Program Reviews

Growing up in Philippines, I would say I’m lucky to be surrounded by nature and different bodies of water. I have witnessed how our seas flourished and how it eventually declined. Given the situation, I know there are a lot of factors that play behind all this things that contributes to this sad changes. So when I started diving, I made it sure that I also dive for a purpose.

Just like Philippines, Indonesia is part of the coral triangle. Going to Nusa Penida feels like going home as well but in a different pair of eyes and choosing Indo Ocean Project to do my DMT is a no brainer because along with the rigid yet fun DM training, you’ll also be equipped with enough knowledge to help them conduct their marine conservation programs. I was a rescue diver when I started so it took me 8 weeks to finish the whole program and I can say that every single day is packed with activities that fuels the fire of my own motivation for conservation. Although it can be physically tiring at times but I never felt overwhelmed at all.

I have met great instructors such as Mette and Anne that are well knowledgeable with their passion to marine conservation and Science of diving. There is also Rinaldi, the “science guy”, a marine biologist and a nerd that I look up to! He’s not only book smart but he is also witty and fun. He will never turn you away if you have questions about species and random things you find underwater! I also love our dear Arya whose sweetness and kindness goes a long way! He’s also a very good mentor, he will explain things for you and will motivate you to become a better diver. I’m also honoured to have met Michaela and Lauren along the way. The reeflex dive shop staffs are also helpful and accommodating!

Personally, I felt like I finished the program with just a blink of an eye. Time flew so quick and it felt like I’ve woken up from a very nice dream. I always find myself mentally travelling back to those memories even if I’m back here in the UK.That’s how great this internship is! I’m proud to have been part of this team. These memories and training will be a huge factor to help me apply the skills when I come back to Philippines. Thank you for the opportunity. Sampai jumpa lagi!

I have been looking for a career pivot from a daily office job to something more exciting. It just so happens that I'm already an advanced open-water diver, so becoming a divemaster seems like a logical next step for me. Indo Ocean Project offers more than a high-quality divemaster training program headed by competent instructors; they also provide extensive hands-on experience in marine science. I have learned to dive in any condition, from perfectly clear water to turbid strong currents. I also gained extensive knowledge and hands-on experience in fish ID, non-invasive underwater research techniques, and marine life conservation.

Meeting all the other interns from all over the world with various backgrounds has also been the highlight of the program for me. I've made lifelong friends from the UK, Spain, the US, Hong Kong, and, of course, Penida.

I would recommend this program to anyone looking to be more than just a professional diver. IOP adds so much value to their DMT program with the marine science side of things, preparing you to be a great diver and a knowledgeable environmentalist,

The twelve week internship at IOP penida was amazing! Instructors will truly help you become a better diver and are passionate about their teaching and conservation work. Program organization could be improved with the use of electronic calendars and the use of microsoft teams or related software. Program can be overwhelming at first, but there is alot to learn and lots to take in! Overall great experience. Growth of diver performance and conservation knowledge is the main takeaway from my experience.

Jess, Ben and Qinthan made us feel so at home in Bira. Everyone was so welcomed, the IOP, Blue Planet team and interns have good relationships and I settled in very quickly.

I enjoyed IOP’s process whereby the older interns help to assist the newer ones. This perspective helped me to learn and build communication skills. I also liked how responsibilities for interns increased gradually as experience levels grew. I was given lots of helpful feedback and advice.

I came to Bira as an aspiring marine ecologist/researcher, but now I have fallen in love with diving too. I’ve made bigger leaps in my confidence here in 2 months, than I have over several years in my life. I’m so grateful for the support I’ve been given which has helped me to grow as a person. Bira has taught me so much. I am inspired to continue this journey, and to improve my skills further!! ❤️

I had the best time during the 2 months I spent in Raja Ampat. This is a great location if you want to start your Diving career and get lots of experience in challenging situations. Raja Ampat has it all. The highlight of this program is the combination with the research and conservation program. You get to see and understand the importance of conversation thanks to the amazing instructors that are at the same time marine biologists. Lots of learning in a very interactive way with a very organized program. Special thanks to my instructors Sel & Mario. I would absolutely redo this over and over again. Thank you!!

From the first greeting till the l last goodbye it was an amazing experience. The staff entertaining, professional, very friendly and helpful. They take you on this fantastic adventure and learn you everything you need to know to do the job.
The housings were new and clean. Cabins with 2 bunkers with your own space on the side. Facilities looks good, clean and big enough.
Through this experience I found out that I want to work in this field and as a part of IOP if that ever would be possible...
Just loved every step on the way, loved the people, loved the program, loved the work... ♡

The time I spent at the Indo Ocean Project at Nusa Penida was incredible.
The staff were amazing, so friendly and willing to teach and guide at all times; especially Mette, Anne, Arya and Rinaldi. They will push you to become a better diver and ensure you do more than the bare minimum so you are a competent but also a confident diver.

Nusa Penida is a beautiful place to dive and also a great place to stay and explore. You also get to meet some amazing other interns whilst at the internship so you are learning with like minded people.

Moreover, you get to be involved in some great conservation projects such as mangrove planting.

I highly recommend this internship if you are looking to advance your career in diving or if you are interested in conservation.

The program was very well organized and structured. The working load was always manageable. It was enough not to get bored on a island where you cant do anything else except diving, but not as much to sink into work.
The place itself is very remote in between the jungle and the ocean. Housing is primitive. You have to be an outdoor-person to feel comfortable. I loved it to spend the whole day outside with all the different sounds of the nature. Of course there were also some inconveniences as mosquitos or the frequent power failure. But it was a good experience to learn how little you actually need.

The staff and instructors in the program were AMAZING! They provided guidance and support every step of the way. I always felt I could reach out for advice and sometimes a shoulder to cry on. The program was incredibly challenging, but so rewarding.
I enjoyed the diving and getting used to handling strong currents. It paid off for me in a later dive!
The living conditions are very primitive and you’re sharing with lots of people. So, be prepared. You live, eat, sleep and dive with these people! Being flexible is a must.
The temperatures are hot and humid, so it can be physically exhausting. Just communicate with your instructors and they’ll try to help you rest. Take care of yourself and enjoy the ocean!

To be diving in one of the premier spots in the world was incredible. Special shout out to the all of the Indo Ocean Project Staff especially the two Italian beauties Mario and Sel!!!!

The course itself was well organized from start to finish. I was in the research internship part of the program and it helped open the door into the beautiful world of conservation.

The Raja Ampat location is quite remote. So if you're not used to shared dorms and bathrooms, mosquito nets on the beds, and having basic amenities around, you can still choose from the other locations. But I loved every minute of it!

The locals are super friendly as well, and having all your meals for free was great!