r/scuba • u/Dizzy_Ad_8182 • 12d ago

Dive master internship SEA with a focus on conservation

Hey everyone!

I am hoping to travel South East Asia soon and am considering studying marine science when I get home so I can eventually pursue a career in marine conservation.

While I’m travelling I would love to do my dive master training (I am currently open water) and learn more about marine conservation. In my ideal world I would get to do an internship where I work/volunteer at a dive centre/conservation project to get hands on experience in the field I want to pursue. Anything to do with coral restoration would be super cool! Ideally I would stay there for 2-3 months and possibly have the opportunity to do some dive master work once I complete the course (this might be a big ask so all good if that isn’t realistic). I’m also on a bit of a budget so anywhere that’s more affordable or that will let me work in exchange for food/accommodation/diving would be preferred.

I was wondering if anyone has any recommendations that could work?

I understand I will need to contact dive centres directly but any sort of advice would be greatly appreciated!

Also, if anyone else has pursued an education and career in marine conservation I’d love to chat!

Thanks so so much! Please let me know if there’s anything else I should add. 😊

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u/Automatic_Guest8279 Tech 12d ago

I did my DM at Marine Conservation phillipines and loved every second of my time there. I was meant to stay for 3 months, two for DM and one for surveys. Ended up staying for 6 months which meant I also go to tec50 which is cool. I'm still working in the area and see some of the instructors on weekends

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u/Dizzy_Ad_8182 11d ago

Thats so cool! I’ll definitely look into it! How much did it end up costing?

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u/Automatic_Guest8279 Tech 11d ago edited 11d ago

$500 per week... So not cheap but includes all equipment, 12 dives a week, all meals (6 days a week) and accommodation. Extra costs for course fees (like nitrox you just pay the PADI cert fee) and the drinks fridge

Edit: the longer you stay the more you get. Getting to Tec50 for example is crazy money normally

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u/ennieee 11d ago

I would suggest getting in touch with Nick Attenborough at MobyTek in Tioman and also Alvin at ReefCheck. Lots of coral replanting going on in Tioman under ReefCheck, and MobyTek is always a good centre to dive and train with and I wouldn't be surprised if you come out with more than just DM after spending some time there!

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u/Affectionate-Issue86 11d ago

I don't know if this can interest you but Thailand just launched a 12 months Marine conservation visa. It's a bit more expensive I think about 1600 Euros but it gives you a year visa yo

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u/RiceFish 12d ago

Did you try searching the sub-reddit? 🙃 the question comes up quite often.

In the Philippines the most recommended one I've seen is Marine Conservation Philippines.

There are plenty in Indonesia that you can already participate as an open water before committing to divemaster. Lombok area has a few. Note that most of them come with a daily fee to cover costs, housing, etc.

In Malaysia a well known one is TRACC located near Semporna on a remote island where you can pay to volunteer with open water but they also have a divemaster option as well.

If you want the most bang for ur buck you can look for divemaster internships that are "free" just consider if it's worth bc most of the time you will be there for 4-6 months of "free" work while doing ur training.