ABOUT US
Conserving the marine environment through research, education, and collaboration
Founded in 2017, Indo Ocean Project is a marine research and conservation program in the heart of the coral triangle, training the next generation of ocean professionals through our award-winning divemaster and research diver internship program
Our field expeditions in Indonesia hosts international and local research projects on a variety of marine conservation issues and research techniques
We are constantly seeking hardworking and enthusiastic people to take part in our research diver-training program and join the research team
You don’t need to be a diver or a scientist to take part!
Mission
Conserving Indonesia’ s marine environment through research and education whilst training the highest quality dive professionals through our conservation divemaster internship program.
Vision
At Indo Ocean Project we envision a healthy and profitable marine ecosystem throughout Indonesia to benefit multiple industries and stakeholders to help protect the livelihoods of local coastal communities for generations to come
Publication
At Indo Ocean Project we use our data to produce peerreviewed scientific journal publications, which in turn is used to help enforce policy change in our regions of study
THE INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
Divemaster and Research Diver Training
WHY US?
Indonesia is at the forefront for some of the oceans most important conservation issues including elasmobranch conservation, plastic pollution, coral and coastal ecosystem restorations, and overfishing High demand on endangered species products globally combined with IUU and bycatch fishing has forced populations of key marine species to the brink
Divemaster and research interns with Indo Ocean Project are crucial to successfully conducting our long term ecological monitoring and restoration projects such as BRUV (baited remote underwater video), benthic surveys, underwater visual census surveys, coral restoration, mangrove restoration and more.
It takes a team to get everything done with our limited time and resources As a member of the research team you must be ready to work together efficiently in a fast-paced environment to help us reach our scientific goals
Divemaster and research internship
In partnership with award-winning dive centers in Indonesia’s top diving destinations, we offer an innovative conservation focused divemaster and research diver training program
Assume the role of research diver at one of our project locations and complete your divemaster and multiple ecology and scientific specialty courses related to our in-house research projects.
Take the next step towards a career in marine conservation or diving with our team of experienced dive professionals and marine educators to guide you along the way.
WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?
The Divemaster course teaches you to be a leader and take charge of dive activities Through workshops, watermanship exercises, and hands on practical assessment, you develop the skills to organize and direct a variety of scuba and marine research activities
Conservation Workshops: Species identification I & II, surveying & sizing, shark conservation, manta conservation, turtle conservation, coral ecology, taxonomy and restoration, mola conservation, nudibranchs, mangrove conservation, marine debris and ocean plastics, BRUV deployment, BRUV viewing, citizen science, what next (CV & careers).
Divemaster Workshops: Lift bag, knots & search and recovery, fin kicks and peak performance buoyancy, skill demonstrations, assisting divers & briefings, gas planning, rescue & O2, leading dive & tides, mapping, recreational dive planner & science of diving, basic equipment maintenance*, instructor development course intro**, introduction to free diving**
Practical Assessments & Scenarios: Deep dive, search and recovery, watermanship skills, equipment exchange, rescue assessment, skill circuits, exams, professionalism.
TYPICAL DAY
The project runs 6 days a week and all interns are entitled to 1 day off per week / 4 days off per month.
Your first few weeks are dedicated to dive, methodology, and fish ID training and workshops. Each practical task is paired with a workshop where you will receive in depth training with an instructor before applying this knowledge in the field.
The days are flexible according to weather and tides, scheduling, and course work The typical day begins at
Data Entry / Workshops – Help the dive team in the office with scientific equipment maintenance / repair / preparation, data entry and analysis, project development, and enhancing your knowledge in the various workshops Independent Study Time – Use this time to complete theoretical or independent projects including the knowledge reviews for your certification courses, study for exams, or work on independent research projects Independent Projects – If you would like even more there is the opportunity to take on an Independent Project, such as being responsible for uploading our data to the relevant citizen science databases, or using your creative skills to create our amazing bimonthly video logs. At Indo Ocean Project – there is always more to do!
Become a Research Diver and Divemaster at one of our three projects in Indonesia
Nusa Penida Bali
Raja Ampat West Papua
Bira Southern Sulawesi
Although the foundation of our training program is the same across our different locations each project has something special!
Locations were chosen based on varying degrees of MPA status, from no marine park in Bira to well established and managed marine park in Raja Ampat
Life at the Penida Project
Due to its proximity to main land Bali, Nusa Penida is often a bustle of tourism and activity. The Project Headquarters are located in Indo Ocean’ s own Dive Hub, around 5 minute drive from the main harbor in Toya Pakeh and located on the northern coast of Nusa Penida This is the tourist center of the island so close to amenities with lively nightlife and post diving activities
Accommodation
The Penida Project boasts the most comfortable living conditions as it is the most developed area The accommodation is a mixed dorm at Wehus Homestay, around 5 minute walk to the Dive Hub The room has air conditioning and a shared bathroom with hot water The facilities also include a mini kitchen, and restaurant in Penida’ s central area
Who should choose the Penida Project
This is a great destination for novice travellers who want to keep their creature comforts and not venture too far into Indonesia's wilder destinations For those who prefer a larger social scene and more varied organised activities on days off
Life at the Bira Project
Communal beach side living in this remote but developing region in Indonesia. The local village of Bira has a population of 4,000 and is famous for its traditional boat building yards found on several near by beaches Travelling to Bira can be long, with a 4-5 hour drive from the capitol city (and nearest airport) Makasar Local weekly events are a real highlight here, don't miss out on Taco Tuesday's at Sea Scapes or Banana Leaf Friday's at Teevanah
Accommodation
Everything is centralised at the project headquarters at Blue Planet Dive Resort The rooms are wooden bungalows with 4 bed mixed fan dorms, shared with your fellow interns The area also features a communal kitchen and living space, yoga chalet/extra classroom, and shared cold water showers and toilets The beach is around 50 steps down, which means 50 steps back up, and although there is an equipment elevator to assist in bringing up gear be prepared for a workout!
Who should choose the Bira Project
This is the most economic way to complete an IOP program It is also a dream spot for adventure travellers with the beach beach access facilities. Grab a paddle board, explore the areas caves and beaches, cliff jumping, or grab the climbing gear. You will get the most local Indonesian culture immersion at the Bira Project with our education programme at the local kindergarten and small community who always know when the "Blue Shirts" are coming.
The Raja Ampat Project is the newest addition to our research locations Known as the world's most biodiverse marine ecosystem it is our most remote project It is located in the north of the marine park on the infamous Dampier Strait.
Raja Ampat is comprised of over 1500 small islands surrounding 4 main islands of Misool Salawati, Batanta, and Waigeo These large islands is where Raja Ampat get’ s it’ s name from, which means The Four Kings
The project headquarters are located at Scuba Republic's
Raja Ampat Base Camp, a beachside resort on the island of Waigeo around 20 minute’ s drive from the regions capital, Waisai.
*Due to it's remoteness the Raja Ampat Project packages are higher and includes full room and board
RAJA AMPAT PROJECT
West Papua Established in 2022
Project highlights
BRUV, project development, coral restoration site, shark and manta identification
Diving highlights
Reef sharks, reef and oceanic manta rays, biodiverse coral reefs, macro critters, occasional dugongs, whale sharks and marine mammals
Diving conditions
Drift, wall, and coral diving. Raja Ampat has it all. Healthy shark populations, reef and oceanic manta ray cleaning and feeding grounds, and is the birthplace of muck diving (critter hunting) Currents can be strong and prevailing south winds from July - September makes parts of the southern park unreachable Water temperatures are between 27°C and 30°C year round
Life at the Raja Ampat Project
Welcome to the jungle! Raja Ampat is the "Last Paradise" and it lives up to its name in every way. Life at the project is focused around around the ocean and the jungle The headquarters are located around 20 minute drive to the nearest town where you can find all your basic needs met (toiletries, snacks, etc ) All staff from the project and resort live together and interns will experience an authentic remote dive resort working environment Everything is more expensive in Raja Expect to pay 30%-50% more for items then on main land Indonesia But everything is provided for you, 3 local meals per day, drinking water, coffee and tea
Accommodation
Your home away from home is 6-bed traditional wooden bungalows with fans and bug nets The outdoor classroom converts into our main social area in the evenings The ocean is at your doorstep and the jetty extends to the reef crest, which is where you will typically spend your sunsets
Who should choose the Raja Ampat Project
This is our most remote location and is not recommended for new travellers or those who expect a 'Bali Instagram' experience. Life can be challenging but also the most rewarding. This is the most biodiverse region in the world, above and below. A true naturalist's playground. Be ready to encounter incredible creatures on the daily.
Diversity makes us strong!
WHO ARE OUR INTERNS?
Our interns come from every corner of the world Everyone has a different background but we share one thing in common, our love for the ocean!
Our community is made up of ocean enthusiasts gap year travellers career changers and university students from ed to be a diver or a t involved Around 60% nts join us from a formal ground and 40% just volved and learn more aring to land a job in the or using IOP as part of c journey, others just served break
elves on being a career and CV builder You will ands-on experience and recognised courses and
PAYMENT STRUCTURE
To secure your place in the program, payments are made in three installments across your admissions timeline This allows flexibility while helping us prepare for your arrival
01 Payment
20% of your total program fees
Due: within 2 weeks of receiving your acceptance
02 Payment
40% of your total program fees
Due: 3 months before your scheduled start date
03 Payment
40% of your total program fees
Due: due on your arrival (scheduled start date)
WHAT OUR GRADS ARE SAYING...
Find our what our interns think about us
Aayush
India - Graduated July 2022
Tia
USA - Graduated June 2022
Natalia
UK - Graduated July 2023
Shannen
Australia - Graduated July 2023
The training staff are true educators They are patient, kind and enthusiastic about diving and conservation They instill their passion and love for the ocean into their interns They are always available for any issue and are truly compassionate people that I am humbled to have known
My experience with Indo Ocean Project was absolutely magical This program taught me not only how to be a dive professional but how to care for our ocean on a extremely deeper level I was always supported and encouraged There was never a time where I felt I was alone IOP is a family full of amazing people that look out for each other They cheer for you and hope for your success!
I have spent the last year taking part in various marine conservation internships, I can honestly say my time with Indo Ocean was unlike anything else- in the best possible way! I can't even begin to express h
Helen
Hong Kong - Graduated Feb 2022
Mario
Italy - Graduated Dec 2021
The program is very complete and detailed, doesn't matt
Interested in coral reef restoration? Indo Ocean Project is partnered with Ocean Gardener, an Indonesian NGO offering intensive coral reef ecology and restoration internships and courses
Join a course: Coral Diver Advanced Coral Diver Specialty Course
Or sign up for their 2 or 5 week internship program.
Dedicated to teaching people about corals
