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 and conduct ecological monitoring in the Indo-Pacific region.

Our field expeditions in Indonesia hosts international and local research projects focused on marine mega fauna, coral reef conservation, and marine park management. 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 high-level dive master and research diver internship program to allow aspiring marine researchers or divers to gain hands on experience in a professional environment while completing several internationally recognized certifications.

Our award-winning curriculum offers in-depth training on various marine conservation issues and diver development. 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, marine megafauna  identification and population dynamic survey, mangrove restoration, marine debris survey

Partnering dive centre: Reeflex Divers https://www.reeflexdivers.com/

2 – Raja Ampat Project: Comprised of over 1500 small islands, Raja Ampat is the world’s epicentre of marine biodiversity. The project is located on the island of Waigeo, 20 minutes drive from the regions capital, Waisai. Beach front location with rain forest to the back, this is our most remote location. The area is famous for it’s frontier diving with year-round sightings of manta rays (both reef and oceanic), thriving reef shark populations, and incredible reef diving. It is also the birth place of macro diving (critter hunting) boasting some of them most rare endemic species on the planet.

Entry Airport: Sorong (West Papua)

Current Projects: BRUV, roving survey, developing coral nursery & restoration, coral biodiversity mapping, marine megafauna identification, marine debris survey, marine park assessment

Partnering dive centre: Basecamp Raja Ampat by Scuba Republic https://www.scuba-republic.com/

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 Indonesia’s number one shark diving destination. Blue warm water and thriving coral reefs are the main draw to this remote part of Southern Sulawesi.

Entry Airport: Makasar (Southern Sulawesi)

Current Projects: BRUV, roving survey dives, coral biodiversity mapping, shark & turtle ID, marine debris survey, coral nursery & restoration, marine park management strategy development

Partnering dive centre: Blue Planet Dive Resort https://www.blueplanetdiveresort.com/

Coral nursery.

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 conservation efforts. We are able to supply a consistent and quality ecological 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 and to help support the development of new protected areas.

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. Our dive master and research diver internship will give you the skills needed to work in marine conservation or the diving industry globally. You will meet like-minded individuals and be able to network with experienced and aspiring marine biologists and organizations from around the world. It is a stepping stone into the industry where you not only contribute to marine research, but learn how to develop and take lead of critical conservation projects.

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. Learn from award winning instructors and marine biologists in our global, multi-cultural and inclusive team.

Program Fees

Programs 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 starting at $375 USD/week with a minimum stay of 4 weeks.

All program fees include all diving related costs (8 dives per week), accommodation, lunch on double diving days (3 times per week), 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, or VISA costs.

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.

OR read our Introduction & Application Guide HERE

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 6-8 months in advanced. Contact us for next availability.

You can apply ONLINE at https://indooceanproject.org/apply-now/ or contact info@indooceanproject.org for more information.

Media Internship Scholarship

Indo Ocean Project is happy to announce one yearly scholarship for an exceptional multimedia intern worth 43,000,000 IDR (over $3000 USD)

Applications accepted until June 30th and winner announced on July 15th

Indo Ocean Project provides a scholarship for Package #1 at the Penida Project in exchange for 6 months of part time marketing and communications commitment. The successful candidate will assist in managing our social media platforms, blog posts, and campaign emails during their 2 months internship in Penida and remotely for an additional 4 months for a total of 6 months. This is an excellent opportunity for a career change into the diving and conservation industry while learning and contributing to research efforts in Indonesia and gaining your dive master certification.

Programs starts every January

The successful candidate will have:

  • Minimum Rescue Diver and First Responder CPR/O2 provider certification on start date
  • Has a minimum of 40 logged dives
  • Minimum 2 years’ experience working in marketing/social media management
  • Proficient in photoshop, adobe, and video editing
  • Owns a personal underwater camera and laptop
  • Minimum age 20 years old
  • Owns complete set of dive equipment (or willing to rent for 1,500,000/month)
  • Proficient in written and verbal English

What is included

  • 8-week Dive master training
  • 5 ecological specialty certifications: Shark, manta, turtle, coral, and marine ecology
  • Accommodation in shared dorm during 8-week program
  • 60 dives over 2 months
  • Airport pick up and transfer to project in Nusa Penida

Additional costs to consider

  • Dive master training materials and certification fees = 3,800,000 IDR
  • Meals and drink
  • Spending money
  • VISA (if non-Indonesian) = 2,500,000 IDR + $50 USD
  • Return flights

How to apply

Contact info@indooceanproject.org with subject “Media Internship Scholarship Application”

For more information check out our website www.indooceanproject.org