Volunteers who come to Marine Conservation Philippines come from very diverse backgrounds, but everyone has one thing in common – a wish to help preserve nature.

Besides this common wish, we expect everyone to understand that volunteering with us is not a resort stay or a five star holiday. Volunteering is for people who like getting their hands dirty – no one is here to make your bed or clean your room, there’s long days in the water, and it might be your turn to lend a hand in the kitchen washing some dishes or sweeping a floor. We all bunk in together, and it really is a bit like camping out. Camp fires and story telling included.

The Filipinos are generally enormously friendly and considerate, and they have their own culture and customs. We ask our foreign volunteers to remember that they are the guests in the Philippines and to behave accordingly, same as you would expect anyone to behave in your own home. Generally speaking, with a little enthusiasm, a willingness to learn new things, and a consideration for people and culture, you’ll have no issues whatsoever. Upon arrival at the expedition base, foreign volunteers are briefed on local culture and customs.

Various beverages including alcoholic ones can be purchased on site. We’re fine with people unwinding over a drink or two at night, and there will certainly be divemaster graduation parties, local fiestas and birthdays now and then. This is all good-natured and fine, but we expect volunteers to exercise a sensible degree of moderation, especially when scuba diving the next day. Loud drunken behavior that may annoy others on base is not acceptable. Marine Conservation Philippines has a zero tolerance policy against violence and drug use. Anyone failing to understand this is asked to leave immediately.

Marine Conservation Philippines reserves the right to terminate the stay of any volunteer whose behavior is deemed to be offensive to other volunteers, staff, or the surrounding community.