Transcedental

I can easily say that interning with Indo Ocean Project at their Nusa Penida has been one of the seminal events and experiences of my life. The confluence of scuba diving and conservation makes this a unique experience. I was trained not just to be a fantastic divemaster but also trained with the tools and techniques to be a true conservationist. The divemaster program is very well structured to ensure that fatigue is limited and more time and exposure is given. I was allowed to lead more dives than strictly required by the SSI divemaster course requirements, I did multiple boat briefings and debriefings, dive briefings and debriefings. I assisted DSDs, open water course divers, and advanced open water divers with some great instructors. During the training I was glad to see special attention given to buoyancy and we had specific buoyancy training sessions which were very helpful to me figuring out my diving style. Diving with strong currents and in fast changing conditions made me a much better diver than I expected. It is obvious that Indo Ocean Project expects high standards from itself and trains their interns to rise above the regular divemaster programs and prepares them for professional diving careers.

The research and scientific diver training was what really elevated the program from its already high standards. Detailed fish identification classes, along with in depth ecology classes on sharks, rays and turtles elevated my understanding of these mysterious creaturesa and the marine ecosystem in general. I was trained to perform roving survey dives, BRUV drops, understand data collection, data entry and data parsing for research purposes which has given a strong boost to my research capabilities. I am particularly proud of the numerous Citizen Science initiatives that we were made a part of from dives against debris, to elasmobranch project, turtle and ray identification projects etc.

The training staff are true educators. They are patient, kind and enthusiastic about diving and conservation. They instill their passion and love for the ocean into their interns. They are always available for any issue and are truly compassionate people that I am humbled to have known.

My fellow interns were also all fantastic. The people who come to Indo Ocean Project to learn are diverse people from different nations and backgrounds but are all intelligent people drawn together by a love for the world they live in. I am enriched as a human being to have known and interacted with them and truly honoured to have them call me a friend.

I would highly recommend this project to anyone who wants to be a consummate dive professional and particularly for those who are interested in conservation of our world.