You’re nearly ready to join the Diploma of Marine Conservation Volunteering program.

Diploma of Marine Conservation Volunteering is a study-and-fieldwork program created by Oceans 2 Earth Volunteers and delivered through our education partner, CGCS — Centre for Global Citizenship Studies.

O2E wrote the diploma content based on our marine conservation fieldwork and volunteer experience. CGCS delivers and accredits the course, giving participants a structured learning pathway before completing optional fieldwork on the Great Barrier Reef.

You’ll begin with self-paced online course modules through CGCS before travelling to Cairns, Queensland, for your in-field placement. The course introduces key concepts in marine conservation, responsible volunteering, reef ecology, climate impacts and sustainable conservation practice. Your field placement then gives you the opportunity to apply that learning through reef monitoring, marine debris activities and citizen science work in a real conservation setting.

During the fieldwork component, you may assist with coral and fish identification, reef health observations, data collection, marine debris activities and other practical conservation tasks. You’ll work alongside the O2E team and marine conservation partners to better understand the pressures facing reef ecosystems and the role volunteers can play in supporting long-term conservation efforts.

This is a study-and-fieldwork program. It is suited to students, career changers, conservation-minded travellers and anyone who wants a structured learning pathway connected to practical marine conservation.

Please read this before completing your booking.

This program combines online diploma study with an in-person field placement in Cairns.

You will need to complete the required online modules before your fieldwork begins. Allow a minimum of around four months to complete Modules 1–3 before travelling, although students have up to one year to complete the full diploma.

Please only continue if you understand that:

• this is a combined online study and fieldwork program

• the field placement is usually 1 week, with 2-week options where available

• the fieldwork component takes place in Cairns and on the Great Barrier Reef

• reef research and conservation activities are snorkelling-based

• you need to be confident swimming, snorkelling and spending time in the water

• you must complete the required online coursework before travelling for fieldwork

• you may have assignments or reflection tasks to complete after your placement

• daily activities may vary due to weather, water visibility, reef conditions, research priorities and safety requirements

• ethical interactions with marine life and wildlife are expected at all times

• conservation priorities, safety requirements and project needs come first

This is not a standard reef holiday. It is a structured learning and conservation placement designed to help you build knowledge, field awareness and practical marine conservation skills.

1. Online diploma study

You’ll complete the required online course modules before your field placement. These modules help prepare you for the conservation context, volunteer responsibilities and marine fieldwork you’ll experience in Cairns.

The current course structure includes modules on preparing for an international volunteering placement, planning your selection as a volunteer, marine conservation, undertaking your field placement and reflecting on your placement.

2. Field placement in Cairns

You’ll travel to Cairns for your Great Barrier Reef fieldwork component. This usually includes classroom training, on-the-job in-water training, island ferry trips, reef monitoring and practical conservation activities.

3. Reflection and completion

After your placement, you’ll complete the final online reflection and assignment requirements to finish your diploma.