Volunteer Downloads
Before you arrive
MCP Volunteer Handbook
If you have any questions about volunteering at Marine Conservation Philippines and can't find the answers in our updated 2026 FAQ, you'll most likely find them in this handbook.
We recommend that all volunteers read the handbook in its entirety before starting their stay at MCP.
Get a head start
Learning Monitoring
During your stay at Marine Conservation Philippines, you will most likely work in scientific diving, conducting reef surveys. We carry out three types of survey: substrate, invertebrates and fish. If you'd like to hit the ground running, you can start learning before you arrive with our online quizzes. Just email us to ask which of the three protocols you'll be working on.
Each quiz comes in two versions. One has just the picture and name, like old-fashioned flashcards, which is great for testing yourself. The other has plenty of helpful hints and notes on what to pay attention to.
If quizzes aren't your thing, you can download our 2026 flashcard decks to practise with instead. Each deck contains about 70 images. Cover the right side of your screen, with the name and identification features, as you go. Some people print and fold the cards so the information is on the back, but please consider the environment and only print a physical deck if you have to.
Last updated October 2026
Primer and quizzes
Our methods in full
Survey Manuals
If you're really keen to get a deep understanding of the surveys, or you're part of another organisation looking to use our survey methods, you can find full outlines of our methodology here. These manuals give a good overview of how and why we conduct the surveys the way we do.
Already booked?
Forms and Paperwork
Every volunteer needs to read, agree with and sign the general forms. If you're doing PADI training, technical diving or an internship, you'll also need the extra paperwork listed for it.
General volunteer forms
All volunteers are required to read, agree with and sign:
PADI training
Volunteers who enrol in formalised PADI training also need to fill out:
Technical diving
Volunteers who enrol in PADI technical diver training also need to fill out:
Internships
In addition to any relevant forms above, interns at MCP need to sign our learner's agreement: