Overview

About Indo Ocean Project

Indo Ocean Project was founded by marine biologists, dive instructors, and ocean enthusiasts from around the globe to create a standardised data collection and research diver training program in Indonesia. We work together with government agencies, NGOs, local stakeholders, and universities to carry out scientific research to address marine conservation issues and conduct ecological monitoring in the Indo-Pacific region.

Our field expeditions in Indonesia host international and local research projects focused on marine mega fauna, coral reef conservation, and marine park management. The aim of Indo Ocean Project is to bridge the knowledge gap in Indonesia by providing a platform for high quality data and a space for local and foreign scientists to conduct independent field research. We publish our work in scientific journals and use this data to inform marine park officials and local stakeholders, helping create data driven changes to local marine policy.

Our unique dive master and research diver internship allows our students to take an active role in our science while completing internationally recognised diving and ecology certification courses. Our award-winning curriculum offers in-depth training on the biggest issues facing marine conservationists today. You don’t need to be a diver or a scientist to apply! Our project relies on the diverse experience and expertise of our volunteers from around the world to take action.

Why Us

Indonesia is the 4th most populated country and the largest archipelago nation in the world. Geographically, Indonesia is expected to have some of the highest biodiversity of marine species in the world. High demand for shark fins and manta ray gill rakers has caused severe overfishing across the country, depleting the fish stock populations dramatically.

This is the front lines for global marine conservation efforts, and in recent years the Indonesian government has shown they care. There has been a generational switch in mindset towards marine preservation and local efforts have been blossoming across the country. In 2022 Indonesia announced its plan to protect 10% of its seas by 2030, and 30% by 2045. This is nearly quadrupling its current Marine Protected Area (MPA) coverage to a total of 975,000 KM2!

Indo Ocean Project is in a unique position to provide data driven establishment and management of MPAs by suppling a consistent and quality ecological monitoring program to our partnering MPAs and local stakeholders. Operations like Indo Ocean Project exist to bridge the gap between marine park officials and the data required to manage them and to help support the development of new protected areas.

As an intern with Indo Ocean Project you will be directly contributing to this goal by being part of the team conducting our baseline data, establishing new projects, and engaging the community, all while becoming an exceptional dive professional.

What we do

We combine ecological monitoring, community engagement and direct conservation efforts across all our regions of study. As an intern you will be part of conducting surveys, deploying BRUVs (Baited Remote Underwater Videos), benthic and coral coverage monitoring, mangrove and coral restoration, educational programs, and community outreach.

For a complete breakdown of all our projects and their goals check out our Conservation Management Plan HERE (PDF download).

About the Internship

At Indo Ocean Project it is our belief that in order to become a good research diver you must first become a good diver. This is why we exclusively offer programs to dive master trainees or existing dive professionals. Conducting research underwater has additional technical and safety concerns. Diving becomes a tool, enabling underwater work and research goals to be met. You need to have perfect buoyancy, excellent awareness and a deep understanding of diving theory to safely manage heavy equipment and focus on surveys.

The project runs 6 days a week with 5 days of diving and 1 dry day. 3 days a week are boat diving and 2 days of shore diving with around 7-9 dives per week. Your time will be split between diver development, marine ecology workshops, practical assessment, and in water application. Before we do anything practical, interns complete workshops lead by our team of dive professionals and marine biologists. Like any new job, there is a learning curve of around 4 weeks. In this time you go through an in-depth training on diving and our scientific methodology before you join the research teams and your data is counted.

All of our programs include 5 ecological specialties:

  1. Marine Ecology
  2. Shark Ecology
  3. Manta Ecology
  4. Turtle Ecology
  5. Coral Ecology & Restoration (Ocean Gardener)

Additional workshops in marine creatures, diver development, dive theory, and marine science are run throughout the program.

We pride ourselves on being a career stepping stone, training the next generation of marine biologists and dive professionals. This is not your typical dive master training program.

Life at the Bira Project

Location: South Sulawesi

Partnering dive centre: Blue Planet Dive Resort

Maximum number of interns: 8 (4 person dorm rooms)

Staff: 3 project staff, 5 dive centre staff

Ocean highlights: Reef sharks, large pelagic sightings, rays, remote coral reefs, little to no dive tourism in the region yet, coral nurseries established in 2021

Diving conditions: Bira is a in a unique location geographically and doesn’t have strip rainy or dry season like most of Indonesia. It rains occasionally throughout the year in short bursts. The water temperature can be between 30C and 25C with incredible visibility year round, reaching up to 40m+.

Good to know: The Bira Project was founded in 2019 and was the third project location for Indo Ocean Project. Tanjung Bira is located in in a sleepy fishing village on the most south-west peninsular of Sulawesi, around 200km from the busy city of Makassar. It is home of Indonesia’s traditional Phinisi boat building culture. The area boasts one of Indonesia’s most exotic white sand beaches which stretches for over 2km. Indo Ocean Project’s headquarters are located in the middle, with beach access and ocean views.

Accommodation is on site at Blue Planet Dive Resort with 4-bed mixed dorms, communal kitchen, and classroom. There are a handful of western style restaurants alongside local Indonesian ’warungs’ where you can eat out, or take part in the weekly Indian nights on Friday or Taco Tuesdays. The traditional market is open every other day and interns are welcome to cook their own meals.

Although there is a large marine protected area in the neighbouring island of Selayar, the border of the park does not reach as far as Tanjung Bira. The main draw for diving in Bira is the healthy population of reef sharks and sightings of exciting pelagics like whale sharks, tiger sharks, and manta rays. The project goals is to help facilitate and establish a new Marine Protect Area in the region to help protect the shark population and support coral reef health.

Bira is not well known to travellers, but it is one of Indonesia’s best kept secrets. The laid back lifestyle, action packed dives, and potential of marine policy impact is what makes the Bira Project so special.

Who should join this project? The Bira Project is for those who want to get off the beaten track and experience a new and up-and-coming dive destination. It is a great place to learn to dive and progress into a professional with more advanced dive sites later in your training. And of course, for those who love sharks!

Packages and Program fees

Programs like ours rely on the generosity of our partners and volunteers to allow for development and growth. In order for us to create an unforgettable adventure for you we do require a tuition to cover your expenses while on program. We have various packages available depending on your current diving experience.

*Minimum age requirement for all our programs is 20 years old as of your start date

Package 1 – Dive Master

Prerequisites: For candidates who have completed up to their Rescue Diver and Emergency First Responder course with O2 provider.

Courses included: PADI/SSI Divemaster, SSI Marine Ecology, SSI Shark Ecology, SSI Manta Ecology, SSI Sea Turtle Ecology, Ocean Gardener Coral Ecology & Restoration

Minimum time commitment: 8 weeks

Program fees: 46,000,000 IDR

Package 2 – Rescuer

Prerequisites: For candidates who have completed up to their Advanced Open Water Diver course.

Courses included: Rescue Diver, React Right First Responder with O2 Provider, PADI/SSI Divemaster, SSI Marine Ecology, SSI Shark Ecology, SSI Manta Ecology, SSI Sea Turtle Ecology, Ocean Gardener Coral Ecology & Restoration

Minimum time commitment: 10 weeks

Program fees: 54,750,000 IDR

Package 3 – Advanced

Prerequisites: For candidates who have completed up to their Open Water Diver course.

Courses included: Advanced Open Water Diver, Rescue Diver, React Right First Responder with O2 Provider, PADI/SSI Divemaster, SSI Marine Ecology, SSI Shark Ecology, SSI Manta Ecology, SSI Sea Turtle Ecology, Ocean Gardener Coral Ecology & Restoration

Minimum time commitment: 12 weeks

Program fees: 63,750,000 IDR

Package 4 – Zero to Hero

Prerequisites: For candidates who have strong swimming skills, comfortable in open water conditions, can complete a timed 400m free swim and tread water for 15 minutes, have been cleared for diving by a doctor.

Courses included: Open Water Diver, Advanced Open Water Diver, Rescue Diver, React Right First Responder with O2 Provider, PADI/SSI Divemaster, SSI Marine Ecology, SSI Shark Ecology, SSI Manta Ecology, SSI Sea Turtle Ecology, Ocean Gardener Coral Ecology & Restoration

Minimum time commitment: 14 weeks

Program fees: 74,500,000 IDR

Package 5 – Research Diver

Prerequisites: For candidates who have already completed the Dive Master course, have a minimum of 60 logged dives, and been cleared for diving by a doctor.

Courses included: SSI Marine Ecology, SSI Shark Ecology, SSI Manta Ecology, SSI Sea Turtle Ecology, Ocean Gardener Coral Ecology & Restoration

Minimum time commitment: 6 weeks

Program fees: 32,150,000 IDR

Additional weeks = 4,450,000 IDR/week

What’s Included

In addition to the recreational and professional diver courses listed above, all our programs include:

  • 4-bed shared accommodation (with fellow inters)
  • One way Transportation from Makasar Airport (on arrival) to project headquarters
  • Lunch while on boat dives (3 times per week)
  • 8 dives per week
  • 5 ecology specialty course certifications
  • Access to pre arrival training courses and materials
  • 2 Program shirts
  • Pre arrival support

Not included:

  • Flights, travel and VISA costs
  • Travel & dive insurance
  • In country spending money
  • Meals (can eat for 20,000 IDR+/meal)
  • Divemaster crewpack and training manuals (3,850,000 IDR SSI or 4,400,000 IDR PADI)
  • Divemaster processing fees (agency dependant)
  • Equipment rental (1,500,000 IDR/4 weeks)

*Prices are subject to change depending on project changes and requirements

Reviews

Find out what our grads are saying out us here:

https://www.gooverseas.com/internships-abroad/indonesia/program/243882

Find out what our grads do after graduation here: https://indooceanproject.org/where-are-they-now/

Apply now

We work on rolling start dates year-round, that means when one intern leaves another arrives to take their place. We fill up around 6 months in advance with occasional last minute spots.

Contact info@indooceanproject.org for next availability

Apply online here: https://indooceanproject.org/apply-now/

Read our Introduction & Application Guide Here.