6+ Week Program in Marine Conservation
Programme overview
Marine Conservation Philippines (MCP) offers a transformative 6+ week volunteer program designed for individuals passionate about ocean conservation. Set in the heart of the Philippines, this immersive experience combines hands-on training in marine science and conservation with the opportunity to contribute to vital underwater and coastal research. Volunteers learn a tremendous amount about scientific diving, fieldwork and marine ecology, but also help protect fragile marine ecosystems while gaining the skills needed for careers in marine biology, ecology or environmental advocacy. Participants do not need to be certified scuba divers when joining, as the organisation offers free scuba diver training by extremely experienced instructors. (As a participant you are allowed to do one PADI scuba course for each four week segment started, so you could do two courses in a 6-8 week stay, and if staying 10-12 weeks, you could do three courses – like open water, advanced open water and rescue diver.)
About the organisation
MCP is a registered non-profit dedicated to protecting and restoring marine ecosystems in the Philippines. By collaborating with local communities, government agencies, and other stakeholders, MCP implements sustainable solutions to address challenges such as overfishing, coral reef degradation, and plastic pollution. Volunteers are integral to MCP’s mission, contributing to reef monitoring, habitat restoration, and marine education efforts.
About the programme
Participants in the 6+ week program will experience a structured blend of theoretical and practical training. Days typically start with SCUBA dives, collecting data for reef health assessments, fish population surveys, or studies of predation or invertebrate population. Afternoons are reserved for workshops, marine conservation lectures, or community outreach initiatives. Volunteers will also have opportunities to contribute to ongoing environmental campaigns and assist with coastal clean-ups.
The other volunteers are generally about 50/50 ladies, gents and come from all walks of life. Many come aiming for a career change, either to learn professional diving as a divemaster or instructor, and others participate as part of university studies or do it to test the waters and see if underwater field work is where they want to go professionally. Many participants that stay a long time learn advanced diving procedures through technical diving, or up their skill set by learning equipment servicing, gas blending or other rare skills related to dive operations and logistics.
Location
MCP is based in Zamboanguita, Negros Oriental, a serene coastal area surrounded by vibrant coral reefs. Volunteers stay at the MCP campus, an eco-friendly facility offering comfortable dormitory-style accommodations, communal spaces, and lush surroundings. The campus fosters a close-knit community, ideal for collaboration and shared learning.
Duration
The program runs year-round, and volunteers must commit to a minimum of six weeks. The average length of stay is around 8-10 weeks however. Every second Monday is an arrival day, but spaces fill quickly, so early applications are encouraged.
Costs and pre-requisites
The cost for the program is 500 USD weekly, but long term volunteers get progressive discounts if staying more than 12 weeks. (Past twenty weeks, partipation is completely free, as by then you are providing exceptional value.) The volunteer fee covers accommodation, all meals, dive training, personal dive gear rental, marine park fees, transportation. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old, and in good health. As there is typically at least a dozen nationalities present on campus the base language is English. Those without any prior scuba certification can complete the required training at MCP.
What’s included
- Full board (three meals per day, plus free tea, coffee, fruits and snacks)
- Shared accommodation
- SCUBA gear rental (complete)
- PADI Dive training if desired (materials and certification must be purchased from PADI, and is typically 65-85 USD / course)
- Conservation training and lectures
- Transportation and sanctuary tickets
- Guided participation in research and outreach projects
- Airport transfer back and forth
Not included:
- International and domestic travel to the site
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance (mandatory for participation)
How to apply
Interested applicants can find more information on our website. To apply, fill out the application form linked below or email us at team@mcp.email
