Author: Gita Alisa
Where did you hear about Indo Ocean Project?
I heard about Indo Ocean Project through several channels. A friend of mine joined the program back in 2022 and shared their exciting experience. My research team also regularly follows leading marine NGOs in Indonesia, and Indo Ocean Project often stands out. I was especially amazed when Indo Ocean Project published world-class research in international reputable scientific journals as it really showed the quality and impact of the work being done.
Tell us a bit about your background, and how it has led you to applying and winning this scholarship/Divemaster program?
I’m a marine biologist who has a deep passion for coral research, which I’ve been involved in for the past four years and counting, and now because of this program, my interest has expanded to other marine subjects, including marine megafauna. I’ve been diving since 2018, but I haven’t had the chance to upgrade my license to Advanced Diver or Divemaster due to the high costs involved. Now that I’ve completed my master’s degree in marine science and am currently having my little free time as a fresh graduate, I see this as the perfect opportunity to take the next step in my diving journey. I believe that becoming a certified professional Divemaster will escalate not only my diving skills but also help me grow into a better marine biologist. Since diving is one of the main parts of my work, a professional license will allow me to perform better, more effectively, and explore more of the underwater world.
What were the top three lessons you learned from the program and how will you apply it to your career development?
The first and most obvious lesson is the improvement of my diving skills, especially peak performance buoyancy and leading dives as these are the key performance for me as a responsible diver, particularly when conducting data assessments in coral reef ecosystems, which are incredibly fragile. Second, I learnt a broader knowledge of marine ecology beyond coral reefs, such as shark ecology which has become a fun fact that I learned more about sharks in this program than I did in six years of university classes. Lastly, I developed a strong sense of awareness as a professional diver. I’ve learned the importance of being aware of not only my own condition, but also my team’s safety and the surrounding environment. As well as learning to stay adaptable in the face of changing underwater conditions, which is a critical skill in the field.
What was your favourite part of the program?
One of my favourite parts of the program was doing roving fish surveys and followed by inputting the data. I loved the teamwork involved, comparing our sightings, sometimes debating over fish species that weren’t so obvious, flipping through ID books to prove our observations. It really showed how committed we all were to collecting accurate data and contributing to the project’s scientific quality. I also really enjoyed the moments when my fellow interns and I reflected on how far we’d come, realizing how much our skills had improved throughout the program. Those conversations often turned into exciting plans for our next steps as Divemasters, which we were all excited to take to the next steps.
How did the Fish Mongers and Daughters of the Deep scholarship help you take part in this program? Would you have been able to join without their support?
The Fish Mongers and Daughters of the Deep scholarship gave me tremendous support by making it financially possible for me to join this program. As a recent graduate who hasn’t yet stabilised my own finances, I would not have been able to afford this opportunity without the scholarship. This program came at exactly the right time, just before I step fully into the professional world. Major thanks to the Fish Mongers and Daughters of the Deep, I was able to earn my Divemaster license, which is a major asset that strengthens my qualifications as a marine biologist.
What are your plans for your next step in your ocean career?
In the short term, I plan to continue my journey as a marine biologist, now with greater confidence and capability, including leading my own research dives I developed. In the long term, my goal is to pursue a PhD in marine ecology and conservation, hoping to lead impactful research projects.
How did joining Indo Ocean’s Divemaster and Research Diver program help you achieve those next goals?
Through my experience with Indo Ocean’s Divemaster and Research Diver program, I’ve learned about many new marine topics and issues that I can explore and potentially incorporate into my future research. I’ve also expanded my adaptation skills, particularly in collaborating with interns from multiple countries. These skills will be very important as I pursue my PhD abroad, where working in diverse and international environments will be in high demand.
Who would you recommend this program too?
I would highly recommend this program to my fellow Indonesian university students, as many of us honestly want to upgrade our skills and diving licenses. However, the cost of becoming a Divemaster remains a significant barrier. As an alum who greatly appreciates this program, I want my fellow marine enthusiasts to have the same rewarding experience and the joy that comes from completing this program and becoming certified professional divers.
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