Indo Ocean Project 

Dive Master & Marine Research Training

After months of planning, I’m finally heading to Raja Ampat, Indonesia, for a new chapter, this time, combining marine research, conservation, and diving.

Half a year ago, I got accepted into the Indo Ocean Project Dive Master and Marine Research Training Program.

Indo Ocean Project is an award-winning marine conservation initiative that combines professional dive training with hands-on research. The project focuses on reef health, marine species monitoring, coral restoration, mangrove protection, and community education.

Over the next two months, I’ll be based in one of the most biodiverse marine areas on Earth, training as a dive professional while supporting ongoing research and conservation efforts.

What I’ll Be Doing There:

• Marine Research: Assisting the IOP team with BRUV deployments, roving surveys, coral health checks, and water quality monitoring to support long-term data collection.

• Coral Restoration: Learning hands-on coral planting and reef protection techniques to help restore damaged reef areas.

• Species Identification & Conservation: Completing marine life ID workshops and applying this knowledge in the field through species logging and underwater visual surveys.

• Mangrove Restoration: Helping plant mangrove propagules and learning practical restoration and seedling care techniques.

• Community Outreach: Supporting ocean conservation education in local schools through English lessons and fun ocean-themed activities.

Over the next weeks, I’ll be posting updates here about what it’s really like to live, dive, and do research in Raja Ampat, including the beautiful, the exhausting, and everything in between.

Follow along on my journey!