Disney Land for aspiring Marine Biologists

After studying Marine Biology for 2 years at my University in an online setting, I decided I needed a break and to get some hands-on Marine Conservation experience. I came to the Indo Ocean Project having never dived and I completed the "Zero to Hero" program over a span of 14 weeks. I really enjoyed getting to fully immerse myself in the diving world, allowing me to become a confident diver through diving every day for 3 months. The staff at IOP are the most caring individuals who radiate their passions for both Diving and Marine Conservation.

IOP is like Disney Land for aspiring Marine Biologists as it gives you an overview of a variety of Marine Conservation topics, allowing you to find the topic that resonates with you most. After completing workshops on Sharks, Turtles, Mantas, Molas, Nudis, Coral, and Mangroves, I was able to discover a passion for Coral and Coral Restoration that I never knew I had.

The program is very well structured and I really enjoyed how every day was different and that there was always something new to do. The Divemaster component of the Internship is incredibly planned and incorporates Marine Conservation into the requirements of the course through Leading Survey Dives and BRUVs and getting to map a Coral Restoration Site. IOP brings together like-minded individuals from all around the world, allowing you to create incredible friendships within short periods of time.

This program is a lot of hard work but it can also be the most rewarding experience of your life. I recommend this program to anyone who's passionate about Marine Conservation and wants to take the next step to build a career in the Diving or Marine Conservation Industry