The Institute for Marine Research is a grassroots non-profit based in Bulak, Dauin, Negros Oriental, in the Philippines' Coral Triangle, near Apo Island. Rather than running standard recreational fun dives, it centers on a Research-Develop-Transform model: conducting long-term reef monitoring around Apo Island and Dauin Municipality, sharing findings with local government to shape conservation policy, and training people for careers in marine conservation. Its flagship Research Assistant program is a one-month course that pairs PADI Open Water and Advanced Open Water certification (for those who need it) with hands-on marine science training -- coral reef ecology lectures, Indo-Pacific species identification, 3D reef modelling, stereo video surveys and reef-impact assessment protocols -- plus around 30-40 training and survey dives per month. Participants must be at least 18 and medically cleared to dive, with no prior scuba experience required, and the program starts on the first of each month.