MARINE RESEARCH ASSISTANT INTERNSHIP IN THE PHILIPPINES

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

TAKE YOUR FIRST STEPS INTO A CAREER IN MARINE SCIENCE STUDYING BIODIVERSITY IN THE CORAL TRIANGLE

This is a unique opportunity to assist with the furtherment of Marine Science studying coral reefs in one of the most biodiverse marine regions in the world. Receive practical and theoretical training in marine science research, gain experience, whilst being able to earn your PADI Open Water and Advanced Open Water SCUBA Certification.

This organization operates in a site of unique potential for marine science research in the Coral Triangle. They conduct critical research on coral reef systems, surrounding habitats, and the marine life within them. Their findings are published in high-quality scientific papers orientated towards the scientific community and also used in community outreach programs. They are on a mission to transform global marine ecosystems through locally-led conservation strategies.

As an intern you’ll work alongside marine scientists and assist with the attainment and processing of all data collected from their Dauin Long-Term Reef Monitoring Project. You’ll go on regular underwater research dives and learn to use a range of Marine Research equipment, tools, and software. You’ll also develop a wealth of practical, theoretical, problem-solving, and analytical skills in a marine science context.

Learning objectives:

  • Gain practical marine science research experience conducting underwater research dives
  • Develop a detailed understanding of coral reef systems in the Indo-Pacific region
  • Underwater field training in 3-D reef modeling, diver-operated
  • Stereo Video System, and reef impact protocols
  • Learn and practice data-analysis of images using up-to-date software systems
  • Build communication skills relaying scientific findings to community through outreach programs
  • PADI Open Water SCUBA Certification
  • PADI Advanced Open Water SCUBA Certification

ORGANIZATION

Taking a holistic approach to marine conservation, this nonprofit organization operates on three levels: to research marine life and identify threats; to develop locally led conservation strategies; and transform global ecosystems through community-led initiatives. Institute for Marine Research (IMR) is based in Dauin, Philippines, and conducts long-term, fine-scale marine science research with a special focus on coral reefs.

IMR is a valuable resource to the Philippines, and marine science worldwide, conducting critical research on how to best protect coral reefs and marine habitats. As well as publishing their findings in high-quality papers orientated towards the scientific community, IMR uses what they learn to protect marine life. They collaborate with local coastal communities to develop sustainable conservation solutions, running community outreach programs to teach the importance of marine conservation and encourage locally led conservation strategies.

TASKS & REQUIreMENTS

Your duties as an intern will revolve around assisting the Science Staff with collection, processing, and analysis of data from their Dauin Long-Term Reef Monitoring Project. You’ll also work to corroborating findings to develop information packages and educational resources for their community outreach programs.

Responsibilities

  • Assisting with the data collection, processing, and analysis
  • Conducting underwater research and survey dives
  • Using up-to-date software systems to analyze data from images obtained on survey dives and from other reef monitoring methods
  • Putting together information packs and educational resources for use in community outreach activities
  • Attend a series of lectures and workshops on reef ecology and Indo-Pacific marine life identification

Training and lectures during your internship:

  • If applicable: PADI Open Water and/or Advanced training
  • 10 day coral reef ecology & physiology lecture series
  • Workshops on Indo-Pacific coral, fish, benthic, invertebrate and disease identification
  • Underwater field training in 3-Dimensional reef modeling, diver operated Stereo Video System (SVS), benthic assays, and reef impact protocols (coral bleaching, coral disease, drupella spp. and crown of thorns starfish outbreaks
  • Data analysis of images using the most up to date software systems (CPCe, EventMeasure, and AgiSoft)
  • ~50 training training and survey dives per month (weather permitting)

Requirements

  • No SCUBA Experience necessary
  • Medical evaluation clearing you for SCUBA diving
  • Studying towards a Bachelor’s degree in Marine Science or relevant field is preferable but not necessary
  • Passion for marine conservation science
  • Willingness to learn methods, tools and skills of marine science research
  • Minimum age of 18 years old

WHERE YOU’LL STAY

Your accommodation will be at the IMR base, located within a resort right on the oceanfront, and five minutes from the vibrant town center of Dauin. You’ll stay in a shared room with shared bathrooms, and have the base’s well-equipped kitchen, dining room, classrooms, and a dive training pool at your disposal.

Safety & Support

Safety & Support

The small Municipality of Dauin is located towards the southern end of Negros Oriental. Its agricultural setting makes this part of the Philippines one of the safest tourist spots in the country. The community is made up of friendly, welcoming, and humble people that are always willing to offer assistance to those who seek it. Living inside Liquid Dive Resort you will be covered by the security guards at the resort as well as their CCTV security system.

Make sure to visit your doctor and dentist for a check-up before your internship and to get all the recommended vaccines and/or medications necessary to stay healthy. Water-borne diseases, including typhoid and cholera, are endemic to the Philippines. You should use only boiled or bottled water.

Communication

Communication

Internet is available on the base, and at most nearby resorts but please be conscious of streaming and downloading to reduce intermittency. The mobile network in the Philippines is great, so if you prefer to buy a local SIM card, GLOBE is the best provider for this area.

Meals

Meals

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided from Monday to Saturday. These meals are made up of local fruits and vegetables that are in season during the time of your stay. Meals can be catered for a vegetarian or vegan diet, with meat options (chicken) available on Fridays. Please make it known before your arrival of any allergies or dietary preferences. Clean drinking water will be available at all times on site.

Location details

Location details

This organization operates from Bulak, Dauin, Philippines. Home to a diverse range of marine ecosystems, including coral reefs and seagrass beds, Bulak is a location of unique potential for marine science research. These ecosystems are located in the Coral Triangle, one of the most biodiverse marine regions in the world, populated by a stunning variety of marine life (fish, invertebrates, and algae). This makes Bulak an ideal location for studying the effects of climate change, pollution, and other human activities on marine ecosystems.

DATES & RATES

Fee Breakdown

This internship begins at the first of each month. Those requiring Open Water and/or Advanced Open Water training will be required to arrive one week prior to the start of the internship for their dive training. Fees vary depending on your current diving certification.

Program dates

This is a four-week program with fixed start and end dates.

1-28 Feb 1-28 Mar 1-28 Apr

1-28 May 1-28 Jun 1-28 Jul

1-28 Aug 1-28 Sept 1-28 Oct

1-28 Nov 1-28 Dec 1-28 Jan

What you’ll pay (2025 rates)

Uncertified USD 4,120

Open Water USD 3,702

Advanced USD 3,398

Inclusions

  • Careful matchmaking. It takes time to find the right internship for each person, and we take this process very seriously.
  • Initial interview with one of our team to gauge your skills, interests, and desired learning outcomes.
  • An academic internship eligible for university credit. Check with your university to confirm if this internship qualifies for credit or alternatively we can assist you with purchasing transfer credits.
  • Accommodation in a shared room (up to 6 pax) with shared bathrooms.
  • Wifi access
  • Three meals a day from Monday to Saturday
  • Airport/ferry transfers upon arrival and departure
  • Marine sanctuary fees
  • SCUBA equipment (tanks, weight belt and weights only)
  • All necessary field equipment
  • Assistance with your visa arrangement and other preparations
  • An orientation program with your supervisor
  • Supervision and support during your stay
  • Regular check-ins during your internship with your supervisor
  • Troubleshooting if needed
  • A reference letter at the end of your internship

Exclusions

  • Flights to Dumaguete
  • Visa and medical/travel insurance costs for the duration of your placement – must include cover for diving and repatriation
  • Meals on Sunday, drinks, snacks, and items of personal nature (f.e. curios, gifts, clothing)
  • Other SCUBA equipment (gear hire available)
  • Costs for additional excursions, activities, or recreational dives (available on Sundays)
SCHOLARSHIP & FUNDING

QUICK FACTS

LOCATION: Bulak, Dauin, Philippines
PROJECT FOCUS :Marine Conservation
TASK FOCUS: Data Analysis, Research, Reporting, Education
LENGTH: 4 weeks
COST: From USD 3,012

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Gain practical experience on marine science research dives
  • Learn a wealth of data-processing and analytical skills
  • Earn up to a PADI Advanced Open Water SCUBA Qualification
  • Contribute to the furtherment of marine conservation science at a local level and worldwide
  • Receive career guidance and job placement training in in marine science fields and professional diving
APPLY NOW

HOW TO APPLY

If you’re ready to apply for this internship, here’s what to do:

APPLY

Fill in the application form (it will show in a new screen) which includes sharing your CV to us.

GET STARTED

SPEAK WITH AN ADVISOR

We’ll set up a call with you to go through your application.

INTERNSHIP MATCHING

If we feel it’s a good match, we’ll set up a call between you and the supervisor for this internship.

PAYMENT

If everyone’s happy, we’ll provisionally confirm your placement! We’ll then send you the invoice for the deposit, getting started with the booking process and all the info you need.

CONFIRMATION

Only once we receive payment of the deposit your placement will be confirmed.

NEED TO MAKE AN ENQUIRY FIRST?

Or if you’d just like to ask us some questions about this internship first, just fill in the contact form below. We’ll be happy to assist!

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