Author: Christina Hutagalung
Tell us a bit about your background, and how it has led you to applying and winning this scholarship/Divemaster program?
My background actually has nothing to do with diving or ocean conservation at all. Before, I was set on becoming a diplomat because my family were diplomats, so I majored in Political Science and worked in international relations. However, after taking some time off working and rediscovering the beauty of the ocean through diving, I decided to switch career paths to something that would allow me to contribute meaningfully to the ocean conservation efforts in my country.
Where did you hear about Indo Ocean Project?
I was looking for ocean conservation projects in Indonesia and stumbled upon Indo Ocean Project through a google search. What I really liked about the project is the fact that the interns are actively contributing to the science and data collection by being the ones conducting the fish surveys, benthic surveys, BRUV, and coral restoration. So I applied to this program because I wanted to get hands-on experience in marine research.
What were the top three lessons you learned from the program and how will you apply it to your career development?
I learnt to persevere, always look for ways to improve, and have a more positive outlook. To be honest, my first few weeks in the program was tough as we were constantly learning new things and my body had to adjust to diving every day. But over time, I got used to it and it became less exhausting and more exciting to face the new challenges ahead. I am also a big advocate for trying new things and seeking out feedback whenever possible. I borrowed different BCDs, masks, fins, and weights to find which ones worked best for me. I also constantly (presumably annoyingly) asked people to give me pointers on how to improve and become a more confident diver. Lastly, I learnt that at the end of the day, life is not all that serious and ultimately as long as you and everybody around you are safe and are having a good time, it will turn out alright.
What was your favorite part of the program?
My favourite part about this program is the community of likeminded individuals who are all passionate about the same thing and getting to meet other divers at different levels of experience. I love the fact that I can learn from everyone from the staff, the other interns, and the people at Blue Planet. Everyone was very kind and positive. I look forward to seeing them again!
How did the Fishmongers and Daughters of the Deep scholarship help you take part in this program? Would you have been able to join without their support?
As an Indonesian, diving is not a common hobby as it can be very expensive. Especially as an Indonesian woman, it is not very common to want to pursue diving or conservation work as a career. So, this scholarship was not only a huge help to me financially, it was a way to prove that there was a demand for women in these spaces. I am very grateful to have received the scholarship and I would like to give a huge thanks to the Fishmongers’ Companies’ Fisheries Charitable Trust and Daughters of the Deep for their generosity!
How did joining Indo Ocean’s Divemaster and Research Diver program help you achieve those next goals?
This program provided me with the skills, experience, and mentorship in the world of marine conservation which I would not have received elsewhere. It taught me how a conservation project operates through rigorous data collection, restoration efforts, and socialisation to the local population.
What are your plans for your next step in your ocean career?
I’m currently looking to join an IDC program in Indonesia this year whilst I wait to start my Masters’ in Public Policy next year. After that, I hope to pursue a career in marine conservation in Indonesia from the policy side, helping to shape more sustainable legislature.
Who would you recommend this program too?
I would recommend this program to anyone passionate about diving and marine life. This program would allow you to pursue both of those things and give you the sense of accomplishment that the work you are doing is meaningful in the bigger picture. I think this program attracts a lot of people with a marine science background but to anyone like me, coming from a completely different industry looking for a change, this program is for you!
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