Indo Ocean Project is a marine research and conservation program in the heart of the coral triangle, training the next generation of dive professionals through our unique conservation dive master internship program. Our field expeditions in Indonesia hosts international and local research projects on marine conservation efforts including marine megafauna, coral restoration, ecological monitoring, community outreach and education programs. We are constantly seeking hardworking and enthusiastic people who take part in our dive master/research diver-training program and join the research team. You don’t need to be a diver or a scientist to take part! Our project relies on the experience and expertise of our participants from around the world.
ECO COMMITMENT
We adopt an economic, environmental and social responsability policy in all our project locations and partnering dive centers.
MISSION
Conserving Indonesia’s marine environment through research and education.
GET INVOLVED
NUSA PENIDA
Bali
Project Highlights: BRUV, coral restoration and Penida Turtle ID
Diving Highlights: Manta rays, molas, turtles, thriving coral reefs, occasional pelagics like hammerhead and thresher sharks.
BIRA
Southern Sulawesi
Project Highlights: BRUV, shark ID, coral restoration, MPA development
Diving Highlights: Reef sharks, turtles, incredible coral reefs, occasional pelagics like hammerhead and thresher sharks.
RAJA AMPAT
West Papua
Project Highlights: BRUV, shark and manta ID, biodiversity
Diving Highlights: Reef sharks, manta rays, biodiverse coral reefs, macro critters, occasional whale sharks and marine mammals.
project Video Log
Deciding to do my dive master with Indo Ocean Project was hands down one of the best decisions of my life. The past few months I have learnt a huge amount about conservation, marine biology, diving and much more. Everything you are taught in the workshops you back up with real life experiences – planting mangrove nurseries, conducting fish and coral surveys, studying the bellies of mantas etc.
The staff from IOP have all played a huge role in my experience, and they make sure that in every way you are always looked after. They all care so much about the interns and go above and beyond for each person. Serena, Michaela, Pascal, Arya, Lauren all will make you feel like you have a family here! I hope to never lose touch with them now 🙂
The other interns are now some of my best friends – everyone I’ve met is so interesting and positive and brings so much to the group. I’ve had crazy amounts of fun with them and I’m even travelling onwards with a few after.
The diving is insane – best I’ve ever seen, couldn’t think of a better place to do your dive master. You’re living a dream diving on these sites every day. The island is perfect, I never want to leave (I might not). Penida is so beautiful and relaxed, and Bali is just on your doorstep so it’s the best combination.
I don’t recognise the diver or the person I was when I came here it’s truly been life changing and wonderful. I honestly have nothing bad I could say about IOP. Thank you so much for starting me off in my diving career and for everything these past few months!’
‘This program was absolutely amazing. Indo Ocean Project takes the time and patience to train you as dive professional, but above and beyond the traditional standards that are set. They take into account your previous experience, your background, your interests, and your comfort and tailor your experience to your specific needs. Safety is always emphasized as well as having fun. You can come to train as a dive master and research diver as well as undertake a personal project of your choosing that they are more than willing to help you get started in the right direction with. The amazing staff along with the wonderful diving make for a truly unforgettable experience.’
If you did this all over again, what’s one thing you would change?
‘Absolutely nothing. The experience is different for everyone but if I ask myself if I would change anything I would say no.’
‘There is not a single bad thing to say about this program. After loads of uncertainty due to Covid regulations, I finally made it and it was an experience of a lifetime. All of the staff members and other interns are beyond amazing. it was so great to be around so many talented people who were so committed to conservation efforts. I did my DM elsewhere and came only to participate in marine conservation research. However, it was clear to me how seriously they take professionalism with their DM candidates, all of whom became excellent divers. I came with no marine biology background and learned so so so much in my time there (special thank you to Serena!) in addition to becoming a better diver.
I wish I could have stayed longer and would do it again in a heartbeat. If you’re looking for a program that will make you a better diver while expanding your knowledge of the marine environment, then look no further. You’ll come out of this program as a strong, well-rounded diver./
Want to join the team?
Project News
Bimonthly Report Bira Project September 2022
Work hard play hard! An exciting few months at the Bira Project during the areas PEAK season. Read on to find out more from the team…
Sharks and Rays of the BRUV
Discover the resident megafauna captured from over 200 BRUV’s (Baited Remote Underwater Video) deployed and assessed by Indo Ocean Project.
BIMONTHLY REPORT BIRA PROJECT JULY 2022
Read what Jeffri, Elise, Qinthan and all the Bira Project interns have been up to in this bimonthly report from Sulawesi’s southern peninsula.