Overview

Indo Ocean Project was founded by marine biologists, dive instructors, and ocean enthusiasts from around the globe to create a standardized data collection and research diver training program in Indonesia. We work together with government agencies, NGO’s, communities, and universities to carry out scientific research to address marine conservation issues in the Indo-Pacific region.

Our field expeditions in Indonesia hosts international and local research projects focused on marine mega fauna and coral reef conservation. The aim of the Indo Ocean Project is to generate high quality scientific data to inform local mangers and stakeholders about the status of Marine Protect Areas (MPA), and to increase marine conservation awareness among the local communities and general public. We combine our research project with a dive master internship program to allow aspiring marine researchers or dive professionals to gain hands on experience in a professional environment while completing several internationally recognized certifications.

You don’t need to be a diver or scientist to apply! Our project relies on the experience and expertise of our volunteers from around the world to take action and take part.

Project Locations

1 – Penida Project: Located on the island of Nusa Penida off the southeastern coast of Bali in the Lombok Straight. The Penida MPA hosts a year round population of manta rays, seasonal sightings of mola mola, and beautiful coral reefs. But watch out! Penida is famous for strong currents and cold upwellings that bring in nutrient rich waters.

Entry Airport: Denpasar (Bali)

Current Projects: BRUV, roving survey, coral nursery & restoration, coral biodiversity mapping, turtle ID, mangrove restoration, marine debris survey

2 – Bunaken Project: Located on the beautiful remote island of Pulau Bunaken off the Northern tip of Sulawesi around 40 minute boat ride from Manado City. Be dazzled by this national marine park’s crystal clear water, macro life, sea horses, reef sharks, eagle rays, turtles, and wall dives. Bunaken is where the water doesn’t go below 27 degrees and the long shore currents make for spectacular drift diving.

Entry Airport: Mando City

Current Projects: BRUV, roving survey dives, coral biodiversity mapping, turtle ID, marine debris survey

**Running seasonally from May – October

3 – Bira Project: Located on the southern tip of Sulawesi in a famous ship building community called Bira. This untouched paradise is around a 4-hour drive from Indonesia’s third largest city, Makasar. Picturesque deserted beaches and unexplored dive sites, Bira is quickly becoming known as Indoneisa’s number one shark diving destination. Blue warm water and thriving coral reefs are the main draw to this remote part of Sulawesi.

Entry Airport: Makasar

Current Projects: BRUV, roving survey dives, coral biodiversity mapping, shark & turtle ID, marine debris survey, mangrove restoration, coral nursery & restoration

Why Us?

Indonesia is the 4th most populated country in the world, the number one shark fishing nation, and second largest contributor to ocean plastic pollution. Geographically, Indonesia should have some of the highest biodiversity of predatory species in the world, but the high demand for shark fins and manta ray gill rakers has caused severe overfishing across the country and nearly exhausted the population. This is the front lines of marine mega fauna conservation efforts. We are able to supply a constant underwater monitoring program to our partnering Marine Protected Areas (MPA) and local stakeholders. Project’s like Indo Ocean Project exist to fill the gap between marine park officials and the data required to manage them.

About The Internship

Why become a Dive Master?

The Divemaster course is your first level of professional training. Working closely with your mentoring Dive Instructor and partnering dive center’s team, you’ll fine-tune your dive skills, like perfecting the effortless hover, and refine your rescue skills so you anticipate and easily solve common problems. You’ll gain dive knowledge, management and supervision abilities so you become a role model to divers everywhere. As a Divemaster, you’ll lead others as you supervise scuba diving activities and assist with diver training.

Before you can be a good research diver, you first must be a good diver. The Dive Master and Research Diver Internship will give you the skills needed to work either in marine conservation or the diving industry. You will meet like-minded individuals and be able to network with experienced and aspiring marine biologists and organizations from around the world.

What will you learn?

The Divemaster course teaches you to be a leader and take charge of dive activities. Through knowledge development sessions with your mentoring instructor, watermanship skills exercises and workshops, and hands on practical assessment, you develop the skills to organize and direct a variety of scuba activities. In partnership with your research diver internship you will be able to conduct and lead various marine research activities.

Program Fees

Program like Indo Ocean Project are possible because of the generosity of our partners and interns. In order for us to create a worthwhile experience for you we do require tuition to cover your expenses while on program.  We have various packages available depending on your current level of diving with 8 week packages starting at 39,500,000 IDR.

All program fees include all diving related costs, accommodation, lunch provided on diving days, airport pick up, 5 ecology specialty certifications including training materials, program shirt, pre arrival support, and VIAS assistance.

Does not include flight tickets, meals, in country spending money, travel or dive insurance, professional processing fees, Dive Master training materials.

Next Step

For more information on the specific projects, the packages we offer, and what is included please check out website at www.indooceanproject.org

Applications are accepted year round on rolling start dates. However with limited spaces available we ask you to be as flexible as possible. Spots tend to fill up 4-8 months in advance.

You can apply ONLINE (indooceanproject.org/apply-now/) or contact info@indooceanproject.org for more information.