Program Reviews

I have travelled extensively over the years and have always found it difficult to find places and experience that provide exactly what you are looking for. The Research Dive Master Internship with IOP based in Raja was a a truly amazing experience; the location, Diving, Standard of Training, Conservation workshops, and the people that make the journey to be part of the Internship are what truly make it such a unique and rewarding life experience.

I have to say a big thank you to both Mette Carlsen and Elise Dixon who are passionate Instructors, possessing great knowledge on specialist subjects whilst having a different approach to taught subjects and influencing students with exemplary practical diving skills. These guys are genuinely inspiring individuals, I can honestly say that I am most fortunate to have been trained by and work along side them both.

There are not many places in the world that over a 10 week period members of the team can experience diving with Whales, Reef Sharks, Whale Sharks, Hammerheads, Mantas, all kinds of Rays, Turtles, and huge schools of Trevally's and Barracuda amongst may other species. The biodiversity of species in Raja and the size of individuals and schools are unrivalled compared to anywhere else on the planet. From the outstanding work that IOP are carrying out in Raja in regards to research and training the next generation of Dive Professionals, there is hope that the word can spread about how a successful Marine Protected Area can work for both species within the Ocean and also by supporting the local community.

I have so many out of this world memories from my time in Raja with IOP, when ever I am reliving them over in my mind and catch myself smiling there are 2 phrases that I hear in my head;
1. This is Raja!
2. Lets go Divinngggg eehhh!

If you are considering enrolling on the Research Dive Master Internship with IOP, stop wasting time man! just do it and it will be one of the best life experiences you will ever have!

James Hood
IOP Research Dive Master

I've always wanted to be able to combine my greatest passion, diving, with marin conservation. Since I was a child, I have always dreamed of being able to experience the sea and its ecosystems first hand. Thanks to IOP, I was able to experience what it means to work for ocean conservation, encouraging me to continue on this front despite the fact that I am don't come from the scientific world, this experience made me realise that you don't necessarily have to be a biologist to be able to work in conservation.

During these two and a half months I was able to learn so much about marine ecology, research and data collection. In addition, I was able to practice and learn a lot from top level instructors thanks to the Reeflex team.

I would like to thank so much all the IOP and Reeflex staff for the wonderful opportunity during which I was also able to make new wonderful friends.

An experience that I recommend to everyone and that I will always carry in my memories!

After looking online to find a Divemaster course, I found the IndoOcean project very quickly and it was the obvious choice after scanning through some other providers. By offering an intensive diving course and an array of varying marine ecology courses, IndoOcean provides much more extensive tuition than you may find at other diving schools.

I chose to complete my Divemaster training at the Bira programme due to the focus on sharks, and I was not disappointed. I’ve been lucky enough to dive in 6 other countries but the diving in Bira was some of the best I’ve ever seen. The reefs in most areas are pristine with an abundance of fish and coral life.

Your accommodation whilst basic, is absolutely perfect for the lifestyle in Bira. You’ll have showers, a shared kitchen, open view lounge, steps leading to the beach and a yoga studio which I used extensively. Blue Planet ran by Sylvain has built a fantastic dive shop and the dorms are great, and also supplied with electricity and fans. Make sure you pack mosquito repellent though.

The programme is very well structured with diving training interspersed with ecology courses. Whilst I was more focused on the diving aspect before arriving, I found a greater appreciation and understanding for coral life and health which will bode very well in the future. Taught by Qinthan, you’re in house coral expert, she’s was fantastic in helping to understand areas I didn’t understand. No one knows coral more than her. In addition, marine life including sharks, rays and molas was taught by Serena who knows her stuff… you won’t find a more knowledgeable shark expert out there.

My diving training was taught by Sigrid who has since returned to her home in Penida. I couldn’t have asked for a better instructor. Strict with our timing and punctuality, she has prepared me for what life will be like working as a dive instructor. She has made me a much better diver than I would have become otherwise and I will always be grateful to her, huge thanks Sigrid.

I had the time of my life in Bira. The area is fantastic with restaurants, bars, markets and shops nearby. Definitely pay a visit to Akasha beach resort next door. Great burgers and drinks if you’re tired of Nasi goreng. I’ve met some fantastic friends who will stay with me for life and an experience I won’t forget. Huge thanks to Sigrid, Qinthan, Sylvain, Phoebe, Eric and Rocky who made my time as amazing as it was. You won’t regret choosing the Bira program.

A wonderful experience! During my two and a half months in Nusa Penida I met so many new friends.

IOP allowed me to discover the world of marine biology and conservation ( only a small but interesting part of this world having no prior experience in this field), greatly improved my skills as a diver, and learned the basics of being a professional.

Michaela, Caitlin, Sigrid, Serena, Arya, Pascal and Rinaldi pass on their knowledge to you through interesting workshops and of course practice in the water. Their priority is safety and professionalism in imparting knowledge.

A big thank you also to the Reeflex team for their support, courtesy and teachings.

It is highly recommended to know how to drive a scooter to be able to move freely during free time.

Thanks to all .

With love.

Tony

Wow!! Honestly the best time ever!
The food was amazing, staff was incredible and the dive sites are unbelievable.
What more could you ask for!
I look forward to returning and continuing all the new exciting adventures to come :)

Everybody was so welcoming and friendly that it made me fit right in and few at home. Camp vibes are always happy and bubbly and there’s always someone to go talk to.

As a scuba diver I would recommend this program to all the other scuba divers out there and the people who want to become divers as well as research divers.

Thanks IndoOcean Project for an amazing time!!!

My 12 weeks with IOP have been an unforgettable experience, that has challenged me and helped me become a much more confident and experienced diver.
I have during my program gained a lot of new knowledge about conservation and the marine life.
The staff has been very helpful and open to share their knowledge and experience.

During the program you get the opportunity to take part in scientific research, such as doing survey dives, dropping BRUVs and coral restoration. Being a part of these activities has been both very fun, but also very educational, and it has given me a much better understanding of marine research and how it would be like to be a research diver.

I have had soooo much fun during my time on Penida. The diving has been incredible, and I miss it sooo much.
I am so grateful for all the new friends I have made throughout my program, and to my fellow interns who have become a family to me during my time in Penida.
Doing my divemaster with IOP on Nusa Penida is one of the best decisions I have taken so far in life.
I would 100% recommend IOP to everyone who is looking to do their divemaster. You won't regret it :)

Very grateful to have found this place to do my DM. Mette and Elise are amazing teachers, learned a lot from everyone in the program. Felt empowering to be surrounded by passionate and interesting people from different backgrounds and cultures. The crew in Scuba Republic were very kind and helpful and the food was delicious. I loved being challenged and learning new things everyday. Enjoyed the local experience and sharing moments like a big family.
Raja is a magical place to dive, is a must see!

The moment I found out about the Indo Ocean Project online and knew that this was going to be a decision that I would not regret.

And that was true, being underwater surrounded by corals, mantas, turtles, different fish families, and amazing people has made this experience unforgettable. The workshops in coral and mangrove restoration, placing baited remote underwater videos, and doing dives against debris increase your knowledge and awareness of the marine environment. This program showed me that I want to pursue this and hopefully, I can start my own research one day.

Thanks to IOP it led me to be hired as a divemaster in Koh Tao in Thailand. Due to their well-structured program, I had an advantage and I could easily lead dives and be a professional diver due to their training. I am diving every day now and I'm IOP really thankful for that.

I highly recommend this adventure, the staff is amazing and the intern group turns into your new family. I made friends for life!

Thank you to everyone who made this experience so wonderful!

Being an intern at IOP has been an incredible challenge. As a Zero to Hero, I had never dived before, and here I am Divemaster. The team that supervises us is very professional, diving with them was a pleasure. I always feel safe and well prepared for each new stage of training. Big up to Arya, if you want to do the program in Nusa Penida you will have the chance to dive with this amazing Divemaster who knows the ocean like the back of his hand. I loved my time in Penida, there is so much to discover on this island! We are amazed, both on land and under water.
Thank you IOP for everything you have brought me

My experience with IOP was incredible! I spent 8 weeks on Nusa Penida participating in the Divemaster + Research Diver course. The professionalism and support of the staff guided me to become a more confident diver and knowledgeable conservationist. All ecology and conservation workshops are educational and engaging, learning of the stunning animals seen around Nusa Penida. From great Manta rays to tiny Nudibranchs, all the wildlife is spectacular.
My favourite activities were the dives including scientific research, such as BRUV drops, fish surveys and coral restoration. Being involved in these has given me an understanding of data collection and entry for marine research, increasing my passion for research diving.
My fellow interns and all the people I met during my stay on Penida were all so welcoming and friendly creating a very social atmosphere.
I would 100% recommend this course.