Divemaster Conservation Program
Would you like to become a PADI Divemaster while joining the Gili Shark Conservation Project? We have the ultimate package for you! Take your first step towards becoming a Dive Professional, working alongside experienced marine biologists and dive instructors from around the world.
The goal of your Divemaster Conservation Program is to become a PADI Divemaster and guide research dives. You’ll team up with the Gili Matra Bersama crew to dive into shark, turtle, and coral research, collecting valuable data using techniques like underwater video surveillance, roving survey dives, and photographic identification. The team will also guide you in analyzing and entering this data into various databases, giving you hands-on experience and a deep understanding of marine research.
By the end of your program, you might even be guiding your own research dives around the Gili Islands, Lombok!
This exclusive program is available only 4 times per year with just 3 spots per round. Choose between the 6-week program or the 6-week program plus an additional 4-week internship. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this unique experience—apply now!
Starting dates
Explore our program
Your Path to Becoming a Divemaster and Conservation Leader
Dive into a transformative adventure with our Divemaster Conservation Program, offering two options: a 6-week package or an extended 10-week experience.
During your program, you’ll immerse yourself in our conservation-focused research while completing your PADI Divemaster training. Gain hands-on experience with our research methods, including remote underwater video (RUV) surveys, shark and turtle photographic identification, and coral health assessments. You’ll actively participate in our community outreach initiatives, blending professional diving skills with impactful conservation work.
For those opting for the 10-week program, the final 4 weeks focus on deepening your expertise and career development. You’ll take on a leadership role in our research projects, receive weekly coaching sessions with our lead scientist, and gain practical experience in writing scientific reports. We also help you refine your CV and prepare for future career opportunities.
Ready to dive into a career that makes a difference? Apply now to transform your passion for marine conservation into professional expertise with our Divemaster Conservation Program!
Requirements to start your divemaster conservation program
The Diver Prerequisites for becoming a Divemaster require you to reach quite a few mile stones first before you can enroll in the course, they are as follows:
- You are at least 18 years old
- You speak English
- You love the ocean and feel comfortable in the water
- You are reasonably fit to cope with tasks on land, in the tropical heat and the lifting of dive tanks
- You are medically evaluated & cleared for diving by a physician within the last 12 months
- You are certified as a PADI Advanced Open Water and PADI Rescue Diver *
- You have logged a minimum of 40 scuba dives *
- You completed EFR Primary and Secondary Care training within the last 24 months *
* If you have not reached these requirements you will likely need to arrive earlier to gain the required experience to start our Divemaster Conservation Program. If you are unsure how much time you need to complete your PADI Divemaster training, don’t hesitate to email us. We are always happy to help!
What makes our Divemaster Conservation Program truly special?
In a nutshell, joining our program doesn’t just make you a Divemaster; it transforms you into an epic citizen scientist and eco-warrior!
| Certifications | Diving | Living | Extras |
|---|---|---|---|
| PADI Divemaster Course | Minimum 8 dives a week | In country transport | Free t-shirt & tote bag |
| PADI Scientific Diver | Minimum 10 workshops | Shared accommodation @ HQ | Free rashguard |
| Shark Ecology and Population Studies – Conservation Diver | Minimum 175+ project hours | Breakfast on project days | PADI Crewpack |
| Sea Turtle Ecology and Monitoring – Conservation Diver | Entry to Marine Park | Free use of our kitchen @ HQ | Free rental of surfer marker buoy + compass |
| 10% discount on SPA treatments | |||
| Free dive gear rental incl. dive computer | |||
| 6 weeks | $4,649 USD | ||
| 4 week internship * | + $500 USD | ||
| Certifications | PADI Divemaster Course | PADI Scientific Diver | Shark Ecology and Population Studies – Conservation Diver | Sea Turtle Ecology and Monitoring – Conservation Diver | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diving | Minimum 8 dives a week | Minimum 10 workshops | Minimum 175+ project hours | Entry to Marine Park | ||
| Living | In country transport | Shared accommodation @ HQ | Breakfast on project days | Free use of our kitchen @ HQ | ||
| Extras | Free t-shirt & tote bag | Free rashguard | PADI Crewpack | Free rental of surfer marker buoy + compass | 10% discount on SPA treatments | Free dive gear rental incl. dive computer |
| Price for 6 weeks: $4,649 | ||||||
| 4 week internship: + $500 * |
This extended package is perfect for those eager to deepen their experience right after completing the Conservation Divemaster program. Elevate your skills with an additional 4-week internship, where you’ll take on a leadership role and become part of the research team of NGO Gili Matra Bersama.
Becoming a scientific dive professional is all about gaining experience. During this internship you’ll log at least 32 extra dives, solidifying your expertise and commitment to marine conservation.
As this position will only be offered to one candidate per divemaster batch, an interview is required.
Optional Add One: Conservation Diver Ecological Monitoring Program course (415 USD)
- Introduction to Marine Ecology
- Invertebrates workshop +2 dives
- Substrate workshop +2 dives
- Fish workshop + 2 dives
- Final Survey Exam + 1 dive
Workshops and Training Sessions
* available in the 4 week internship
Coral Restoration
- Discover techniques for coral nursery development and out planting to restore damaged reefs.
DSMB, LIFT BAG & BRUV DEPLOYMENT
- Get practical with dive skills that are essential for marine research and conservation.
Fish Identification
- Sharpen your skills in identifying fish species and take a leading positions on Roving Survey Dives.
Sea Turtle IDENTIFICATION & Monitoring
- Learn to use i3S pattern software for turtle identification and monitoring.
Shark idENTIFICATION & MONITORing
- Learn to use i3S pattern software for shark identification and monitoring.
Scientific Diver Briefings
- Learn how to incorporate scientific methodology into your briefings
Dive-Site Mapping at Coral Restoration Area
- Learn the art and science of mapping dive sites, with practical applications during your dives
Dive against Debris
- Take a leading role in collecting rubbish underwater at our adopted dive site, Hans reef
Coral Watch Survey
- Track coral bleaching and assess the overall health of the reef
coral growth analysis
- Learn how to analyse coral growth over time at our Nursery site, using ImageJ
CV & Career Next Steps
- How to plan the next step in your career, integrating diving and conservation practices
* 3D Mapping of Shark Point
- Use photogrammetry to create detailed 3D map of Shark Point and Wreck
* Lead scientific dives throughout the Gili islands
- Brief, organise and lead research-focused dives, ensuring safe practices.
* gaining a leadership position in one of our research projects
- Take on a project of your choosing, with weekly check-ins with supervisory in-house marine biologists
* Lead coral restoration dives
- developing knowledge of coral restoration techniques and coral nursery maintenance
Research Methods
Time-Lapses
Time-Lapses
What’s not included
Also a DSMB. Please bring a Delayed Surface Marker Buoy with you.
Understanding Your Program Fees
You might wonder why you have to pay to participate in our conservation project. Let us explain…
We are only a small organization and are not in a position to cover all the costs involved in your stay. Your program fees are covering a large number of factors, such as food, tanks, rental of scuba gear, accommodation, courses, visa support and transport.
Your hard work and passion are valuable, but unfortunately, motivation alone doesn’t keep our projects alive. As a participant, your fees have just as great an impact as your actions. By contributing to our project, you are helping to support our mission, and ensure that our programs are efficient and beneficial in the long run. You are also investing in your own training and development, so you can continue making changes in the world long after you’ve finished our program.
Based on our 3 week black tip reef package. For longer stays percentages regarding diving and courses might slight change.
Accommodation
During your program you will be staying at our HQ on Gili Air. We’ve put a lot of hard work and love in creating a place for you that feels like a home away from home. Click here to read more about our HQ and facilities.
Apply here for our divemaster conservation program
Are you ready to embark on a life-changing adventure as a Shark Warrior? Your journey starts here, and we can’t wait to review your application and welcome you to our passionate community of ocean defenders. Apply today for our Divemaster Conservation Program and let’s make a difference together in protecting our precious marine ecosystem!
