6-Week Core Internship: Foundations of Field Conservation (Tioman Island)
This 6-week internship offers a structured, hands-on introduction to marine conservation, with a focus on sea turtle protection, coral reef ecology, and community-based environmental work. Designed for students and early-career conservationists, the program blends field training, scientific skills, and real-world conservation experience.

Interns actively contribute to ongoing conservation projects while developing practical, transferable skills used across the environmental sector.

Core Training Areas

Sea Turtle Conservation

Nesting beach patrols (day & night)
Nest monitoring and data recording
Hatchery maintenance
Hatchling emergence monitoring
Marine Ecology & In-Water Training

Turtle identification and behavioural observation surveys
Coral reef health assessments (basic indicator surveys)
Fish identification and underwater data collection
Freediving skills progression (safe diving technique, buoyancy, efficiency)
Conservation & Sustainability Skills

Plastic recycling and upcycling workshops
Marine debris categorisation and impact assessment
Guided snorkelling etiquette and risk awareness
Ecological Knowledge & Terrestrial Skills

Introduction to Tioman Island ecology
Terrestrial biodiversity identification
Assisting guided jungle walks
Science, Data & Communication

Data handling and basic analysis
Scientific accuracy and field reporting
Educational speaking with local and international students
Tourism interaction skills (hatchery tours and visitor engagement)

Diving & Eco Diver Pathway 🌊
As part of the internship, participants have the opportunity to progress through structured dive training and work toward becoming a certified Eco Diver, contributing directly to coral restoration and marine research.

Interns can advance through the following stages:

Open Water Certification (Beginner)
Gain foundational scuba skills and certification to dive up to 18m.
Advanced Open Water
Build confidence and expand diving capabilities through additional training dives.
Research Dive Training
Participate in dedicated research dives focused on:Reef survey techniques
Fish and coral identification
Underwater data collection methods
These dives contribute toward the experience required for Eco Diver qualification.
Reef Check Eco Diver Course

A specialised certification focused on coral reef monitoring and conservation.
Interns reaching this level support active coral restoration projects and contribute to scientific research and reef health assessments.

Through this pathway, interns develop both diving competency and applied conservation skills, becoming active contributors to marine research initiatives.

Assessment & Certification
Interns are continuously assessed based on:

Teamwork
Data accuracy
Field competency
Ecological understanding
Communication and professionalism
Upon completion, participants receive:

Certificate of completion
Personalised reference
Verified list of competencies

Who This Is For
This internship is ideal for:

Students in environmental or marine-related fields
Early-career conservationists
Career changers seeking hands-on field experience
Anyone looking for a structured introduction to marine conservation

This experience costs MYR20,000 and includes food, accommodation, training and dive qualifications.