CAREER DEVELOPMENT IN MARINE SCIENCE AND PROFESSIONAL DIVING, PLUS A CHANCE TO MAKE AN IMPACT
Gain practical experience in marine science research and receive comprehensive training for a career in marine conservation whilst studying one of the most biodiverse regions in the world. This is an ideal internship for talented marine scientists to use their expertise for the furtherment of marine conservation.
This organization conducts critical research on marine ecosystems in the Coral Triangle. They study coral bleaching, corallivorous invertebrates, pollution, with special focus towards developing community-based marine conservation strategies. Their primary function is publishing their findings in scientific papers and journals to involve the scientific community in finding conservation solutions. As well as this, they use what they learn to conduct outreach programs to inspire locally-led, evidence-based, conservation strategies.
As an intern role will revolve around leading underwater surveys monitoring the biodiversity of marine ecosystems. In this, you’ll expand and deepen your understanding of marine science, marine conservation, and the role of a research assistant. At the same time, you’ll be gaining valuable experience and career guidance for work as a professional diver.
Learning objectives:
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.
Day-to-day your duties and responsibilities will revolve around conducting underwater research dives, analyzing your findings and tracking data. You will also have a fairly packed schedule of lectures and workshops to get you up-to-speed on Indo-Pacific coral, fish, benthic, invertebrate and disease identification.
Training and lectures during your internship:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Internship start and end dates are flexible and will be discussed with your during the selection process.
Program dates
This is a 3-month internship with fixed start and end dates.
1 Feb – 28 April 1 Mar -28 May 1 Apr – 28 June
1 May – 28 July 1 June – 28 Aug 1 July – 28 Sept
1 Aug – 28 Oct 1 Sept – 28 Nov 1 Oct – 28 Dec
1 Nov – 28 Jan
What you’ll pay (2024 rates)
3 MONTHS USD 6,356
If you’re ready to apply for this internship, here’s what to do:
Fill in the application form (it will show in a new screen) which includes sharing your CV to us
We’ll set up a call with you to go through your application.
If we feel it’s a good match, we’ll set up a call between you and the supervisor for this internship.
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.
Only once we receive payment of the deposit your placement will be confirmed.
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!
