, videography & photography, and equipment transport.

1) For Scientists (Research & Investigation)

We have conducted multiple research and investigation projects that take advantage of the distinctive environments we have explored.

These results not only stand out for their uniqueness, but also increase the long-term value of the sites themselves. We believe collaboration between researchers and our team can create strong benefits for both sides.

Depending on the theme, it may also be possible to launch a new project in a new location.

Roles, costs, data ownership/usage, and how results will be handled (including publications) should be discussed and agreed in advance.

Prerequisites

  • Our team may use collected / measured data to the necessary extent
  • We may retain rights (or partial copyright / usage rights) to photos and/or data
  • Must be committed to achieving team-wide objectives
  • Co-authorship in journals may be discussed when appropriate (case by case)

2) For Guests / Dive Shops (Exploration Fun Diving)

We want to share the sites we have opened with the wider community—safely, responsibly, and with the right preparation.

We also aim to support divers with limited exploration experience, as well as dive shops that would like to bring qualified guests.

We strongly hope that some of these participants will eventually join future expeditions as teammates.

If you are aiming to become involved in exploration in the future, we can also discuss training and preparation pathways.

Prerequisites for Guests

  • Must hold the required diving certifications for the planned dives
  • Must have at least 10 non-training dives in comparable environments (overhead / depth / strong current, etc.) within the last 3 years
  • Must have completed at least one non-training dive in a comparable environment within the last 12 months
  • Fee: USD 300 per diver per day (may be variations depending on the location. ) + our expenses (details will be provided in advance)

Prerequisites for Dive Shops

  • The guide/instructor leading the group must hold the required certifications
  • The leader must have at least 10 non-training dives in comparable environments within the last 3 years
  • The leader must have non-training dive in a comparable environment (overhead / depth / strong current, etc.) within the last 12 months
  • Guests must hold the required certifications
  • Guests must have completed at least one non-training dive in a comparable environment within the last 12 months
  • Fees and group size: to be discussed (varies by plan and site)

3) For Expedition Divers (Exploration & Research)

We are always looking for great teammates.

A teammate is not just someone who dives with us, but someone we can trust—someone who contributes to shared goals. We hope our activities will also foster a strong community of such divers.

At the same time, to ensure safety and maximize expedition outcomes, our requirements are strict.

We are not looking for divers who simply “follow along.” We are looking for divers who can take responsibility for a role and contribute to the mission.

If you feel you haven't reached that level yet, please join our exploration support team. Section 4 explains the support members. The support team is part of our member and plays a crucial role.

Prerequisites

  • Must have at least one skill beyond just technical diving (e.g., survey, filming, SRT, biological identification, etc.)
  • Must hold the GUE Fundamentals Tech Endorsement or have completed our training course.
    This is to eliminate differences in procedures among members.
  • Must have extensive experience in comparable environments (overhead / depth / strong current, etc.)
  • Must be committed to achieving team-wide objectives
  • Photos and collected data from the expedition are retained and used by JKUEP (rights/usage)
  • Collected / measured data are retained and used by JKUEP (rights/usage)
  • In some cases, you may be asked to complete a check dive
    • Check dive fee: USD 300 per diver per day + our expenses

Additional environment-specific requirements

  • Overhead environments: substantial experience in true zero-visibility conditions
  • Wreck environments: extensive experience with open-ocean drift diving with strong current

4) For Support Member (On land and in water)

The support team plays a crucial role in our operations.

Our expeditions are often conducted in challenging locations, and diving is frequently impossible without support.

Additionally, documenting our exploration is part of this team's role and is essential for widely publicizing our work.

In other words, while it's labeled “Support,” it's no exaggeration to say it's the most crucial position on our team.

The tasks we would like the support team to handle are diverse, but please feel free to consult with us.

Examples of tasks

  • Conduct filming of preparations and diving scenes
  • Handing over tanks and equipment
  • Assistance with ascending and descending within the cave
  • Onboard Support
  • Data processing of collected samples

Prerequisites

  • Must be committed to achieving team-wide objectives
  • Photos and collected data from the expedition are retained and used by JKUEP (rights/usage)
  • Collected / measured data are retained and used by JKUEP (rights/usage)

How to Join?

Please contact our members, or please send us a message from contact form.

Please accept that it may take some time to reply.